​Sarah Kumar earned her Bachelor’s degree in Economics from UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles). She is a systems analyst in the finance industry, which combines her passion for economics and technology. Below she shares a little about her career and the inspiration behind it.   

What is your specific area of STEM?
Economics and Information Technology

How would you explain your STEM field to young girls?
I work with software applications and systems for Finance users.
 
What traits might a child possess that may indicate an interest or aptitude for your STEM field?
Problem solving skills, wanting to try something new, likes Lego, likes puzzles.
 
What did you know about your STEM field when you were a child? 
I did not know much about my field as a child.
 
Why did you choose your STEM field? Were you inspired by someone?
After working in 2 different companies for about 7 years, I started having interest in working with software systems/applications for Finance users.

What are some really cool things that people in your profession work on? 
We get to customize software and build business rules so that users will have less work or calculations to do.

What inspirational message would you give young girls to inspire them to pursue STEM? 
Believe in yourself.
 
 
Thank you for contributing, Sarah! 

STEM Girls Books shares stories of accomplished women in STEM for the purpose of inspiring young girls to dream big. Every once in a while we discover a young girl who is already on her way to accomplishing those dreams…girls like Chandni Kumari (Astronaut Chandni) who, at just 15 years of age, is working toward her goal of becoming an astronaut. Read her story below and we think you’ll agree that the mysterious Blackhole is about to meet its match!

What is your specific area of STEM?
Aerospace Engineering

How would you explain your STEM field to young girls?
I study aircraft and learn about sending spacecraft to space.
 
What traits might a child possess that may indicate an interest or aptitude for your STEM field?
Curious about nature. Always asking question, interested in learning, loves learning, excited about the space.
 
What did you know about your STEM field when you were a child? 
I was always fascinated by outer space and the Blackhole as a young child and I knew I wanted to go there. My family fed my curiosity about Blackhole and STEM and encouraged me to pursue my interest.
 
Why did you choose your STEM field? Were you inspired by someone?
I have been taking college level science courses since 9th grade and have always been fascinated by science and math, and loved learning about it.

What are some really cool things that people in your profession work on? 
Getting to explore Aircraft and spacecraft is a lot of fun. It’s fascinating and the opportunities are endless.

What inspirational message would you give young girls to inspire them to pursue STEM? 
I encourage girls to pursue what they are excited and passionate about. And not to be afraid because 'NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE'.
 
 
Thank you for contributing, Chandni! We’ll be rooting for you!