When Katherine Johnson began her career in 1953 at National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, the predecessor to NASA, there were few opportunities for women in mathematics outside of teaching, especially for a minority woman.
Today, women have more career opportunities in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, but there is still a great disparity when it comes to women and minorities pursuing these careers. According to the National Science Foundation, women make up only 29 percent of engineering and science workforce and Hispanics, African-Americans and Native Americans make up 11 percent.
Part of SUPERGirls SHINE Foundation’s ongoing effort to bridge the gap in STEM education and careers, the nonprofit is bringing together women immersed in a variety of STEM disciplines to engage girls and young ladies ages 10 to 24 as well as parents and community members in a discussion about career opportunities available to them. This event is free with registration and open to the public. The event take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017 at African American Library at The Gregory School, 1300 Victor St., Houston, TX 77019.
The open and thought-provoking discussion aims to get students and parents to think critically about and ask themselves about the following:
- What are my options?
- Where should I go to high school/college?
- How did you get to your level?
- What courses and camps should I focus on?
- What can I do now to prepare?
Panelists
Loretta Williams Gurnell
Moderator, SUPERLady LIVE MOVEMENT
Patricia Akinfenwa, Ph.D.
Houston Methodist
Toni Johnson Crawford
Enterprise Products
Jennifer Doe, M.D.
Houston Medical Imaging
Andrea Kelly
The Boeing Company
Val G. Mendoza
National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences
Josephine West
San Jacinto College – Nursing Program
LaTerrica Yarbrough
Baylor College of Medicine
About SUPERGirls SHINE Foundation
SUPERGirls SHINE Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that mentors girls, ages 10-17, from inner city and underserved communities, and exposes them science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers and initiatives, and leadership training and opportunities. The foundation was launched in January 2015 by Loretta Williams Gurnell, president and chief mentor of SUPERLady LIVE MOVEMENT, based on the needs expressed by mothers who wanted their daughters to be better engaged in STEM education to better prepare for careers in the 21st century.