BUFFALO, NY February 2, 2024 — CEOs, educators and parents everywhere know establishing the next generation of female scientists, doctors and inventors is a critical step in establishing their future, as well as our own. That’s why the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, is bringing Go Red for Women®’s STEM Goes Red to Buffalo to address the underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and inspire young women to pursue rewarding careers in STEM fields.
STEM Goes Red, sponsored by The Jacobs Institute, brings to life interesting and impactful careers in STEM and gives participating students access to leading employers, local experts and an insider look at what a career in STEM could entail. This year, the STEM Goes Red event coincided with National Wear Red Day, which raises awareness that heart disease is women’s No.1 killer.
“Game-changing innovations are dependent upon each of us bringing our unique perspectives to the table. That’s why it’s important to support young women and encourage them to raise their hands in the classroom today, so in the years to come they’re prepared to raise their voices in the boardroom or the operating room,” said Alison Stoute, co-chairwoman of Buffalo Go Red for Women and first lady of Canisius University.
“The more we close the gender gap in research and access to quality care, the closer we get to improving the health and well-being of all Americans,” said Linda Walleshauser co-chairwoman of Buffalo Go Red for Women and associate vice president for Human Resources & Compliance in the Office of Human Resources at Canisius University.
Although women fill close to half of all the jobs in the U.S. economy, they hold only 28% of jobs in STEM fields.[1] In fact, of 100 female students working toward a bachelor’s degree, only three will work in a STEM job 10 years after graduation[2], leading to persistent disparities in women’s health. By equipping and empowering young women to pursue STEM careers, we can ensure women are represented in critical sectors that impact health and well-being such as healthcare, research and technology.
The American Heart Association’s STEM Goes Red was launched in 2017 as part of the Go Red for Women® movement, which for more than 20 years has served as a catalyst for change, improving women’s lives by advancing equitable research and care, advocating for inclusive health policies and raising awareness of women’s No. 1 health threat—cardiovascular disease.
The STEM Goes Red program brought juniors and seniors from Research Laboratory High School (PS366), Health Sciences Charter School and Math, Science and Technology Preparatory School (PS197) to the Jacobs Institute. During the day-long interactive program, students got to hear a panel discussion featuring local women in STEM, get hands-on experience with biomedical equipment, see behind the scenes at Jacobs School of Medicine, and learn Hands-Only CPR.
“This year marks 100 years since the American Heart Association was founded, so it’s especially exciting to be a part of this mission right now, and planting the seeds for the next century,” said Pam Marcucci, vice president of programs at The Jacobs Institute. “More opportunities today mean more bright minds tackling the complex issues of tomorrow—in public health and beyond.”
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by D’Youville University, Lawley, and media sponsors WKBW 7 ABC and Buffalo Healthy Living. For more information about the Buffalo Go Red for Women movement, contact Michelle Marks-Hook at Michelle.Marks-Hook@heart.org or visit www.heart.org/goredbuffalo.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact, our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About Go Red for Women®
The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).
About the Jacobs Institute
The Jacobs Institute is a non-profit organization whose mission is to accelerate the development of next-generation technologies in vascular medicine through collisions of physicians, engineers, entrepreneurs, and industry. The JI’s vision is to improve the treatment of vascular disease in Western New York and the world, while fostering local economic development. The JI fosters medical collaboration and innovation through partnerships with the University at Buffalo (UB), Kaleida Health, and industry, to be a fitting tribute to the work and memory of Lawrence D. Jacobs, M.D.
Part of that vision is to educate young minds about STEM job opportunities and develop future leaders by inspiring our youth and bridging opportunities to pursue STEM careers in Western New York. This is aimed at bringing greater diversity to the workforce within the medical sector in Buffalo. The JI’s educational activities include monthly brain boot camps for middle and high school students, quarterly webinars, and college and high school summer internships. These programs are made possible through generous community support.
To learn more about the Jacobs Institute, please visit our web site at: www.jacobsinstitute.org.
For Media Inquiries:
Kristy Smorol, communications director
Kristy.Smorol@heart.org
[1] https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/01/women-making-gains-in-stem-occupations-but-still-underrepresented.html
[2] Anthony Carnevale, Nicole Smith, and Michelle Melton. STEM. Georgetown University: Center on Education and the Workforce, as retrieved from http://cew.georgetown.edu/stem/ as of 11/18/22