(BPT) - In a world driven by rapid technological advancements, the underrepresentation of women in tech remains a pressing challenge. This Women's History Month, with the theme "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations," celebrates women who have paved the way for education, mentorship and leadership, while recognizing the need to inspire and prepare the next generation of female leaders to thrive in technology fields.

DeVry University is committed to bridging the gap between education and career readiness, a mission that embraces empowering all learners including women to break barriers in technology. Through initiatives like the Women+Tech Scholars Program and HerWorld, DeVry provides resources such as mentorship, scholarships and hands-on experiences to help women and girls succeed in digital fields. These efforts align with the need to address the talent gap in tech that exists in the United States.

Scarlett Howery, Vice President of Public Workforce Solutions at DeVry, is a passionate advocate for creating pathways to success for adult learners. A first-generation college graduate with an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management and nearly 20 years of experience at DeVry, she leads innovative programs and partnerships designed to prepare students for the workforce.

In this interview, Scarlett shares her insights on the current state of women in technology and how higher education can play a pivotal role in supporting women's aspirations in this field.

What does Women's History Month mean to you?

It's a time to honor and celebrate the women who have made an impact and to renew our commitment to empowering the next generation to achieve their full potential.

According to the Women in Tech Network, women make up just 35% of STEM employees in the U.S., and as of 2025, only 8-9% hold leadership roles. How do you view the progress women have achieved in technology fields, and what steps are still needed to drive further change?

While women in STEM have made incredible strides, bringing unique perspectives and trailblazing innovations in their fields, the data highlights the persistent challenges they face, particularly in leadership roles. Women bring diverse skills and unmatched curiosity to technology, but we need to continue creating pathways that support their growth-ensuring not only equitable representation but also leadership opportunities that recognize their invaluable contributions to the industry.

DeVry's own research Closing the Gap: Upskilling and Reskilling in an AI Era revealed significant gender disparities in perceptions and understanding of AI. For example, men are over 50% more likely than women to believe AI will open career opportunities, and while 55% men rate their AI skills as intermediate or higher, only 41% of women feel the same. What do these findings reveal about the challenges women face in technology, and how can we address them?

The data underscores a critical challenge. While AI continues to shape the future of work, women are at risk of being left behind without targeted support to close those gaps in understanding and skill development. This highlights the importance of creating accessible pathways for them to upskill in AI and other emerging technologies. Women bring essential perspectives to the workplace and tech industry, and by empowering them with the right training, we can not only help them thrive in this evolving landscape but also ensure their contributions shape the future of technology. Programs like those offered at DeVry are designed to provide accessible, career-focused education tailored to meet the needs of working adults.

How does DeVry's HerWorld program inspire girls to explore technology?

I am extremely passionate about this initiative because it's never too early to spark interest in STEM. HerWorld engages middle-school girls through community outreach and interactive workshops. We empower young students to envision themselves as future leaders and innovators by nurturing curiosity and sharing real-world experiences of women in STEM. In fact, this month we are hosting a HerWorld event in collaboration with the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois.

What resources are offered in DeVry's Women+Tech Scholars Program?

This program is designed to support and empower women pursuing tech careers. Whether it's connecting with mentors and building your professional network, accessing internships and job opportunities or scholarships to help fund an education, this program offers the tools and community to thrive in a tech career. As a result, we have seen tangible growing interest in women learners enrolling in tech programs. To date, women account for 31.33% of the College of Engineering and Information Science students, up from 27.77%, signifying that hundreds of women are taking the leap into tech careers.

What advice do you have for women pursuing technology careers?

Don't let outdated perceptions hold you back. You can achieve your goals in technology with determination and a passion for learning. Many women have paved the way-now it's your turn to break barriers and shape the future. Keep pushing forward and remember that every step you take brings you closer to making an impact in this exciting field and beyond.