Glass Doors
Betty Sciscoe
I would like to dedicate this project to all of the women who came before me and opened new entry and exit points within S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and creative fields that inspire young women to explore more within their fields of interest. Along with an extension of my most heartfelt dedication to my lifelong mentors and guiding light. To my Parents, Bill & Denise Sciscoe, Aunt Debbie & Uncle Butch, and devoted friends and family. Without their combined love, support, and education, my beginning would have met its end. Thank you for building the foundation and infrastructure with transparent doorways that led me toward my future.
In my career in both aviation and the military, I have experienced the complexities of gender diversity in male-dominated fields. I have observed firsthand the challenges and discouragement women face in pursuing interests outside traditional roles in the workforce, leading to fewer successes. This recurring theme of a lack of female representation and mentorship in these fields prompted me to focus my lens on this issue in order to encourage more women to break through gender norms by seeking higher education and employment within male-dominated fields.
In my photography series, Glass Doors, I envision not a glass ceiling but a glass door, which I am living proof of. In these photographs, I aim to show what lies behind the glass door of opportunity by photographing successful women who have paved the way for others in these spaces. By highlighting female pioneers and their achievements, I seek to inspire other women to pursue their passions without fear of societal expectations or failure.
Photography has the power to shape reality and challenge stereotypes. By using representation to highlight the accomplishments of women in male-dominated fields, we can pave the way for a more diverse and equitable future. Susan Sontag's concept of photography as a construction of reality underscores the importance of photographers in shaping narratives that reflect biases and perceptions. As a photographer, I strive to capture moments that provoke thought and spark conversations about gender equality. By capturing these women in their element, these pictures aim to inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
The mission of the ‘Glass Door’ Project is to bring transparency to the doors of opportunity presented to women and build mentorship and connection from the viewer to the captured “Icon” on the other side simulating or performing her role within the benefits of being in a supportive work environment to aid her ability to explore and experience her own mission in life. The Glass Doors metaphorically represent the threshold and restraint of each opportunity, emphasizing the dedication in time to merit and train. The transparency is the ability to see that women have come before them and are willing to share the key to their success by sharing their personal stories on how they became inspired, gained knowledge, and wish to build their community as a collective on the other side. The QR Code is the “Key” to opening the possibility of expanding our network of inspiration through different platforms to enable us to lead one another to the proper connection with enlightenment on discovering our connection to the world around us.
