Girlstart’s Women in STEM weekly series highlights various women who are making a difference in STEM. Be inspired as these incredible women describe how they became interested in their field, provide insight into a day in the life, and share learnings from their experiences.

Jaqueline Grandoit

Business Development Director @ Copeland Auto Group

Jaqueline is a new volunteer with Girlstart, but is eager to see a difference in the world. She works in the automotive industry coaching agents, driving traffic, and implementing new tactics to increase sales. Being on the business side of STEM, she still faces a lot of the disparities in the workforce, and is getting involved to see that gap close. 

What sparked your interest and made you want to volunteer with Girlstart?
I had always feared being challenged and change. I quickly learned as I got older that challenging yourself is the only way to grow and become the best version of yourself. I was always surrounded by strong women, but not women in dominating careers. I want to be that light for young girls that may not have that extra push around them or just need to be motivated to know that we are powerful together. We can do magical things together because girl power is one of the most amazing feelings. To have a support group or people to turn to when you feel like things are really hard makes progressing, changing and growing so much easier.

What are your favorite things about your career?
When you are helping people with one of the biggest decisions of their life it is such a great feeling to be honest and provide helpful information that will help make such a large purchase feel less stressful. I love that it is something new every day and I see more women joining the industry and moving quickly to management positions.

Do you have any words of encouragement, or advice, for young girls interested in pursuing a STEM career?
Having a support group, routines, and a program to help empower and encourage girls to create healthy habits and goals is important to a successful career. Never give up, always remember tomorrow is a new day, and continuous learning is key to be the greatest version of you! As girls we will always be stronger together.

Was there a specific person, program, or event in your life that led you to STEM?
I have volunteered since the age of 13 in all different sectors however, the Women’s Conference 2019 helped me meet the STEM group. I have been on a journey for a number of years to bring women into industries that are male dominated. 

Why do you think that confidence in STEM important for girls?
It is very important that early on girls know how smart, strong and empowering we are. How much our stories can help another girl go through a hard time and empower her to work towards her dreams. The sky is the limit and girls have got to know that if they just work hard, never give us and support other girls around them they will achieve anything they want in life. Nothing is impossible and there are no boundaries as long as you believe in your dreams.

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