In today’s digital world, the stories we see online shape more than just our opinions, they also shape our perceptions, expectations, and sometimes our unconscious biases.

From news headlines to social media feeds, media narratives can influence how women in engineering are perceived by colleagues, leaders, clients, and even by themselves. These biases may show up subtly in hiring decisions, leadership opportunities, workplace culture, performance expectations, or everyday interactions.

In this BWEng Let’s Talk panel and networking event, we will explore how unconscious bias can be shaped by media exposure and how it impacts the lived experiences of women in the engineering industry.

Together, we will discuss:

• How social media and news narratives can shape unconscious bias

• The ways these biases show up in the workplace workplaces

• How bias can negatively affect inclusion, confidence, progression, and opportunity

• Whether media exposure can also be used to positively influence perceptions

• Practical ways women and allies can safeguard themselves and challenge bias in professional spaces

Carefully curated and embedded in this series, participants will have the opportunity to network with each other and the speakers.

Whether you are a student, early career engineer, experienced professional, or an ally committed to improving workplace culture, this session will provide insight, reflection, and actionable takeaways.