American Heart Association’s STEM Goes Red, part of its Go Red for Women® movement, introduces students to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and connects students with female industry leaders
Today’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 Maine. STEM Goes Red addresses the underrepresentation of women in STEM and inspires young women to pursue rewarding careers in STEM fields. The interactive event brings to life stimulating and impactful careers in STEM and gives participating students access to leading employers, local experts and an insider look at what a career in STEM could entail.
Maine’s STEM Goes Red event on February 10 brought 45 high school girls from Portland’s Deering High School, South Portland High School and Scarborough High School to the MaineHealth Institute for Research in Scarborough.
“STEM Goes Red showcases the American Heart Association’s proud legacy of advancing science and education, while opening doors for young women to explore real-world STEM careers,” said Lindsay Colle, vice president of development for the American Heart Association. “By igniting curiosity and confidence early on, we’re helping inspire the next generation of scientists, health leaders, and innovators who will drive meaningful change in our communities.”
The day began with a networking session with presenters and mentors during which students used question cards to help prompt conversations and to practice networking skills. Mary Ottolini, MD, MPH, M.Ed., Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center, presented the keynote session entitled: “Why Medicine? A Life of Purpose, Science, and Service”.
Next, the students attended interactive breakout sessions on medicine, engineering, research, computer science and more – giving students the opportunity to learn by doing. Several female professionals working in STEM careers shared insights into their career paths, challenges and professional experiences. Presenters and mentors included:
- Lucy Liaw, Ph.D., Center for Molecular Medicine at MaineHealth Institute for Research
- Rebecca Robich, Ph.D. MaineHealth Institute for Research
- Eli Davies, Challenger Learning Center of Maine
- Kayla Christy, Fiber Materials Inc.
- Jess Dubois, M.S.Ed., RTR, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, Boston Scientific Cardiology
- Caitlin O’Rourke, Systems
- Christine Lary, Ph.D., The Roux Institute
- Kara Brunelle, Ph.D., The Baker Company
- Carol Zechman, M.S.W., LCSW, MaineHealth Dept. of Medical Education
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.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health. Maine STEM Goes Red is sponsored by MaineHealth Institute for Research, Boston Scientific, Delphi, Machias Savings Bank, Systems Engineering, Aspire365, cPort Credit Union, L.L. Bean, Baker, Challenger Learning Center, FMI – a Textech Company and The Roux Institute Northeastern University.
For more information about the Maine Go Red for Women movement, contact Lindsay Colle at LindsayColle@Heart.org or visit www.Heart.org/GoRedMaine.
[1] https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_GGGR_2023.pdf
[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