ROOTSTOWN, OH Dec. 9, 2024Today’s economy and tomorrow’s well-being depend on innovations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), but a troubling gap exists when it comes to women in STEM occupations. Women make up almost half of employment across non-STEM occupations but just over 29% of the STEM workforce.[1] That’s why the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, brought Go Red for Women®’s STEM Goes Red to Northeast Ohio on Monday, Dec. 9th at The NEW Center at Northeast Ohio Medical University in Rootstown. STEM Goes Red addresses the underrepresentation of women in STEM and inspires young women to pursue rewarding careers in STEM fields.

Northeast Ohio’s STEM Goes Red, sponsored by FirstEnergy, brought to life stimulating and impactful careers in STEM and gave more than 220 students from two dozen schools access to leading employers, local experts and an insider look at what a career in STEM could entail.

“I was extremely excited to once again chair this event being a female, STEM professional, and wanting to encourage and enrich the minds and dreams of young girls today,” said Dr. Christina Dascenzo, Chair of Northeast Ohio STEM Goes Red, American Heart Association board member, and pharmacist at Family Drug and Village Pharmacies. “My favorite part of the day was the girls coming up to me at the end of the event and asking how they could get experience, now, today, at their age because they are not old enough to obtain jobs yet. To me, that means we successfully planted the seed and now we hope to watch that continue to grow. I encouraged the students to reach out to the American Heart Association so we could try to connect them with other STEM professionals to possibly have the chance to shadow, even if just for a day or two.”

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 inspiring 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 launched in 2017 as part of the Go Red for Women® movement. For more than 20 years, Go Red for Women 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.

At this year's STEM Goes Red event, 7th and 8th grade girls from the following schools were in attendance:

  • Beacon Academy
  • BioMed
  • Bolich Middle School
  • Brown Middle School
  • Canfield Village Middle School
  • Copley-Fairlawn Middle School
  • East Middle School
  • Field Middle School
  • Jefferson PK-8
  • Lake Middle School
  • Liberty Local Schools
  • Lincoln PK-8
  • Marlington Middle School
  • Massillon Jr. High
  • Mathews High School
  • McGuffey PK-8
  • Mineral Ridge High School
  • North Canton Middle School
  • Osnaberg Local Schools
  • Rayen Early College Middle School
  • Roberts Middle School
  • Rootstown Middle School
  • Sebring McKinley Jr/Sr High
  • South Range Middle School
  • Southern Local Jr. High School
  • Stanton Middle School
  • Wellsville High School
  • Willard PK-8

During the four-hour hands-on program, students interacted with a cadaver heart in a laboratory lesson led by Dr. Dascenzo, participated in a natural gas and oil energy education session by the Ohio Natural Energy Institute, and attended a vendor fair where they learned CPR, used virtual reality goggles provided by the Youngstown Business Incubator, and more. The event culminated with a live panel Q&A featuring the following local women:

  • Dr. Christina Dascenzo, Family Drug & Village Pharmacies
  • Amy Reynault, Hill Barth and King
  • Megan Payich and Stephanie Gaffney, Youngstown Business Incubator
  • Laura Zavadil, MegaBarre
  • Cassie Hoyt, Keystone Perfusion Services
  • Dr. Katherine Tromp, Northeast Ohio Medical University

The mistress of ceremonies for the event was Stephanie Finoti, who is Miss Ohio 2024 and a pre-med student.

“Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women. That’s why we are dedicated to supporting young women in being a part of the solution,” explained Lisa Wheeler-Cooper, executive director of the American Heart Association in Northeast Ohio. “Research in STEM fields is changing the way we fight heart disease and stroke, which is helping give more people longer, healthier lives. By inspiring the next generation of female leaders in STEM, we’re helping to build a more equitable future, where everyone has the opportunity to innovate and create solutions that can change the world.”

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by FirstEnergy, Dinesol Plastics, Family Drug and Village Pharmacies, Hill Barth and King, SenSource, and the Ohio Natural Energy Institute.


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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). 

 

For Media Inquiries:
Chelsea Caldwell; chelsea.caldwell@heart.org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org

 

[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