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As an Asian American woman , Sonita is no stranger to the underrepresentation that women and minorities have historically faced within the technology and manufacturing industry , particularly at the highest levels of leadership . However , the status of women in the manufacturing sector is improving , especially with governments and organizations around the globe now encouraging uptake of STEM subjects by women and girls , and companies supporting women to further their careers . Sonita ’ s own career journey serves as an example of how women can aspire to be leaders in the industry and how companies that embrace diversity and inclusion can create long-term value .
The reason diversity is so crucial in business is , according to Sonita , because it enables diversity of thought . “ Diversity of thought helps us look at things from different perspectives , which contributes to us making more optimal and informed business decisions ,” she opens . Sonita believes that diversity is not only about gender or race , but also includes different life experiences , career journeys , and subject matter expertise – all of which contribute to diversity of thought .
In a way , diversity has always been part of Sonita ’ s life , both personally and professionally . Originally from Indonesia , the fourth most populous country in the world , Sonita grew up in a diverse environment with family and friends who came from
Diversity of thought helps us look at things from different perspectives
different ethnicities , cultures , and religions , enabling her to appreciate diversity from an early age .
As a teenager , she traveled – by herself – to the US to earn an undergraduate degree in engineering from the University of California Berkeley , a master ’ s degree in engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology ( MIT ), and an MBA from Northwestern ’ s Kellogg . These experiences enabled Sonita to further develop a global and diverse perspective on life .
Passion itself is not enough you must combine that passion with your skills , whatever they may be , and a social purpose ...
Image courtesy of Nasdaq Inc .
Although uncertain about her desired career path , Sonita developed a few guiding principles during her studies . “ I realized that I loved the intersection of innovative technology , business , and policy , and
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