The Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (WiSTEM) Club at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar held the second annual WiSTEM Luncheon, bringing together students, alumnae, faculty and staff members, and professional leaders. The luncheon is a forum to discuss the challenges that women in STEM fields face as they build their careers.

The president of WiSTEM, Reem Elasad, remarked: “As a student club, we think it is highly important to acknowledge obstacles, discuss them freely, and find supportive networks to overcome them.”

Nearly 30 women gathered for the forum, including members of the faculty and CMU-Q graduates who shared their experiences working within STEM fields.

Rasha Mkachar, a graduate from Carnegie Mellon’s first graduating class, attended the event: “This event allowed me, as an alum who was once in the same position as these young ladies over a decade ago, to share some of my experiences as a student, and give insight from my professional journey so far.”