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.

Shaida Hiekali

Women’s Leadership Consultant @ Oracle

Shaida’s interest in Girlstart was ignited by her recognition of the pivotal role that women and girls are to play in the future of STEM. Because of this, she wants to encourage all girls to be curious, to get after their interests and not let fear get in the way. We are so excited to have her here today and can’t wait to see what she has to say!

What does your job look like at Oracle?
I help develop, engage, and empower women at Oracle.

What projects you have worked on throughout your career?

-Hosted the first emerging leader summit for Oracle women in the Americas region, a 3 day development experience focused on leadership, development and growth.

-Led the Americas International Women’s day first ever virtual programming with 12 hours of content on this year’s theme choose to challenge.

-Created and hosted the RISE series, an interview series with Oracle’s leaders focused on winning in business and beyond, women in tech, and building a dynamic global career.

-On the day to day, helping support our women and business leaders on local programs and strategic global projects. (networking, mentoring, conferences).

Was there a specific person that led you to your career?
My dad was an engineer and businessman, he always encouraged me to be curious about the tech industry and business.

What are your favorite things about your job?
Being able to work with such incredible women. As I’m empowering them, they are empowering me. The opportunity to work with leaders of the organization.

What is your greatest accomplishment?
This role, getting to go day in and day out, work on mission that is so fulfilling. Prior to the pandemic, the global nature of this role allowed me to travel– this role has been a big career highlight.

Why is confidence for girls in STEM so important?
Confidence is just a fancy way of saying or showing, I won’t let fear stop me, I will push through. Getting through those moments of fear with confidence, hope, and action is so important- it’s the difference between standing still and planting the seed for a garden of growth.

What would you like to tell girls who are interested in pursuing a STEM career? What words of encouragement would you share with them?
You can do it!! We need you, want you, and encourage you to share your perspectives, ask questions, and jump right in.