Promoting Gender Equality in FIRST By Andy Baker Husband of Mary Father of 3 daughters (Rachel, Isabelle, Lucy) in FIRST 20 year FIRST mentor President of AndyMark, Inc. 2003 Championship Woodie Flowers Award winner

FIRST Strategic Pillars Expand Participation Increase Diversity Scale Efficiently Ensure Sustainability Achieve Broad Recognition - Don Bossi, FIRST President (Increasing Diversity will strengthen all pillars)

- Courtesy of FIRST

Strategic Pillar: Increase Diversity We need kids of all backgrounds, capabilities and social circumstances to contribute and participate in addressing the world’s toughest challenges and making the world a better place for future generations. We need input and participation from everyone, and we need to nurture every kid’s potential to be a leader and innovator. - Don Bossi, FIRST President

Focus: Gender Equality Privilege is invisible for those who have it Equality: It’s fair, it’s right, it’s just It’s good for us: Highest gender-equal countries have happiest members Highest gender-equal companies are the happiest workforces More equal a marriage is, the happier the members are Men are happier when their relationship with women is equal Children are happier when both parents share their childcare - Dr. Michael Kimmel, TED talk

Focus: Gender Equality Gender equality is not a zero sum game for men, but rather a win-win We cannot fully empower women and girls unless we engage men and boys - Dr. Michael Kimmel, TED talk

Current Causes of Gender Discrimination Chivalry disguised as sexism Propagation of gender stereotypes Example: Holding open the door Risk-adverse females They may think FIRST is a new, risky undertaking Lack of encouragement for minorities from family, teachers, counselors, society Imposter Syndrome A feeling of phoniness in people who believe that they are not intelligent, capable or creative despite evidence of high achievement

What I See and Hear in FIRST “I need you two to be inspection managers” LRI to two female AndyMark employees who signed up to be robot inspectors. All male volunteers were assigned as robot inspectors. “No, really, what is your role on the team?” Very famous FIRST supporter to a FRC girl who said she was the Lead Mechanical Student. “Let me ____ that for you.” Many male mentors or students, wishing to help a female teammate. “Sally or Lisa, take notes” During a large meeting, Sally and Lisa are the only females in the room.

What I See and Hear in FIRST “Kate is one of the most important women in FIRST” What I said when introducing FIRST students to Kate Pilotte at World Championships in 2012. I realized my mistake immediately. “Are you cheerleaders?” My 93-year-old great uncle and distinguished WWII veteran, meeting my three daughters “No, we are on the robotics team” “We thought you were the FTA!” People seeking field setup direction from a pair of AndyMark employees (woman and man), and focusing their attention on a less-experienced male, not the female FTA.

What I See and Hear in FIRST Encouragement toward girls to be focused on business, marketing, project leadership roles Encouragement toward boys to be focused on fabrication, design, and programming roles Boys refuse roles they don’t want Girls reluctantly accept roles teammates won’t do Girls are bullied by males AND females Lack of female mentors and role models in FIRST (what are demographics?)

Actions for Suppliers, Supporters, Mentors Treat girls and women equally Acknowledge gender stereotypes and strive to not continually follow them Be cautious in congratulating and singling women out just for being women in STEM Realize their obstacles, encourage them to overcome Encourage risk taking Break it early Celebrate mistakes Appropriately correct others when you see stereotyping, bias and discrimination

Actions for Suppliers and Supporters Be an ALLY to feminists Listen, learn, elevate, empower, be accountable Check out Franchesca Ramsey’s video blog We can do better AndyMark can improve (33% women) Reflect customer demographics Australian FRC Regional: Unconscious Bias Training

Thank you! andy@andymark.com