Whitaker Center Announces Winners of the 2021 Women in STEM Awards Program
Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts
Serving Our Community Through Education, Entertainment and Art Since 1999.
Whitaker Center is proud to host the third annual Women of Impact: Celebrating Women in STEM Awards Program to recognize 16 women and one organization who have made significant contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Award winners will be recognized at an evening outdoor reception on September 22, 2021 held at West Shore Country Club.?
By highlighting the 17 award winners and the impact of their work on our community, Whitaker Center hopes to empower young women from all backgrounds and abilities to develop an interest in STEM. Despite making up nearly half of the workforce, women account for only 27% of STEM workers. Studies show that girls’ interests in STEM are shaped by their environment, meaning stereotypes surrounding STEM fields limit young girls’ confidence and interests in pursuing STEM subjects. This awards program is a unique opportunity to create diverse STEM role models and break stereotypes regarding STEM careers in Central PA.
“I am so excited to share the discoveries, innovations, and personal strides of our Women in STEM Award Winners.?Their impact on our community is immense and their work inspires me to work harder engaging young women in STEM careers, ensuring an even brighter future for our region” said Catherine Wilsbach, Whitaker Center Board Member, Women in STEM Committee Chair, and VP Development & Construction at Vartan Group.
The unique event benefits the Whitaker Center’s Girls in STEM Initiative, which has engaged more than 4,000 young girls in fun and welcoming STEM-related activities designed to build their confidence and interests. ?
This year’s Women of Impact: Celebrating Women in STEM Awards Program winners include:
Women to Watch – Class of 2021
Women under 40 who have made significant accomplishments in their STEM fields.
Ashmika Snyder, Capital BlueCross
Advocate
A woman who serves as an advocate for women and girls and has aided them to excel in STEM.
Game Changers
Women who have made an impact in their STEM field with an emphasis on inspiring others.
Shou Ling Leong, Penn State Health, Penn State College of Medicine
Elizabeth Proctor, Penn State Health, Penn State College of Medicine
Women Breaking Barriers?
Women who utilizes their position/expertise to engage a diverse community and break down barriers.
Winnie Okello, Young People of Color and H.A.R.P. (PennDOT)
Champion - Organization
A company that provides initiatives to support the advancement of women in STEM.
Champion - Individual
A person that provides initiatives to support the advancement of women in STEM.
Rising Star
A young female student making strides in her STEM education.
Legacy "WhitaHER”
A woman who has demonstrated superior leadership and has a significant track record of long-term achievements/accomplishments in STEM.
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Sponsorships are available at the Reception and Patron levels. Individual tickets can be purchased online. For more information on Whitaker Center’s Women in STEM Awards Program, visit whitakercenter.org or contact Michele Holloway, Vice President of Development, at [email protected].?You can also follow the movement on social media and share moments of your own using the #iempoweredagirl hashtag.
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Thank you to all who support this initiative!
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Director of Auditing at Hershey Creamery Company
3 年Woo Hoo. Congratulations Carrie Williams!!
Director, Employee Engagement at Hershey Creamery Company
3 年SO PROUD OF YOU Carrie Williams!!!!
Owner of BusyWork; President and Owner at Full Circle Vitality Group
3 年Carrie Williams, look at you! Jim Holder, Mary Kate Grimes, Bill Kirby