American Heart Association’s Buffalo 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, Go Red for Women®’s STEM Goes Red to Buffalo. STEM Goes Red addresses the underrepresentation of women in STEM and inspires young women to pursue rewarding careers in STEM fields.
The American Heart Association Go Red for Women movement also celebrates Friday, February 6, as National Wear Red Day®. We wear RED to raise awareness about women’s No. 1 killer. When women come together for a good cause, there is nothing they can’t achieve.
Buffalo STEM Goes Red, sponsored by Jacobs Institute, Catholic Health, Linde, Thermo Fisher Scientific and in-kind donor Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, 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.
“STEM Goes Red reflects the American Heart Association’s long history of leadership in science and education, while giving young women hands-on exposure to careers in STEM,” said Megan Vargulick, executive director of the American Heart Association Buffalo. “By sparking interest and confidence at an early age, we are helping prepare the next generation of scientists, health professionals and innovators who will shape the future of our communities.”
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.
Buffalo STEM Goes Red brought over 70 high school girls from seven Buffalo City Schools to Jacobs Institute and the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UB:
- Research Lab High School
- Health Sciences Charter School
- Charter School for Applied Technologies
- Math, Science, and Technology Prep School
- Bocces New Vision
- Tapestry Charter School
- Global Concepts Charter School
Throughout the day, students participated in hands-on breakout sessions designed to introduce them to a wide range of STEM careers. Activities included Hands-Only CPR, suturing, occupational therapy skills and coding simulations, giving students the opportunity to learn by doing. Students also explored exhibitor tables staffed by STEM-focused organizations from across Buffalo, connecting them with local resources, programs and career pathways. Midday, students gathered for a panel discussion featuring women working in STEM, who shared insights into their career paths, challenges and professional experiences.:
- Joan Geary, PMP- associate director, Technology and Planning, Linde
- JoAnne Cobler, M.D., FACC, FACP – cardiologist, Buffalo Medical Group
- Sharon Wittman-Klein, PA-C – physician assistant, Catholic Health
- TashJaé Scales, Ph.D., MS – scientist, Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Olivia Zanelli – associate project manager, Moog Inc.
“STEM Goes Red is a critical initiative because it expands access and opportunity for young women to explore careers in STEM fields where gender gaps persist,” said Pamela Marcucci, vice president of programs at the Jacobs Institute. “By inspiring the next generation of women leaders in science and technology, we are helping to build a stronger, more innovative future—one where diverse perspectives drive solutions that improve health and save lives.”
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health. For more information about the Buffalo Go Red for Women movement, contact Shannon Cercone at Shannon.Cercone@Heart.org or visit Heart.org/GoRedBuffalo.
[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