feature Chevron voices : Zishrat Hasan, environmental specialist

Asian University for Women (AUW)
Zishrat Hasan, from Cumilla, Bangladesh, is an Asian University for Women (AUW) alumna from Class of 2013 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Environmental Sciences. She was in the first graduating cohort of AUW. Upon graduating from AUW in 2013, Zishrat joined Chevron Bangladesh as an Environmental Specialist in the Health, Environment and Safety (HES) department. Her primary responsibility at the organisation is to lead environmental, social and health impact assessment studies for various projects. Zishrat is a young professional who has dedicated her career to environmental management and community-based sustainable projects where environment, technology and economy integrate. 
“I am glad to work in a company that has education as a core focus of its corporate social responsibility initiatives. I am proud of Chevron’s partnership with AUW in this exciting Summer Science School, which will actively encourage young Bangladeshi women to engage in STEM education for their future chosen paths.”

Zishrat Hasan

Environmental Specialist

During her time at AUW, Zishrat was active in various clubs such as the Environmentalists in Action (EnAct Club), where she worked with her team members to promote environmental awareness and create opportunities for conservation for the AUW community. Zishrat believes that AUW is an opportunity hub. She explains that because of her experiences at AUW, she is a step ahead in her career – she understands the value of diversity and inclusion. Reflecting on her time at AUW, Zishrat states, “The best part of AUW is our faculty who support and mentor us.”

Zishrat believes the AUW Science Summer School will help young women to develop their skills that will apply to higher education, both within Bangladesh and abroad because of the international faculty and tailored course curriculum. In explaining the benefit of studying at AUW, she says, “Students will get to experience a diverse learning environment that encourages leadership development; which  will ultimately enable to create and facilitate networking opportunities”.  
 
Asian University for Women (AUW)
Since graduating from AUW, Zishrat advocates for greater inclusion of women in sciences. She explains that “There may be many females who study science, but this isn’t necessarily reflected in the representation of females in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)-based industries and jobs.” She believes that Bangladesh needs more females in STEM to create a balanced representation in decision-making, which will eventually ensure providing solutions that are fit for all. Zishrat believes that the value of studying STEM subjects is to foster critical thinking and analysis for solving various problems. 

Zishrat is an exemplary example of an AUW alumna who is committed to raising awareness and taking action for conserving the environment, as well as an avid supporter of women in STEM careers. Zishrat summarises her thoughts and states, “I am glad to work in a company that has education as a core focus of its corporate social responsibility initiatives. I am proud of Chevron’s partnership with AUW in this exciting Summer Science School, which will actively encourage young Bangladeshi women to engage in STEM education for their future chosen paths.”