Kansas City, Mo., December 6, 2022 - 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 5th annual STEM Goes Red event in Kansas City from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM on December 7. The event, hosted at Metropolitan Community College, 3200 Broadway, invites more than 120 high school girls to participate in networking opportunities, speed mentoring, panel discussions, and breakout sessions with leaders in STEM industries. STEM Goes Red is sponsored by WellSky Foundation, The University of Kansas Health System, Garney Construction, CFM Distributors and Sunflower Bank.
“I love participating in STEM Goes Red,” says Kansas City cardiologist, Dr. Rhea Pimentel.

“By the time young women reach middle school, many have ruled out a career in STEM without exploring the vast possibilities the field has to offer. I hope this event opens their eyes to STEM careers and gives them the confidence to go for their dreams. Sometimes it takes just a little push and reminder that these students are capable of anything.”

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. This year, students will get to participate in dissections, hands-on experiments, and speed mentoring. 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 Kansas City and beyond.

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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 19 years, 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 American Heart Association 
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Connect with the American Heart Association via heart.orgFacebookInstagram or Twitter.   
 
For Media Inquiries: 
DeEtta.Lee@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org