You would be hard-pressed to find a name more synonymous with increasing STEM opportunities for girls and women in the Pittsburgh region than Patti Rote. Rote spent several decades working in STEM fields in various roles and started the Girls of Steel program at CMU’s Field Robotics Center in 2010. The program allows its participants, which consist of both girls and boys in grades K-12, to compete in robotics competitions outside of school time. Since its inception, over 1,000 young girls have participated, with an estimate that 80% of participants went on to pursue careers in STEM. In June, Rote retired from her post at Girls of Steel and roles as a program manager in the School of Computer Science and as a liaison for CMU with the National Defense University. She plans to continue helping where needed with the Girls of Steel program and mentor startups through Innovation Works Inc.
What inspires you to assist startups and help provide resources to startup leaders?
It’s a thrill to see young people passionate about their product/service. I envy them and want to help in any way that I can.
What is a challenge for Pittsburgh’s startup community, and how could it be addressed?
We have to figure out what the next big thing is that will put Pittsburgh on the map again.
What has you most optimistic about the region’s startups in the years to come?
A shout out to Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Institute and the School of Computer Science as they are more equipped to answer this question! I’m proud and privileged to have met so many wonderful professors over the years. Plus, we have the University of Pittsburgh right with us.
Join us at The Assembly in Bloomfield on Sept. 20 to honor our Fire Awards recipients and celebrate innovation, resilience and the spirit of entrepreneurship.
