On Monday, November 18, ASEZ volunteers in Washington, D.C., gathered at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center to host the third event in the Future Leader Series, focusing on Women in STEM. The event featured a panel discussion to encourage girls and young women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). The goal was to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields and highlight how advancing women in STEM can support global sustainable development.
The event brought together over 200 attendees, including students, professionals, and distinguished guests from organizations such as the U.S. Department of Defense, the National Institutes of Health, and FEMA. Moreover, ASEZ volunteers from universities like George Mason, Howard University, and Northern Virginia Community College played an important role in organizing the event.
Shaping the Future of STEM for Women
The forum began with an introduction to ASEZ and its global efforts to empower university students for sustainability through the SAVE Movement. The focus of the event was on United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #5, Gender Equality, and how women can be empowered to fully participate in leadership roles across all fields.
The event highlighted the contributions of women in STEM and featured a panel discussion with trailblazing women in the field. Panelists included Grace Stanke, Miss America 2023 and nuclear engineer; Dr. Elise Miller-Hooks, Department Chair of Civil Engineering at GMU; Dr. Ruth Siboni, NASA’s Moon to Mars Program Manager; and Dr. Christine Michienzi, former Senior Technology Advisor at the U.S. Department of Defense. The panelists shared personal experiences about overcoming challenges in male-dominated fields, the importance of mentorship, and the need for more inclusivity in STEM.
In conclusion, U.S. Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson inspired the audience in his speech about continuing to work toward gender equality in STEM. He reminded everyone, “You are not part of the future; you are the future!”
To view more ASEZ events, please click here.
