On December 20, 2013, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in which it recognized that full and equal access to and participation in science, technology and innovation for women and girls of all ages is imperative for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Today, February 11, 2022, the 7th International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly will be held virtually and bring together women in science from around the world. This year’s theme “Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Water Unites Us” focuses on access to safely managed household drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene services and will recognize the role of women and girls in science as agents of change. Learn more here.

Today, we choose to celebrate Dr. Valerie L. Thomas as an agent of change. The poster highlights Dr. Thomas’ early experiences and her work with NASA and the Landsat digital image processing team. Dr. Thomas’ accomplishments are just one example of the wonderful things that can be achieved when women and girls have access to and are able to participate in science, technology, and innovation.