CRDF Global Hosts 10th Annual Breaking Barriers: Women in Science & Security Event

CRDF Global hosted its 10th annual Breaking Barriers: Women in Science & Security event on September 26, 2024, bringing together 100+ participants from 38 countries around the world to share insights, experiences and resources, and strengthen the ever-growing network of women around the world committed to supporting each other’s advancement in STEM and CBRN fields.

The 2024 webinar built upon the successes of past Breaking Barriers events, offering international participation and access to renowned experts in science and technology. As CRDF Global President and Chief Operating Officer Tina Dolph mentioned in her opening remarks, “…For our 10th anniversary, we’ve kept the best of what we’ve learned over 10 years, focusing on broadening access to professional development opportunities, creating regional peer networks, and linking women with regional and international role models to serve as mentors. And because we’ve been doing this for 10 years, I’m proud to say that the regional partners and the networks of CRDF Global alumni and supporters have grown exponentially. Our everyday operations are dependent on collaboration and relationships, and for Breaking Barriers 2024, we drew from that community to deliver to you the perspectives, advice, and access to some of the leading minds and voices across science and security today.”

CRDF Global was honored to welcome Dr. Patricia Gruber, Science and Technology Adviser to the United States Secretary of State, as the keynote speaker. Dr. Gruber inspired all attendees with her address, which highlighted how women are leading impactful advances in science and technology on a daily basis and how important it is for us to continue to collaborate from across the globe to support women in these fields. She closed with sharing how, “…At the State Department, we really recognize that Science & Technology leadership is one of our greatest diplomatic strengths. We also recognize Diversity & Inclusion as critical components of international S&T development and of more innovative policy outcomes. We must not only lead by example, but we must also bring others to the table where we found a seat, because we know the value that diverse voices bring to innovation, leadership and national security.”

Next, CRDF Global Vice President of Talent Management Siri Oswald kicked off a panel discussion featuring:

  • Sherri Goodman, Senior Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center’s Polar Institute and Environmental Change & Security Program and Secretary General of the International Military Council on Climate & Security (IMCCS);
  • Ljubica Krstevska, Senior Expert Consultant, international Trainer and Speaker in Personal Data Protection and Privacy, Cyber Security and Data Governance;
  • Sylvia Mishra, Deputy Director Nuclear Policy, Institute for Security and Technology (IST); Research Fellow, Managing the Atom, Belfer Center, Harvard University;
  • Dr. Vivian Roza, Program Coordinator at Inter-American Development Bank, and
  • Dr. Michelle Rozo, Vice Chair, National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB); Director for Technology and National Security, National Security Council, The White House; Vice President of Technology, In-Q-Tel

Each of these accomplished leaders touched upon their area of expertise – from cybersecurity, AI, environmental and climate security, nonproliferation, policymaking, and biosecurity – as well as the universally applicable themes of mentors, allyship, imposter syndrome, finding your inspiration, leveraging your network, work-life balance, and more. Following the panel discussion, each speaker hosted a separate, non-attribution break-out room to further explore their area of expertise and personal experiences, offering resources and assistance to participants in their session.

CRDF Global would like to thank all of its esteemed speakers – several of whom are veteran participants in the Breaking Barriers series – who share our commitment to advance women’s participation and leadership in the fields of science and security. Many of our participants also returned from previous years’ events, and we thank you for helping to strengthen and expand the network of support and inspiration for women in these fields, and in the words of Dr. Gruber, “bring others to the table where we have found a seat.”

In the ten year span of the Breaking Barriers event, some challenges have diminished, and others have emerged. Resources have evolved, and we look forward to welcoming familiar voices and new ones next year, as CRDF Global celebrates its own 30 year anniversary and the second decade of Breaking Barriers.

A recording of the 2024 webinar is below.

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