When I first read the words, “It was never a dress,” they didn’t sit well with me. I love dresses! But when my friend Kathy sent me more info, I began to appreciate the slogan.
I like what this software company, Axosoft, is doing to empower women, especially girls, through the company’s support of the STEAM program.
Here’s what they say on their website:
In science, technology, arts, mathematics, politics, houses of worship, on the streets, and in our homes, insightful women are often uninvited, overlooked, or just plain dismissed. Through storytelling, community building, innovation and creative disruptions, #ItWasNeverADress will foster necessary conversations, vital voices, and images from around the world that honor ALL women.
For a few months of my childhood, I dreamed of becoming a geologist, thanks to a shiny book my mom got me on rocks and minerals. What was your science dream? Did it become a reality?
Take a few minutes to watch this video about It Was Never a Dress.
Giveaway: I’m buying a mug to give away. According to the website: “Profits from It Was Never a Dress merchandise will go towards a scholarship for need-based, under-represented individuals entering the STEAM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).”
For a chance to win the mug, simply enter a comment by July 1. Comment link is at the bottom.
Friend For The Ride 
VERY excited about this concept, program, and – esp. – that wonderful logo!! Thanks so much for sharing!
LikeLike
Excited to hear about this program. The message is very empowering!
LikeLike
Fabulous program! Well….not as profound as yours ….but I always wanted to be a dancer on stage!
💃
LikeLike
Genius! What a shift in thought- fromm “the bathroom lady” to a super hero!!
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing, Barbara! I will buy my own mug 🙂
LikeLike
There are times in life where you say, I wish I’d thought of that first. What a fabulous idea and program. Good for them. Thanks so much for sharing.
LikeLike
I wanted to be an astronaut. Later, I hoped to be a pilot. Now, my goals are more down-to-earth, and I work in research. I’d love a mug!
LikeLike
I “Was a Dress” ( I take exception!! What does “I Was Never a Dress” mean exactly?) and I’ve always felt that I could be anything that I wanted to be (except a mathematician, as I was failing algebra in 9th grade) – but, I now know the reasons. Importantly, they weren’t a lack of curriculum for me or people who would support my interest in math as a woman (it was far more complex than that). Although, be it said, that I am happy to support a curriculum that supports women in mathematics and the physical sciences.
I also thought about being a geologist as a kid, as you did, Barbara! I broke my granite rocks with a hammer and cloth over it, of course to prevent any eye injuries, to then expose the beautiful colors! But, first semester Geology at the university quelled that passion fast, as apparently my lack of math skills made it impossible for me to estimate the gasses, etc. in each earth layer for my final exam.
I had a similar problem with Physiology 101 (although deep desire to understand physical anatomy). Who would know that I would have to understand advanced algebra to understand how our urinary system works. But, I don’t need this math to understand and evaluate the research on PubMed (thank goodness, my analytical and verbal skills to the rescue!)
As a 6th grader, I wanted to be a psychologist (with a passion!). I knew that personality could be changed (what I really meant when I advocated this with my neighbor, who was two years older than me with a beginning psych text next door, and pronounced to me that personality couldn’t be changed) was simply that we are not destined by our upbringing to a terrible unchangeable fate)! It had to be possible, I just knew it! I couldn’t survive, otherwise
So, flash forward! My daughter is excellent in math, a computer whiz (she is a web developer, designer, and administrator, and we are so proud of her. Press on women in the math and sciences!!
LikeLike
Correction: Oh, typo on the “I” instead of “It.” But, message is really the same. I guess what we are really talking about here is breaking out of stereotyping of women?
I do like the superhero image instead of the dress image. But, I guess I just never associated dresses or the lack of them with the ability to create or promote change and any monumental achievement. Did the suffragettes wear dresses? How about Madame Curie? (I’m just asking, I don’t know).
By the way, one could take exception with the men’s image, too? Right?
So, anyways, what I actually really can’t understand is the lack of more responses to this interesting post in terms of aspirations for physical science careers among readers.
One thing I learned from reflecting on this is that my lack of math skills seriously impeded my ability to pursue the hard, physical sciences.
LikeLike
I was captivated by the aviator, Amelia Earhart. And other brave lone women who pressed the envelope. My world was ever enlarged by books, and dreams. Imagining what could be, and being 61 now I feel like the world is still open to me, the path I chose was not where the bigger dreams were, but now that I’ve done my responsible side, I’m divinely discontent (to quote Rachel Cusk) and open to the “whatevers” in life. Thank you for keeping the conversation going, Barbara. It’s fascinating, like a cup of coffee together, this whole blogging thing is new to me!
LikeLike
I was such a weird kid – when I was in high school and the career counselor asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said “a political lobbyist” He looked dumbfounded. I have tried to instill that fierce individuality to my daughters as well – one got a degree in geographic info systems and the other is finishing her degree in sustainability.
LikeLike
This is great, I love what they are doing and the logo. I will never look at a bathroom lady the same way again!
LikeLike