Recently-crowned Miss USA Kára McCullough has some powerful words for women and girls who wish to pursue a career in STEM.
In a video for Now This posted on Wednesday, McCullough talks about how much she loves her position as emergency preparedness specialist with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, but how it wasn’t an easy journey to get there.
“Being a woman in the science industry is truly empowering,” she says. “I walk into my agency knowing that I am meant to be here.”
McCullough, who majored in chemistry in college, touches on her struggles with math and how having those struggles inspired her to push herself even harder.
Prior to being crowned Miss USA, she started a community program, Science Exploration for Kids, to encourage young girls and boys to get enthusiastic about STEM subjects, especially those who, like her, struggle with certain aspects of it.
McCullough hopes to use her platform as Miss USA to encourage young girls to explore the STEM fields, and stay confident even if they feel out of place.
“Don’t ever give up on yourself,” she says in the video. “I struggled with math as a child but I allowed myself to not be limited by those inabilities.”
Hear, hear.
