Using your voice or actions to support others, especially those with less power, visibility, or opportunities, is one of the most meaningful things you can do in any community. The advice below shows how many STEM professionals have faced power imbalances themselves, and how they learned the importance of standing with others, listening deeply, and creating space for different perspectives. Allyship can happen in big ways, like advocating for fair treatment or opening doors for someone, but it can also happen in small, everyday moments: checking in on someone who seems excluded, amplifying a quieter person’s idea, or challenging unfair behavior.
These contributors emphasize that real allyship starts with humility and empathy. It means recognizing your own advantages, learning from other people’s experiences, and supporting, not overshadowing, those whose voices are too often ignored. They also highlight the strength that comes from building communities where people with shared struggles can connect, collaborate, and lift one another up.
As you read the advice, notice the different ways professionals have learned to be allies and how those actions have improved their workplaces, teams, and relationships. You can click on each person’s name to explore their experiences and more about their story.