Female participation in STEM studies and technical-scientific careers remains significantly below its potential and represents a key challenge for the future. Leonardo, which operates daily in sectors where STEM skills are essential, aims to contribute from the earliest years of schooling, when gender stereotypes are not yet firmly established and when passions begin to emerge, shaping aspirations for the future.
It is within this context that the “One, Two, Three… STEM!” initiative, created by Leonardo and Leonardo Global Solutions with the support of Fondazione Leonardo ETS, was developed. The aim is to encourage girls and boys to take an interest in STEM professions, making them more accessible and relatable while helping to overcome gender stereotypes that can influence self-perception and future choices.
The project involved fifteen girls aged 10 to 12, all daughters of Leonardo employees, who interviewed ten managers from the Helicopters and Space divisions at the Cascina Costa (Varese, Italy) and Nerviano (Milano, Italy) sites transforming their questions and curiosities into an authentic and accessible story. Topics explored during the interviews included: the academic pathways required to work in high-tech sectors; the evolution of roles over time; the relationship between humans, technology and artificial intelligence; the management of complex activities such as design, simulation and flight testing; and the fascination and challenges of space technologies.
Each manager brought a symbolic object representing their work – an aeronautical component, a satellite model, a pilot’s helmet, a rotor blade – making roles that are often perceived as abstract more tangible. These conversations inspired the creation of an illustrated book for children aged 7 to 10, presenting high-tech professions in a clear, engaging and accessible way.
A preview of the book was presented on 4 December during the project’s final event, held at Leonardo’s site in Vergiate (Varese) in the presence of Prof. Amalia Ercoli Finzi, the first woman in Italy to graduate in aeronautical engineering and one of the most authoritative voices internationally in the field of aerospace science and technology. On stage, the girls involved in the initiative enthusiastically shared the most significant moments of this experience. The event, which allowed them to get closer to a world that is often little known to young people, was an opportunity to convey a clear and powerful message: every profession is accessible to everyone, regardless of gender.
“One, Two, Three… STEM!” forms part of Leonardo’s broader strategy to promote gender equality throughout the entire educational pathway – from primary school to entry into the workplace – and to support the development of future skills. The initiative contributes to generating social value through activities involving children, schools, families and employees.