Four graduates of Harrisburg University of Science and Technology are part of a video put forth by The Pennsylvania Commission for Women to highlight women in various STEM careers and encourage girls to consider a future in STEM.
The alumnae submitted videos describing they work they do, their education journey and why they chose to have a career in STEM. The video submissions have been uploaded to YouTube and the Pennsylvania Commission for Women’s website, so girls across the state can watch and learn about careers in STEM.
The four Harrisburg University graduates sharing their stories are listed below in the order of their appearances in the video:
- Sweta Shah, (Class of 2017, M.S. Project Management) Functional Analyst, TestingXperts
- Angel Brown (Class of 2021, B.S. Interactive Media) Post Grad Marketing Intern, Nerd Street Gamers
- Alexandria Keener Hammond, (Class of 2014, B.S. New Media Design & Production) Owner and Operator, My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe
- Tiara Evans, (Class of 2017, B.S. Biology) Associate Scientist (Toxicology), Quest Diagnostics
The video can be found on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwhKWDWZML0&list=PLPptG_EW3WhST-80idk3Nw69Ym4q9oa1W&index=2&t=460s
“The goal of this project is to allow girls and young women to explore STEM opportunities and spark their interest in pursuing a career in STEM,” said Commission for Women Executive Director Moriah Hathaway. We know that women are less likely to have careers in STEM, so we wanted to be a part of the solution by hosting this event. We know that if we introduce girls at an early age to STEM opportunities, they are more likely to enjoy STEM subjects and feel empowered to consider a career in STEM. We are hoping that the girls feel inspired by the videos that were sent in and can envision themselves enjoying similar jobs in their future.”
The video was part of a Women in STEM event held November 8th in Harrisburg. The Governor and First Lady Wolf were also in attendance at the event. They offered remarks, encouraging the girls to pursue their STEM interests, and commending the Commission for their work.
“Investing in STEM education and workforce development is a top priority for my administration, which is why I launched the innovative PAsmart program in 2018,” said Gov. Wolf. “If we want a commonwealth that is competitive economically, then we need a workforce that is ready for the careers of tomorrow. But as long as racial and gender gaps persist in STEM education and careers, Pennsylvania isn’t living up to its full potential. Thank you to the Commission for Women and their partners for using STEM Day to put a spotlight on this issue, and for helping girls all across Pennsylvania learn about STEM, connect to mentors and envision future STEM careers for themselves.”
“Many of the jobs of the future are STEM related, and it’s vital that our women and girls are equipped with the skills and confidence to pursue them and close the gender gap we know exists in these fields,” said First Lady Wolf. “The Wolf Administration continues to support this effort through initiatives like PAsmart, and I am beyond excited to see the Commission for Women building on this by connecting young girls with successful, professional women in STEM and encouraging them to strive for their goals. It is empowering and inspiring, and I am looking forward to more great work from the commission.”
Sarah Greene, Director of the Bureau of State Library said, “The State Library of Pennsylvania is a proud supporter of STEM education and the Pennsylvania Commission for Women. The State Library engages with community partners and Pennsylvania libraries to encourage the incorporation of STEM into diverse library programs. During the National STEM Day event, State Library staff will be guiding Girl Scouts in microscopy, fossils, robotics and some simple coding, fostering a love of science and learning.”
“The need for STEM talent has never been greater. It is an economic imperative for us to encourage as many girls and women to be part of the innovation economy to grow and sustain our businesses in our state. Also, these jobs are well paying, creating economic stability for the girls’ future,” said Commissioner and Chief Marketing Officer of Chariot Solutions, Tracey Welson-Rossman.
Harrisburg University’s undergraduate student body is 34% female. HU’s graduate student body is 47 percent female and its faculty is 38 percent female.