Women In STEM

(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)

Nationally, and in California, the demand for a skilled STEM workforce is growing and STEM jobs offer higher salaries than non-STEM jobs. Women working in STEM jobs earn, on average, 33% more than those in other fields, yet women account for only 24% of the STEM workforce. Women’s under-representation in STEM fields begins early, with gender gaps in STEM interests beginning in middle school and growing throughout high school, college, and career. Far too many girls and women are discouraged from pursuing success in STEM fields. Now is the time for change. Organizations like Community WISE (Women Investing in STEM Equity) and SWE (Society of Women Engineers) are working hard to mentor and guide youth into STEM careers.

VIRTUAL ACTIVITIES

EXPLORE CAREERS THROUGH VIRTUAL TOURS, PANELS, AND DEMONSTRATIONS.

Panel Discussion:

INTRO TO ENGINEERING CAREERS

with SWE Golden Gate Section and Community WISE

An all-female panel of engineers from different backgrounds – including biomedical, agricultural, and electronics – discuss what it means to be an engineer and what kind of education you need to enter an engineering career. Brought to you by SWE (Society of Women Engineers) Golden Gate Section and Community WISE (Women Investing in Stem Equity).

STEMSpiration Series:

Carmen Medina

former CIA Director and Author

Carmen Medina is a former CIA director and author of Rebels at Work: A Handbook for Leading Change from Within. In this seminar, Carmen describes the journey of a successful change agent, drawing on noteworthy examples from women in STEM and emphasizing the five key steps to success for change agents.

STEMspiration Series:

KATIE HENRY

Micro:Bit Educational Foundation

Katie presented a fun and dynamic session with coding and craft demonstrations as well as stories from her education and career journey.

STEMspiration Series:

Dr. Daphne Miller

Medical Doctor, Scientist, Farmer, & Ecologist

Dr. Miller spends as much time with soil scientists, farmers, and ecologists as she does with other medical professionals or patients. In this webinar, she describes how her education and career path have not been a straight line and how she used her own curiosity to draw from multiple disciplines to build a non-traditional health career.

STEMspiration Series:

Amani Webber-Schultz

Shark Researcher

Hear Amani’s story. She is co-founded Minorities in Shark Sciences in June 2020, a group focused on diversifying shark science and helping women of color pursue a career in shark science. She is currently working at Field School in Miami where she participates in shark and ray research and assisting with teaching field courses.

Panel Discussion:

EXPLORING NURSING CAREERS

with AccentCare

A nursing career offers high-wages, job security, and the ability to make a life-saving difference every day. It takes equal parts dedication and compassion. Two nurses from AccentCare discuss what takes to be a nurse, the education and training needed, and what to expect for the future of nursing careers.

Career Interview:

JEANNIE CALVERLEY, REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF EMPLOYER & BROKER RELATIONS

Providence Health

Though the path we choose may not always be the one we stick with, we should always appreciate the skills and experience gained along the way. Learn how Jeanie Calverley’s unique path led her through fashion, psychology, and dentistry before becoming the Regional Director of Employer & Broker Relations at Providence Health.

ONE-ON-ONE CAREER INTERVIEWS

WITH REAL PEOPLE IN THE NORTH BAY

MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING

CHRISTINE NEE, ENGINEERING MANAGER

MEDTRONIC

With locations in over 160 countries, Christine moved from Medtronic in Ireland to Medtronic here in Sonoma County! Hear Christine’s story and learn what it takes to be an Engineering Manager at a global medical device manufacturer.

FOOD & BEVERAGE MANUFACTURING

ROSA FLORES, QUALITY SUPERVISOR

MANZANA PRODUCTS

Starting in an entry-level position in 2012, Rosa Flores worked hard and worked her way up to become the Quality Supervisor at Manzana Products. Hear about the skills and dedication needed to be successful in this kind of career.

CONSTRUCTION / BUILDING TRADES

BARBIE SIMPSON, OWNER & CEO

SIMPSON SHEET METAL HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

Barbie’s parents started Simpson Sheet Metal 38 years ago. Barbie started in high school and stayed with the company her entire career. After learning every piece of the business, she has worked her way to become the current Owner and CEO.

MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING

LEYLA HASHEMI, R&D ENGINEERING MANAGER

KEYSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES

Leyla leads a team of thirteen engineers that create microcircuits for some of the world’s most innovative technology. In this interview, she talks about her career path and how she found her home at Keysight Technologies, a leading tech company located here in the North Bay.

MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING

YAS NEUBERGER, R&D ENGINEER

MEDTRONIC

Yas’ love for Star Trek sparked her interest in engineering and science. Seeing people make a positive impact on the universe through science and discovery led her to believe she too can make a difference. Following her dream, Yas is now an R&D Engineer and helps develop life-saving medical technology.

CONSTRUCTION / BUILDING TRADES

BETSY KURCZESKI

HUGH FUTRELL CORPORATION

Her family has a long history of working in construction, but Betsy did not consider it a viable career path for herself. So, she set out on a different path. But, as fate would have it, this path led her right back to the construction industry. Hear Betsy’s unique story.