The future of women in STEM is bright! Learn about the recent Women Leaders in STEM workshop organized in part by JoVE’s very own, Jennifer Ostrosky!
It’s well known that there’s a great opportunity to increase the prevalence of women in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce. This is especially important now, as employment in STEM occupations is growing at nearly double the rate of non-STEM occupations.
So, when JoVE Account Manager Jen Ostrosky received a note from her children’s school principal announcing the cancellation of a planned region-wide Women in STEM event organized by a local college, she thought there’s no reason why these girls should have to miss out an opportunity to hear from STEM professionals about potential career paths.
Jen, who manages accounts for North American government and academic medical center libraries at JoVE, was determined to ensure the 55 young women in middle school still had the exposure to a STEM career day.
“I talk about STEM all day long. It’s part of who we are at JoVE and what we’re so passionate about. I knew we could find a way to ensure these girls didn’t miss out on the opportunity to learn from successful women in STEM fields.”
In addition to breakout sessions, a keynote address, and exhibits, Medford’s own Mayor Stephanie Burke opened up an inspiring Q&A session. Here, young women learned important lessons in persistence, being open-minded, and how to take advantage of opportunities and seek out mentors.
During the breakout sessions, Women Leaders were asked to talk about their paths in three areas: middle and high school, college, and professional career. Participants asked thought-provoking questions, such as, “What classes did you choose to take?”, “What kind of teachers did you have along the way?”, and “How did you overcome being rejected from a job?”
Knowing that many foundational characteristics are developed in the middle-school years, the event’s organizers wanted the young women to see that their day-to-day choices now can truly help shape their future paths.
“It was so inspiring,” Jen says. “A STEM career wasn’t as ‘scary’ anymore because these young women were able to relate to very successful women who happen to have careers in a STEM field. It was wonderful to see the early sparks in the potential innovators of our future.”
Jen adds that “through JoVE’s College-Ready Community STEM Partnership this year, I know there will be even more opportunities to engage our youth considering STEM careers!”
For more information, you can read about the event covered in the Medford Transcript. To learn more about the College-Ready Community STEM Partnership contact us at subscriptions@jove.com or (617) 401-7717.
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