Disney & Women in STEM w/Naomi

Welcome back for another episode!

Today we’re talking about women in STEM… in Disney. In the past 10 years it all-of-a-sudden seemed to become cool to show female protagonists who love science. Big Hero 6 (2014), Wrinkle in Time (2018), Black Panther (2018), and more have all shown women who love science. Before that there was representation here or there but most of the time they were villains known as witches (Evil Queen, Ursula, etc.).

Women in STEM are amazing and they’ve made significant contributions to society that often goes without recognition. Today I have a special guest, Naomi, who worked with the Walt Disney Company and helped create Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

You can find Naomi on the web at https://outsidemycubicle.com/linkinbio/ and on Instagram @naohms

 

Time Stamps:

00:11 - I have big news!

00:46 - Disney’s women in STEM history (mostly witches, mostly promoting women in STEM in a negative way).

01:57 - Where are all the positive women in STEM role models in Disney?? I sure didn’t grow up with any.

04:15 - Blog phdprincess.com - list of well known and lesser well known female Disney characters with passions in STEM.

04:30 - Tomsguide.com - Scully Effect: girls are more likely to pursue STEM careers when they see portrayals of women in STEM careers.

05:11 - Census Bureau report - 27% women in STEM careers, only 5% women of color.

06:16 - Disney’s recent growth in women in STEM character representation. Polygon.com - downside of Disney’s recent portrayal of women in STEM characters.

07:36 - Women’s Agenda - Disney princess films hinder girls from not only pursuing STEM careers but also believing they are smart and capable

08:51 - Women of color in STEM - Maryville University

09:54 - Guest introduction: Naomi. How Naomi started in engineering and construction. Dreams of being a Disney Imagineer.

14:10 - How Naomi got to work with Disney to build and design Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

21:50 - Barriers to succeed in STEM as a woman of color.

27:24 - Naomi’s major job shift from construction to social media and her success as a social media influencer.

36:51 - Naomi’s Disney favorites (i.e. foods, characters, soundtracks, and more).

43:10 - Naomi’s advice for those who want to work in STEM, want to work with Disney, or change careers.

 

If you’re looking for new Disney podcasts to check out, why don’t you listen to A (Not So Brief) History of Disney World podcast? A (Not So Brief) History of Disney World podcast divulges all the secrets, history, and information about building the Disney World theme park and attractions.

Please leave a rating, comment, DM on Instagram (@wwofdisvillains), or on the website (https://wonderfulworldofdisneyvillains.com/) and let me know what you thought of this episode! I am asking for any feedback, suggestions, and more to keep sharing content you all will love in a format that you find enjoyable. Do you like solo episodes or episodes with guests? Is there anything you’d like to hear an episode on in the future? Let me know!

You can also find me, Kaytie, on Instagram @disvillainsscholar.