SAN DIEGO, Calif. November 18, 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, is bringing Go Red for Women®’s STEM Goes Red to San Diego. STEM Goes Red addresses the under-representation of women in STEM and inspires young women to pursue rewarding careers in STEM fields.

San Diego STEM Goes Red, sponsored by QuidelOrtho and Qualcomm, brings to life stimulating and impactful careers in STEM and gives participating students from Castle Park High School, Sweetwater High School and Southwest High School access to leading employers, local experts and an insider look at what a career in STEM could entail.

“STEM Goes Red draws on the American Heart Association’s strong legacy of science, education and discovery, offering an immersive experience that propels young women into this exciting world,” said Louise Brandy, 2025 San Diego Go Red for Women Chair. “By ensuring a new generation of female scientists, doctors, inventors, technologists and changemakers, we’re taking critical steps to secure their future as well as our own.”

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 San Diego STEM Goes Red, high school students boarded the USS Midway Museum to learn about STEM careers. During the program, students split into four break-out sessions where they learned about robotics in medicine, received a Hands-Only CPR demonstration, discovered careers in aviation and toured the engine room of the USS Midway, a retired aircraft carrier. 

“STEM Goes Red is a vital initiative because it opens doors for young women to explore careers in science and technology and other areas where the gender gap is still far too wide,” said Jessica Newmyer, Executive Director of the American Heart Association San Diego division. “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 QuidelOrtho, Sharp Healthcare and KPMG. Beyond the Table sponsors Debbie Turner, Deloitte, Juli Moran, Mitchell, an Enlyte Company, Sony Electronics Inc., and Sycuan. For more information about the San Diego Go Red for Women movement, contact Shana Contreiras at Shana.Contreiras@heart.org or visit 2024-2025 San Diego Go Red Luncheon

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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 at heart.org/southerncaliforniaFacebookInstagram and 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:

Erika Cervantes-Aarons: Erika.Cervantes-Aaro@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