From Vision to Value: Women Impacting STEM Through Intellectual Property 

Almesha L. Campbell, PhD, RTTP
AUTM Immediate Past Chair
Assistant Vice Presicent, Division of Research and Economic Development
Jackson State University

The United States Patent and Trademark Office held its Empowering Women’s Entrepreneurship (WE), a community-focused, collaborative and creative initiative to encourage and empower more women founders across America, at the recently concluded National Academy of Inventors Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina.

I was honored to be invited to join three phenomenal women in STEM, Dr. Carol Feghali-Bostwick, distinguished University Professor at the Medical University of South Carolina, Dr. Elizabeth G. Loboa, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Southern Methodist University, and Dr. Cassandra Quave, Associate Professor and Assistant Dean of Research Cores, Emory University. During the live-streamed event, which was moderated by Jamie Renee, Executive Director of the National Academy of Inventors, the panelists shared their innovation journeys, including how intellectual property protection was leveraged to achieve success and make a difference in their field. They discussed the challenges and the triumphs and shared inspiring words to current and future women innovators, and at the same time, encouraged the audience to be advocates for other women and minorities in STEM innovation and entrepreneurship. It was sobering to hear the stories – stories about having their contributions minimized by their colleagues, not feeling a sense of belonging and persisting without the support. 

As the Immediate Past Chair of AUTM, I took the opportunity to share some of our initiatives such as the “Nine Points to Consider for Fostering Greater Inclusion in Innovation,” the EDI Toolkit, and our leadership training opportunities, and how these resources can prove helpful. The panel highlighted a lack of diversity and inclusion in STEM innovation, the gender biases they experienced and some of the strategies that can be used to leverage intellectual property to advance the role of women in the STEM field. It was evident during the session that support from allies is also key for the success of women entrepreneurs. 

We have the resources and the expertise and thus, we must continue to foster inclusion and respect for our innovators no matter their background. AUTM’s voice can extend beyond our traditional audience and advocate for women and minorities in STEM innovation. For those who are already advocating at your institutions, we encourage you to share your best practices and/or lessons learned. What can we do to support women and minorities, especially those at new or mid-career level, who are facing similar challenges? We would love to hear your suggestions.