Fort Worth, November 4, 2024 — The American Heart Association, a global advocate for healthier lives, is striving to close the gender gap in STEM careers. Despite efforts by schools to encourage young women and girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), women remain underrepresented in these fields. Women, particularly women of color, constitute a small percentage of scientists and engineers. Of 100 female students working toward a bachelor’s degree, only three will work in a STEM job 10 years after graduation.
With support from local communities, employers, and schools, STEM Goes Red helps young women uncover their potential. In early October 2024, the Association hosted its annual Tarrant County STEM Goes Red event with a goal to increase the number of women entering STEM careers. Focused on reaching middle school girls, education on site highlighted innovative strides women are making in fields like healthcare and engineering. With onsite access to leading employers and experts, the students gained an insider’s look at various careers. Attendees of STEM Goes Red connected with inspiring professionals and learned about job opportunities across multiple fields.
This year, the local Tarrant County American Heart Association team brought together 77 eighth-grade girls from area schools to Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital – Dallas where they engaged in networking opportunities and breakout sessions with leaders from STEM industries.
“STEM Goes Red is about more than just education; it’s about empowerment. We want these young women to see that they have the potential to change the future,” said Jill Griffiths, Regional Senior Vice President at the American Heart Association.
Students that attended witnessed the effects of heart disease by holding heart specimens at varying degrees of cardiovascular health. The students learned how neglecting diet, exercise, rest, and regular check-ups can lead to heart disease. They participated in mentor conversations, learned hands-only CPR, and explored various labs where they saw how technology assists in the evaluation and treatment of cardiac events, how science and anatomical awareness help in the diagnosis and treatment, and how math is crucial in the measurement, analysis, and diagnosis.
STEM Goes Red is part of the Association’s Go Red for Women movement, which aims to reduce heart disease and stroke in women. STEM Goes Red 2024 was sponsored by Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular - Fort Worth, TPG Global, and The Beck Group. To connect with the Tarrant County Go Red for Women team or inquire about future STEM Goes Red efforts, contact Maggie Beaird, Development Director in Fort Worth at maggie.beaird@heart.org. To follow along on social use @AmericanHeartTX on FB, IG, and X.
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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:
Name: Lindsey Lyons Jones
Email: Lindsey.LyonsJones@Heart.org
Phone: 214-441-4114
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org