My name is Dr. Rabail Aslam Rai. I attained my MD degree at one of the premier medical schools in Pakistan, and I can proudly say that I was the first female in my family to come independently to the USA, where I have established myself as a physician scientist. I am currently completing my postdoctoral fellowship training at RUSH University Medical Center. My team at RUSH has worked on innovating a new multiplex imaging technique which has the potential to revolutionize diagnostic medicine. Throughout my career I have taught, encouraged and mentored hundreds of students, consistently motivating them not to give up on their dreams. Dreams do come true – mine definitely did, as I am starting residency training in pathology at my dream institute, Case Western Reserve University, this summer. Attending a Chicago Women in Science STEM symposium was very inspiring to me, as it was a great opportunity to learn from world renowned female STEM leaders, and understand how we as women can overcome hardships in career progression together. In addition, one of my long term career goals is to branch into patent law, and through the STEM symposium, I had the honor of getting introduced to representatives of several prestigious law firms in Chicago. I feel very fortunate to be a part of this organization, as STEM will open doors to brand new collaborations and connections with not only fellow scientists but incredible mentors.