My participation in the ATOM Pink Tank program, offered by FIU’s College of Business in collaboration with BankUnited, provided a transformative leadership development experience tailored to STEM students. The program’s focus on closing the gender gap in STEM fields resonated deeply with me, as it not only addressed the challenges women face in this male-dominated industry but also equipped me with the tools to navigate and thrive in a competitive field.

As part of a diverse research team, I was tasked with studying generational differences in the workplace, an issue highly relevant to both business and technology sectors. The six-month program required us to plan, research, and collaborate to develop practical solutions to real-world business challenges. This project became a platform for me to develop strategic planning skills, refine my ability to articulate goals, and enhance my capacity for professional growth.

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One of the most impactful lessons I learned was the importance of adaptability. Our team started with five members, but due to unforeseen changes, we had to reorganize and adjust our strategy with only four. This shift demanded that we reallocate responsibilities quickly and reframe our approach to ensure progress. While we encountered disagreements on content and strategy, open communication and a spirit of compromise allowed us to stay aligned with our goals and meet our deliverables.

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The experience also honed my ability to thrive under pressure. With tight deadlines and last-minute revisions, I had to manage my time effectively, solve conflicts professionally, and remain focused on our end goal. While the final week was intense, the collaborative effort and perseverance from each team member paid off when we presented a solution we were all proud of.

The ATOM Pink Tank program, a six-month project beginning in November 2023, provided me with the opportunity to develop key leadership and technical skills. My team focused on exploring generational differences in the workplace, a topic that required in-depth research, technical expertise, and data analysis to create practical solutions.

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Throughout the project, I honed my research, technical, and analytical skills, enhancing my ability to approach problems from multiple perspectives. We faced the challenge of team changes mid-project, which required quick adaptation and redistribution of responsibilities. This tested my problem-solving abilities and taught me the importance of flexibility in both work and team dynamics.

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I also gained insight into my leadership style. While I initially viewed my logical, detached approach as a strength, the experience showed me how apathy could sometimes lead to avoiding difficult conversations. I learned to be more proactive and communicate openly with my team, which improved both my leadership and collaboration skills.

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The project, though challenging, strengthened my strategic thinking, teamwork, and adaptability — skills that will be valuable in my future STEM career.