Over the past few years, the conversation around diversity and inclusion in STEM has gained well-deserved attention. Yet, despite the progress made, women continue to face significant underrepresentation in many STEM fields. Addressing this gap requires the active involvement of everyone, especially men who are committed to being allies.
True allyship is more than just words—it’s about taking consistent, meaningful actions that help create an equitable and supportive environment for women. In this special edition of “STEM Demystified”, I’m honoured to highlight the story of someone who has embodied the essence of allyship in both my professional and personal life.
Wagner Magalhães, a friend and colleague I’ve known for 20 years, has been my greatest ally. Despite the physical distance between us, living in different countries and time zones, Wagner has always been there steadfast in his support and encouragement. From championing my professional endeavours to empowering the growth of this very newsletter, Wagner’s commitment to gender equality in STEM is not just admirable—it’s inspiring.
In this interview, Wagner shares his journey as an ally, the personal experiences that have shaped his dedication, and his thoughts on how men can play a pivotal role in advancing gender equity in STEM. Join me as I explore what true allyship looks like through the lens of someone who has made a lasting impact.
For those who may not be familiar with your story, can you share a bit about who you are?
I am a Black Brazilian scholar born and raised in Salvador, Bahia (Brazil). My academic foundation is in Oceanography but I have pursued advanced studies in Zoology, earning both a master’s and a Ph.D. from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in the USA. I am now a full professor at the Federal University of Bahia, where I also completed my undergraduate studies. I considered myself an advocate for diversity in STEM, dedicated to educating the next generation of marine scientists.
Was there a specific personal or professional experience or moment in your life that motivated you to become an ally for women in STEM? How did this experience shape your commitment to gender equality?
Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have been consistently inspired by the remarkable women I’ve had the privilege to learn from, collaborate with, and be mentored by. My Ph.D. adviser, Dr. Julie Bailey-Brock, was a crucial supporter during my doctoral studies and continues to be a guiding influence in my career.
Early on, during my undergraduate years, I noticed the disparity in representation and leadership roles for women in STEM, despite the brilliance and dedication of peers like Luciana Martins, Camilla Souto, and Juliana Smith. This realization sparked my commitment to advocating for gender equality in STEM, recognizing that while some progress has been made, much work remains to ensure women have equal opportunities to lead in our field.
In your experience, what are the most effective ways male allies can challenge and address gender biases or stereotypes that exist in STEM workplaces?
I my opinion, being an effective ally starts with conscious awareness and simple everyday actions. One of the most straightforward steps is to regularly assess our workplace dynamics – how many women, especially women of colour, are in leadership positions?
A quick glance around and counting who looks like the person in power can reveal much about the gender and racial biases present in the workplace. It’s crucial to recognize these gaps and advocate for more inclusive hiring and promotion practices. Additionally, speaking up is key. Subtle biases in meetings need to be called out, ensuring that women’s voices are heard and credited.
How do you approach mentoring or supporting female colleagues differently from male colleagues, and what lessons have you learned from these experiences?
While I can never fully understand the experiences of my female colleagues, I strive to be compassionate and actively listen to them. I learn by the challenges I’ve witnessed through the women of many generations in my life (sister, mother, friends, colleagues and now my niece).
I recognize that women in STEM often face unique obstacles, so I focus on creating a supportive environment where their voices are heard, their contributions are recognized, and their professional growth is prioritized. From these experiences, I’ve learned the importance of being an advocate, not just a mentor, and understanding that sometimes the best support is simply listening and providing the space for their ideas and ambitions to grow.
What advice would you give to other men in STEM or any other professional field who want to be more effective allies to women but are unsure where to start?
For men who want to become more effective allies to women, the first step is to engage in active listening. Listen to the experiences of your female colleagues. Understanding their challenges, concerns, and perspectives is crucial. Start by educating yourself on the issues women face in the workplace, from gender biases to the underrepresentation in leadership roles.
We also need to take action in our everyday interactions. Don’t hesitate to call out unfair practices, and support policies that promote diversity and inclusion. The key is to understand that we don’t need to speak for them but we can help creating a space for them to speak and lead.
As I wrap up this conversation with Wagner, I’m reminded that allyship isn’t just a set of actions—it’s a deeply personal commitment to making the world better for those around us. Wagner’s journey shows that being an ally means showing up, even when it’s inconvenient, and finding ways to lift others, whether through support, encouragement, or simply by listening. His dedication over the years has not only impacted me personally, but also countless women in STEM, pushing us all closer to a more inclusive and equitable future.
But this conversation also invites a moment of reflection for all of us. What does allyship mean to you? How can you use your own position, your own voice, to support someone whose challenges you might not fully understand? True allyship is never passive—it requires active, thoughtful engagement and the courage to question the status quo.
My hope is that Wagner’s story inspires you to think about the ways, big or small, you can contribute to creating a more inclusive space for women and underrepresented groups in STEM. We all have a role to play, and change starts when each of us decides to make that commitment in our own circles. So, I leave you with this question: How will you show up as an ally today?
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