CHICAGO — Even as schools encourage young women and girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), women are still underrepresented among students with STEM majors and careers. Black and Latino girls are even less likely than their white counterparts to focus on STEM during and after college.
The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, is working to close this gender gap by hosting its seventh annual STEM Goes Red event in Chicago from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15. The event, hosted at Northwestern Medicine’s Prentice Women’s Hospital, 250 S. Superior, will also mark STEM Goes Red’s first in-person gathering since 2019. STEM Goes Red invites more than 100 high school students to participate in networking opportunities, speed mentoring, panel discussions, and breakout sessions with leaders in STEM industries. STEM Goes Red is sponsored by KPMG, Ariel Investments, Dover Corporation and Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
“It’s such a joy to be part of STEM Goes Red this year,” said event chair Mary Cecola, a financial technology executive. “By the time they reach middle school, a disproportionate number of girls have already ruled out a career in STEM without even exploring the vast possibilities the field has to offer. It is my hope that this event will show these young ladies that the sky is truly the limit for their goals and aspirations.”
The goal of STEM Goes Red is to deepen the pipeline of women entering STEM careers by exposing high school girls to the innovative strides women are making in fields like health care and engineering. STEM Goes Red’s 2021 virtual program featured breakout mentoring sessions alongside a testimonial from heart disease survivor Hannah Picco, and video messages on topics related to heart health. This year, as in previous in-person years, students will get to participate in dissections, hands-on experiments, CPR trainings and speed mentoring. The day will include a panel discussion with scholars currently attending Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) discussing the paths they’ve chosen in STEM to broaden their horizons for their future studies and careers. Through these kinds of programs, which inspire young women to become scientific and medical innovators, the American Heart Association is furthering its goal to improve health outcomes in communities throughout Chicago and beyond.
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About Go Red for Women
The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement is the trusted, passionate, relevant force for change to end heart disease and stroke in women all over the world. While nearly 80 percent 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 15 years, Go Red for Women has provided a platform for women to come together, raise awareness, fund lifesaving research, advocate for change and improve the lives of all women everywhere. The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. Connect with us on GoRedforWomen.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-888-MY-HEART (1- 888-694-3278).
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 nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Jorie Goins: jorie.goins@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org