STEM Woman Leader of the Day- Alka Dhillon (Technalink)

Alka Dhillon- Founder and CEO of Technalink

 

Alka Dhillon, Founder and CEO of Technalink (2000-present) has a wealth of strategic market penetration and development experience with a background in business development and growth strategy. Ms. Dhillon is actively involved and passionate about NFTE – Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship.  She is a firm believer that the children are our future and it is through entrepreneurship that they can realize their dreams and deepest intentions. Ms. Dhillon is a recipient of the 2012 BRAVA! Women Business Achievement Award Presented by SmartCEO for being one of the Top 25 female CEO’s in the Washington, DC area. Ms. Dhillon holds a B.S. Degree in Economics and Spanish from the University of Virginia.

 

Why do you believe STEM Education and Workforce are important to our nation?

 

I feel that focusing on advancing our upcoming generations through STEM enables us to Seize The Evolutionary Moment.  All that is evolving hinges on innovation and creativity which are the building blocks of STEM and therefore those of our future.  We can either attend the party or be the one's hosting it - the choice is ours.

 

How are women and minorities important to STEM careers?

 

Women and Minorities are important to STEM careers because more women are naturally matriculating by exponential numbers into the workforce every minute.  If those 2 vital groups do not have the proper STEM education or training we will be doing a disservice to our progression as a nation first, and globally second.  We will never be able to advance at the rates necessary to keep up with innovation and growth. STEM is not the future, it is part of our every day lives now and we need to be able to participate effectively.

 

What can we do to assure more women leaders in STEM?

 

We can assure more women leaders in STEM by starting to instill the belief and confidence in our little girls that they can actually have a future in the STEM world.  We must let them know that they can dare to dream and those dreams will manifest.  Once they have this solid belief, they will be properly equipped and passionate about learning about STEM.  Then, we as a nation need to give equal opportunities to girls and women to actually gain experience in STEM related jobs and allow them to become leaders as they would in any other field. 

 

What about STEM gives you passion?

 

The creative aspect of STEM gives me passion.  Creativity is the seed for innovation and manifestation.  I love that there are no boundaries with STEM.  Anything that one can imagine can become a tangible reality and allow us to progress in a way that positively impacts the planet.  STEM allows us to grow consciously and productively so that we can truly make a difference in the experience we have during our journey through life.

 

Who is your STEM role model and why?

 

Edie Fraser, CEO of STEMconnector, is my STEM role model.  Her irrepressible spirit and unwavering commitment to women and girls in STEM related fields is unrivaled.  Many people jump on the STEM bandwagon because it is the hottest show in town at the moment.  Edie truly champions this movement and lives her life to mentor and advance women and girls in their careers.  She gives opportunities and open doors that would have remained closed for so many women.  She is a true inspiration to humanity and it is an honor to be in her presence and her friend.

 

Check out Alka Dhillon's 100 Women Leaders in STEM Profile on STEMconnector.org!