Empowering girls in engineering
Anouk Blok, owner of Blok System Supply and a passionate female entrepreneur in technology, shared her inspiring story with the Nova Smart Girls community. Blok System Supply is a major contributor to technological advances with products such as UVC disinfection robots, biogas plants, drones and more. As a supplier of finished mechatronic products, Anouk has built an impressive career and was happy to share her experiences with these ambitious girls in engineering. The student members of the Nova Smart Girls community are taking technical courses at Nova College such as Sustainability Advisor, MyTec, Construction & Architecture or ICT.
Female role models
Efforts to increase diversity in technical occupations not only enhance the atmosphere and creativity, but also the productivity of technical companies. Currently, only 16% of women are represented in STEM, engineering and IT, in contrast to the health and wellness sectors where 70% are female. A crucial factor in this is the lack of role models that young women can identify with. Therefore, the Nova Smart Girls community focuses on highlighting inspiring examples of women who are successful in the tech sector.
Diversity and empowerment
Anouk emphasizes the importance of employers and teachers working to increase diversity with simple actions, such as creating an inclusive school or work environment and providing flexibility in the workplace. Her story reflects the spirit of empowerment and diversity, emphasizing that if she can do it, so can others.
Nova Smart Girls Community
In 2022, the Nova Smart Girls community was created to provide female students in engineering programs the opportunity to share experiences, gain inspiration at meetings, and collectively participate in recruitment activities and events to get more girls excited about engineering careers. The group is known within the school for their curiosity, forward thinking and passion for both thinking and hands-on activities.