As March unfolds, so does the annual commemoration of Women's History Month, a time to reflect on the contributions of women throughout history and to recognize the ongoing journey toward gender equality.

Within Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE), women's history takes on a special significance—a testament to resilience, innovation, and invaluable contributions in a field traditionally dominated by men.

Ensuring accessibility is crucial for fostering fairness and participation in these celebrations. In the context of International Women’s Day and Women's History Month intersecting with accessibility, Maria Sotnikova's journey highlights her deep commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and data-driven decision-making.

Sotnikova graduated with a bachelor's degree in 2011 in Industrial Engineering from the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering. She then went on to complete a dual master’s degree in Environmental Policy and City Planning at Georgia Tech in 2014. Currently, she is a Data Scientist at the Atlanta Regional Commission.

In this Q&A, Sotnikova shares insights and perspectives on International Women’s Day, her career trajectory, and unwavering dedication to mentorship as a catalyst for meaningful change.

Q: Can you share some highlights of your career journey since being an ISyE graduate? How has your education influenced your career path?

A: Yes! The greatest part of my ISyE education was how holistic it was. It not only provided me with a strong mathematical and analytical foundation, but it also taught me how to apply those concepts to problems at the human scale, like sustainability. Taking ISyE 4803: Energy and Environmental Analysis led me to explore the public policy side of things by next taking PubP 3600: Sustainability, Technology, and Policy, and before I knew it I was signing up for graduate studies at Georgia Tech’s School of Public Policy to pursue a dual master’s degree in Environmental Policy and City Planning. It’s this exact holistic approach to solving everyday problems that has really helped me in my current role at the Atlanta Regional Commission, where we provide local governments with the information they need for data-driven decision-making.

Q: As someone actively involved in community resource outreach, how do you see the intersection between International Women's Day and accessibility impacting the Atlanta community? Are there specific challenges or opportunities you've observed?

A: Atlanta has long sought to proclaim itself a ‘World Class City,’ and in some ways it has attained this status, but in my opinion we have yet to really celebrate International Women’s Day as fervently as citizens in other countries do. Take into consideration the diversity of residents in our region, especially from places that do celebrate International Women's Day on a grand scale. The more we celebrate this diversity, the more accessible the celebration could become. I think there’s a real opportunity there!

Q: Being from Russia, how has your cultural background shaped your perspective on accessibility, especially within the context of International Women's Day? Are there aspects of your heritage that influence your approach to your work?

A: Russia is one of the countries where International Women's Day is widely celebrated, on a level akin to Valentine’s Day in the United States. However, while my home country did a pretty good job of recognizing the many achievements of women, accessibility for women with physical disabilities like myself was more of a challenge there. When my family immigrated to America, it opened up a whole new world of opportunities for me, thanks to the hard work of United States disability rights activists to pass a monumental piece of legislation: the Americans with Disabilities Act[CE1] . It’s with gratitude towards my disabled American forefathers and aspiration towards my Russian foremothers that I approach my work today.

Q: In what ways do you believe your experiences and achievements can inspire current ISyE students and others pursuing careers in data science and community engagement?

A: Honestly, I’ve found the word “inspirational” and all its derivatives to be so overused that it’s lost most of its meaning. In the context of disability, the word “inspirational” even makes me cringe. Inspiring people requires getting people to take action. If my background or current occupation is relatable or aspirational to your readers, could we figure out a way for them to connect with me to establish actionable mentor opportunities? I think that would be the best way my experiences and achievements could actually inspire others.

Q: Can you share a particular project or initiative you've worked on that intersects with International Women's Day and accessibility? What lessons or insights have you gained from that experience?

A: During my time at Tech, I was heavily involved in the music scene and gained experience organizing music events. Shortly after graduating, I volunteered with a local arts and music festival called Ladyfest Atlanta. The festival was an intentional space where women and gender non-conforming artists of all types could share their work and speak out on local issues. My lived experience as a disabled woman and the lessons I learned organizing events at Georgia Tech then prepared me for the opportunity to be Ladyfest’s Accessibility Coordinator. It was a blast!

Q: As an alumna, how do you stay connected with the ISyE community, and do you see opportunities for alumni to contribute to discussions around International Women's Day and accessibility within the academic setting?

A: Through Alumni Spotlight interviews like this! I really hope that through me sharing my experiences, international women in ISyE and disabled students at Tech will reach out to me to connect!

Q: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals in terms of promoting accessibility and gender equality, both in your professional role and within the broader community?

A: I keep stressing this, but I do genuinely want to take on more mentorship responsibilities. As a young girl, I was fortunate enough to participate in mentorship programs with international students through the YWCA and with disabled peers through the MDA. Those experiences taught me the value of leading by example, and I aspire to promote accessibility and gender equality by offering myself as a mentor.

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By acknowledging and celebrating women's history within ISyE, we not only honor the achievements of those who came before but also pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future. It's a reminder that diversity strengthens the fabric of engineering, and that recognizing the contributions of women is essential for fostering a culture of inclusivity and innovation within the discipline.

If you’d like to connect with Maria, reach out to her via email at: mariasot@gatech.edu

Author: Nat M. Esparza