Passion is an essential key in becoming a successful entrepreneur, said Aleksandra Chancy. During the Diversity at STEM Lightning Talk on November 19, 2015 she talked to the students at the NYU Tendon School of Engineering about vision and its importance for a successful career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Ms. Chancy recalled that she was not one of those people who knew “at the age of 6” exactly what they wanted to do when they grew up. She always strove to her best and had passion for whatever she did. The subject of racial and gender disparities in science, technology, engineering, and math fields (STEM) is near and dear to Ms. Chancy’s heart.

As a minority woman, Ms. Chancy faced multiple challenges in a male-dominated construction field. However, she is confident that with the passion to provide best services possible, an MWBE firm can reach a success. “Once people began to see what my employees and I are capable of, gender and race became a non-issue.”

Anita Farrington, Associate Dean of Student Affairs at the NYU Tendon School of Engineering said that Aleksandra’s honest and inspiring remarks truly contributed to the entire conference. “For our female engineering and business students, you are an incredible role model!”