This comes amid concerns from STEM employers about talent scarcity in their fields. Nearly 90% say a talent shortage in STEM is a looming issue, and the same percentage say they need to do more to bridge this gap. For STEM organizations and beyond, fostering a culture that heightens inclusion efforts—in addition to encouraging employees to challenge the status quo—can be an effective way to recruit more female talent. "Emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence, are creating disruption in STEM fields," said Bill Pappas, Head of Global Technology and Operations at MetLife. "The good news is this disruption is providing opportunity because it democratizes technology, and women are embracing that. Bridging this gap is essential—and it is against this backdrop that we'll be convening top thought leaders in STEM and business to discuss how disruption is critical to strengthening the STEM talent pipeline at our 6 th annual Triangle Tech X (TTX) conference in October."