We asked our STEM Leader of the Year finalist, Cheryl Razzell, what it really means to be recognized for her achievements in STEM. For her, it’s more than an accolade—it’s an affirmation of a career built on dedication, resilience, and the support of a truly inspiring community. Cheryl shared her journey with us, including the insights and hard-earned lessons that have fueled her success in the ever-evolving world of STEM. Here’s what she had to say! 

“Being a Finalist is an Overwhelming Honour” 

Reflecting on her nomination, Cheryl is candid about how meaningful this recognition is to her. “It is truly overwhelming to be in the running for this year’s final. I feel incredibly privileged to be here,” she says. Having transitioned from last year’s Emerging Leaders category to this year’s STEM Leader of the Year, Cheryl feels the recognition is a testament not only to her own hard work but also to those who have believed in her. “This is such an honour and recognition for all the people who have believed in me over the years. It means so much because I’ve spent a long time in my career trying to prove myself worthy, and this is amazing acknowledgment of the hard work I’ve put in.” 

On Work-Life Balance and Staying Grounded 

For many women in STEM, balancing work with personal life can be a challenge. Cheryl’s advice is simple yet powerful: “Be brave and push yourself.” Embracing challenges has been central to her success, and she encourages others to step outside of their comfort zones. “The key is to be brave. Even if you don’t succeed on the first try, you’ll gain valuable experience and learn lessons that propel you forward. Taking risks is part of the journey,” she explains. 

Embracing Unique Perspectives and Staying Productive 

The best advice Cheryl has ever received is to embrace her unique perspective. “Recognizing the value I bring to the table has been incredibly empowering,” she notes, highlighting the importance of authenticity and self-belief in a competitive field. When it comes to productivity, Cheryl credits technology, especially tools like GenAI, for helping her stay on top of her game: “We need to adopt new tech and embrace it. Don’t feel ‘GenAI guilt’—technology is there to support us.” 

“Fight for Your Worth” 

Knowing her own value has also been key to Cheryl’s career success. Her top negotiating tactic is simple but powerful: “Fight your own corner.” She urges other women to understand and advocate for their self-worth. “It can be uncomfortable at first, but standing up for yourself gets easier with practice,” she advises. Her career has taught her that advocating for herself is crucial, especially in male-dominated spaces where visibility can be a challenge. 

Taking Risks and Embracing Change 

Cheryl’s most memorable career decision? Leaving a stable, well-established organization to join a start-up. “Taking that calculated risk has proven incredibly worthwhile,” she says. The start-up environment exposed her to new challenges and pushed her to grow in ways that traditional settings couldn’t. “While it may seem daunting, the risks I’ve taken have always been worthwhile learning experiences.” 

Leading with Empathy 

A vital lesson Cheryl has learned in leadership is that “leaders are human too.” Empathy has been central to her own leadership journey. “The most impactful leaders I’ve encountered lead with empathy and vulnerability,” she shares. “This has taught me that being a great leader isn’t about being flawless or all-knowing. It’s about connecting with your team on a deeper level.” 

The Power of Community: “Unstoppable Together” 

Cheryl’s success has also been supercharged by her network, a supportive group of men and women who have championed her growth. Reflecting on their impact, she says, “This award is as much a recognition of their efforts as it is of my own.” Inspired by their belief in her, Cheryl is committed to paying it forward, helping to uplift the next generation of women in STEM. “This award reminds me of the power of community and the importance of strong, mutually beneficial relationships.” 

Cheryl Razzell’s journey is a testament to the strength, resilience, and support that drive the women in STEM forward. We are honoured to have her as a finalist for STEM Leader of the Year and look forward to seeing the incredible impact she continues to make.