Hello readers! In honor of March being Women's History Month, I wanted to take a moment each week and highlight a female in my network that embodies leadership, creativity, collaboration, and strength in the STEM industry.
The third spotlight I am eager to share with you all is a good friend from high school, Kelsie McVeety. Kelsie is a cancer genetic counselor at Beaumont Health.
Take a moment to read Kelsie's story and connect with her professionally!
Tell me a little bit about what you do!
I work with cancer patients and their families to explain the risks and benefits of genetic testing for inherited cancer risk. My job is to help them decide if genetic testing is right for them, facilitate the testing, and explain the results.
What's your education background?
I have a master’s degree in human genetics from the University of Michigan Genetic Counseling Program.
How did you got interested in your industry?
In college, my aunt passed away from ovarian cancer and my mother had genetic testing due to this history. I had the opportunity to shadow her genetic counselor and fell in love with the field.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
In college, I was really struggling with my health and eventually was diagnosed with multiple chronic physical and mental illnesses. Despite this, I was able to manage my conditions and graduate on time, pursue a graduate degree, and achieve my goal of becoming a genetic counselor.
Real Talk - What is something you wish you could tell your 13 year old self?
You are worthy of love and happiness, no matter what you do in life, no matter what anyone says. You are enough just as you are.
Finally...what do you like to do outside of work?
I love to read, watch documentaries, pet my cats Opal and Azula, and play Dungeons & Dragons.
Stay in touch to see a new STEMinist spotlight every weekend this month! As well, follow me on TikTok at @steamambassador to see my month long campaign of Badass Women in STEM (global).