[Waynep]

Originally Posted by JaneYoung

Ok,
Well here’s a few questions to think about.

1. How many photos have we seen in CD for the 2008 season that have a bib in them?
2. How many photos have we seen in CD for the 2008 season that have a bib on a female driver in them?
3. How many photos have we seen in CD for the 2008 season that have a WFFA talking with his drive team – as coach – in them?
4. Replace the person wearing the bib with a male – what would the caption discussion be? Would it involve pregnancy?
5. If culture change in FIRST involves inspiring young women in the fields of science and technology – how did we so quickly devolve into a joke about pregnancy and giving birth while driving?

Just some thoughts. Am I a little passionate about this? Just a little.
Jane

Jane and Others,
While I understand the lighthearted joking. Jane brings up many valid points for consideration. There are some remarkable young ladies doing some incredible things on teams that often don't receive enough credit and recognition. Heather Conway is the pictured alliance captain. Heather is a senior heading to RPI next year for engineering. She was very influential in the design of the robot, was one of the most active members of our build team, made drive team, and has been one of my most trusted student leaders who the other team members rally around. So regardless of what the conversation was I like to think of this photo as, "You really want me to be the alliance captain?" "Yes, Heather I think you deserve to be." Chelle Nadeau was the team representative/lead scout that we sent out to draft our alliance. Both of these young ladies were given the roles because they responded well to encouragement, worked hard throughout the season without complaint, and earned it, not simply because they were girls. I was proud to put them into the spotlight as high profile team representatives of 348.

Let's face it, from outward appearances, engineering and FIRST both seem dominated by males. We need to do our parts in continuing to empower, encourage, inspire, and recognize our female counterparts in the program. Please be respectful; one day one of these young ladies may be your boss.

-wayne