Taking people beyond the statistics and headlines, Persevere, Survive, & Thrive dives into the real lives of women who have navigated systemic barriers, battled Imposter Syndrome, juggled families and fieldwork, confronted racism and sexism, and still found ways to not only persist, but lead, mentor, and lift others along the way.

Imagine walking into a lab or a lecture hall and realizing you’re the only woman there—a familiar reality for many in science. Persevere, Survive & Thrive: Hard-Won Wisdom from Women in Science brings forth authentic, personal reflections on the obstacles faced by early-career researchers to accomplished leaders. Their stories reflect struggles and victories that are deeply personal yet universally relatable, offering wisdom and encouragement to readers at all stages of their journey.

These powerful narratives address critical themes like Imposter Syndrome, balancing personal responsibilities with professional ambitions, and navigating systemic biases such as sexism and racism. The stories span continents and cultures, illustrating the diversity of experiences while highlighting shared threads of resilience, courage, and the power of mentorship.

This anthology is not just for women in STEM but for anyone committed to building inclusive and equitable workplaces. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of women in science and the role we can all play in creating environments where everyone can thrive.

Persevere, Survive & Thrive is a celebration of courage, persistence, and the power of sharing stories to inspire change.

The Stories of Women in Fluids (SOWIF) Initiative began with a simple but powerful belief: that sharing our stories could spark change. As a collective of women in fluid dynamics, we aim to make our scientific community more inclusive, welcoming, and representative of the diverse world we live in by using our voices to uplift and amplify the experiences of others in our field. Through written narratives and community-driven engagement, SOWIF is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of scientists and reminding those already in the field that they are not alone. At our heart, this initiative is about connection – connecting across generations, disciplines, and identities to build a future in science where everyone has a seat at the table.

Kelli Hendrickson, ScD, PCC is a fluid dynamicist, coach, and storyteller at heart. As the founder and principal instigator of the Stories of Women in Fluids (SOWIF) Initiative, she created a platform to uplift and celebrate the journeys of women—especially women of color—in fluid dynamics. Her career path began in ocean engineering at MIT and continues today as a Research Associate Professor at UNC-Chapel Hill. Alongside her research, Kelli works as a career and leadership coach, supporting women with STEM PhDs in building careers that are purposeful, balanced, and deeply fulfilling. Through SOWIF and coaching, she’s committed to changing the narrative—and the future—for women in science.