International Women’s Day 2025: Accelerating Action Through Diversity and Representation in Standards Development

In honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we spoke with members of our team on the importance of representation for women in STEM fields, diverse voices in standards development, and the advice they have for young women entering the workforce today.

We had the honor of speaking with ULSE Standards Technical Committee Chair Caroline Treuthardt, Senior International Standards Project Manager Diana Rico, and Senior Standards Engineer Mariah Dixon. Read their responses below:

Why do you think it’s important to have diverse voices in standards development?

Caroline: More diverse voices mean more diverse approaches, questions, and understanding of a problem. By hearing a new perspective on the problem, you may be able to see past any roadblocks in your current approach. Inclusive standards not only expand the protective capability of the testing review, but they also enable ULSE to live up to our mission of Safety First, for everyone.

Diana: It is essential to include diverse voices in standards development to ensure that the safety needs of the entire population are represented. Safety should be inclusive and equitable, with no exceptions or barriers. Only through diversity can we design standards that truly guarantee all people's safety.

Why do you think it’s important to have representation for women in STEM fields?

Mariah: Everyone can bring something new to the table. With the varying experiences of women, we are able to approach STEM in a different capacity than what was traditionally deemed normal. It's this different view that allows us to evaluate situations and push the boundaries of the status quo.

What is a recent career accomplishment you are proud of?

Caroline: Leading my first in-person TC Chair meeting, moving the group towards ballot with consensus on all topics to be balloted.

Diana: Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to amplify the voices of exceptional women, giving them the visibility they deserve in an industry where they still face barriers. I am proud to have been able to share their stories, highlighting their contributions and inspiring others to follow their path. Additionally, I have supported and promoted the talent of young students and entrepreneurs, helping them find their place and make an impact in their respective fields… ensuring that their achievements and experiences are recognized and celebrated.

Mariah: I was just elected as the USNCS Young & Emerging Professionals Chair! This was a very humbling and exciting experience as it continues to reinforce my commitment to career development in standardization as well as my passion for what I do. My goal is to provide my committee members with opportunities to develop their careers, knowledge in standardization, network, etc to ensure they can be as successful as possible within standards development.

What’s one piece of advice you wish you had starting out in your career? 

Caroline: Try on as many of your dreams as possible with internships, volunteering, or summer jobs. Experience is key to understanding what you do and don’t want.

Diana: I wish someone had told me that career growth is not linear and that every experience, even the challenges, contributes to shaping your path. Learning to trust my abilities and not being afraid to take opportunities would have been valuable advice from the beginning.

Mariah: Never stop learning and continue to push yourself past what you believe is the finish point. Sometimes we get to a point in our lives where we think we either know everything or know enough to live our lives, but there's an ocean of knowledge that still needs to be discovered. Never limit yourself to just what you see, always challenge yourself to push the limits because that's where innovations are born.

What’s one piece of advice you received that impacted your career? 

Caroline: If you don’t like it, change it.

Diana: The best advice I’ve received is that success is not just about technical knowledge but also about building relationships and collaborating with others. Listening to different perspectives and surrounding yourself with people who push you forward is essential for growth and making a meaningful impact.

Mariah: It was really a book entitled " The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz, which was given to me by my Mom when I graduated college to prepare me for the start of my career, that had some many great insights. The one that stuck with me was "Don't take anything personally," both in a positive and negative situation. People have their own motivations, and you can't anticipate all of them, so you have to learn to validate yourself instead of looking to others for validation. This is also great advice for helping to remove the self-imposed guilt or frustration we feel when we get negative feedback that doesn't align with how we perceive ourselves to be internally.

Is there anything we haven’t asked that you wish we did, or anything else you’d like to speak to?

Diana: I would just like to add that this is the time for women. We are driving change and making a difference in every field. If we support each other and work together, our impact will be even more powerful.

Mariah: In general, pursuing a STEM career as a minority and/or a woman will not be easy. You will continue be in rooms where you are the only one or one of the few. DON'T GIVE UP! Your voice is just as valuable as anyone else in the room, and you have a perspective with experience that cannot be duplicated and that's your secret weapon.

Advancing women in STEM through gender-responsive standards 

At UL Standards & Engagement, we are committed to helping advance women in STEM fields through developing gender-responsive standards and achieving greater gender balance, representation, and inclusion in our standards development process.

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