f you find something you feel passionately about, pursue it with all your heart, and don’t let anyone tell you that you’re too young or inexperienced to make it happen.”

—Lauren Kulokas, Engineer and Entrepreneur

The National Science Foundation reports that STEM employment continues to grow at a faster pace than other occupations and yet not all Americans have equal access or equal representation in STEM fields. In fact, even though women make up half the population they account for under 30% of participation in STEM related careers.

The North American Division piloted a Women In STEM conference initiative in partnership with the STEM coordinator of the Chesapeake Conference at Spencerville Adventist Academy. Young women from area schools were invited to participate in the conference which included a panel of women from government agencies and the private sector who are leaders in the field of STEM. Dr. Mamood Saltana (NASA scientist), Janet Beaton (NSA Engineer), Dr.Sharon Koh-Fallet (FDA Scientist), Dr. Adrianne Norwood (Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab Mathematician), Dr. Danielle Kroll (FDA Scientist) and Dr. Ramona Swaby (Merck Cancer Researcher) served on a panel to explore their experiences, insights and high points in their careers with young women hoping to follow in their footsteps.

The presenters highlighted the unique challenges in their fields as well as the unique contributions they make every day. Presenters also outlined the processes and procedures for securing internships in their organizations. The young women who attended the event are highly intelligent and motivated students who are looking for ideas of where and how they can best direct their talents and energy in STEM fields.