Every February 11, the United Nations-designated International Day of Women and Girls in Science reminds us of the myriad obstacles women and girls around the world face within the STEM disciplines and the ways they continue to overcome challenges and stand out in their fields. "Today, women make up less than one third of the world's researchers," says Alexis Abramson, dean of the Columbia Climate School. "Closing this gender gap is not only a matter of fairness but is essential to further the innovation and impact of the work."