Like a Babushka, Empowering Women Level by Level

Seven years ago, Elbit Systems embarked on a bold mission to help bridge the gaps in engineering across high schools, universities, and the defense industry. The result was “Babushka,” a remarkable mentorship program aimed at empowering women throughout their journey – from high school students dreaming of engineering careers to university students navigating academic and career challenges, and finally, to professional engineers eager to share their expertise.

At its core, Babushka believes mentoring is more than a professional interaction – it is a relationship that builds confidence, resilience, and capability.

A Multigenerational Mentorship Model

Babushka brings together three generations of participants: female engineers at Elbit Systems mentor university students, who then mentor high school girls. This special structure promotes both personal growth and professional development at various levels.

The program is run in collaboration with “Shavot,” a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging young women to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and to grow their self-confidence. The process begins with a rigorous selection of university students through public calls, interviews, and evaluations. Each year, Babushka receives around 130 applications, selecting 50 participants for the program.

Mentors and mentees meet regularly in one-on-one and group sessions, held bi-weekly or monthly at Elbit Systems facilities across the country. These sessions are customized to the mentees’ needs – offering academic guidance for high school students, and career advice, work-life balance tips, and interview preparation for university students.

One of the highlights of the program is the mid-year meeting, where engineers, university students, and high school participants come together for a collaborative and inspiring session. This event exemplifies the program’s mission of fostering a community of empowered women who support one another.

Babushka’s unique approach has delivered tangible results. To date, 13 program graduates have become full-time employees at Elbit Systems, with two returning as mentors to guide the next generation.

The participating engineers come from diverse fields – electronics, mechanical engineering, industrial management, computer science, and more – creating a rich network of expertise and collaboration.

Liron, ESG Manager at Elbit Systems and the program’s initiator, emphasized the broader mission: “Promoting women in engineering is a core value for us, and Babushka’s success speaks for itself. Every year, we are excited to welcome new students and bring them closer to the world of technology and innovation,” she said.

“What makes Babushka stand out is its ability to create personal and empowering connections, at a pace and style that suits each mentor and each student,” Liron continues. “The program provides everyone with real tools to grow and succeed.”

She exclaims: “we have created a group of mentors who receive training and guidance from our HR team, including mentoring tools. It’s not just a professional program but also a supportive community that strengthens everyone involved.”

Nurturing the Natural Spark

One of Babushka’s many success stories is Ira, an Elbit engineer who immigrated to Israel alone at 17. Having faced the challenges of starting over in a new country, Ira deeply understood the value of mentorship.

When Ira joined Babushka, she became a mentor to Veronika, a determined university student whose resilience and ambition reminded her of her own journey. Reflecting on the experience, Ira shared that “mentoring Veronika reminded me of the power of connection and the importance of supporting others. Seeing her thrive filled me with immense pride and satisfaction.”

Through their mentorship, Ira shared her journey in the engineering world, encouraging Veronika to embrace her strengths and articulate her aspirations. Step by step, Veronika grew more confident and ultimately secured a role at Elbit that perfectly matched her skills.

“I saw in Veronika many of the challenges I faced when I first arrived in Israel,” Ira explained. “She was alone, struggling to balance her studies and work, unsure about her future. But I also saw a spark in her, one that needed to be nurtured.”

By sharing her path from research assistant to her current role at Elbit Systems, Ira equipped Veronika with the tools and confidence to succeed.

A Community of Empowerment

Babushka goes beyond mentorship – it is a platform for building confidence and breaking barriers. The program provides mentors with specialized tools and training from Elbit Systems’ HR team, ensuring they are well-prepared to guide their mentees effectively.

It also fosters networking opportunities for mentors, many of whom work in male-dominated environments, creating a sense of community and mutual support.

For university students, the program offers hands-on exposure to real-world engineering challenges, insights into balancing careers and personal lives, and a glimpse into the industry’s possibilities.

High school participants, in turn, gain role models to inspire them and the confidence to believe in their potential.

As Babushka grows, it continues to showcase the transformative power of mentorship. By fostering connections across generations, the program is shaping not only careers but also lives, sparking a ripple effect of empowerment and inspiration for women in engineering.

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