STEM women to tell their stories

HAWLEY — Women who have distinguished themselves in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) will talk about their professional and life experiences at a breakfast symposium on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at The Heritage Nightclub at Woodloch.
The forum will encourage attendees to pursue careers, exchange ideas, and make lasting connections. Women in STEM occupations are encouraged to attend, to interact with others during the program.
“Demonstrating to people of any age that there are jobs here in Northeast Pennsylvania is so important,” said Lucyann Vierling, executive director of the Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance, one of the symposium's sponsors. "Career awareness and exploration is most effective when it includes real people from your hometown that work in cool jobs. Talking to professionals and hearing why they chose a certain career path is so helpful to the decision-making process."
Lacawac Sanctuary and Field Station is another sponsor.
“Attracting more women in STEM occupations will maximize innovation, creativity and competitiveness. With a more diverse workforce, the direction of scientific inquiry will be guided by a broader array of experiences,” said Craig Lukatch, sanctuary president.
Tickets may be purchased at lacawac-outreach.org/women-in-science-breakfast.html.
For more information contact Craig Lukatch at 570-689-9494 or craig.lukatch@lacawac.org; or Cheryl Duquette, Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance, at 570-390-7613 or cduquette@wpworkforce.org.

Panelists

Sarah Hall-Bagdonas — Program Manager, Northern Tier Hardwood Association
Patti Duncan — Discovery Education
Brittany Gross — Veterinarian andRaw Milk Producer, Gross Family Dairy
Linda Helgerman — Information Services Supervisor, Wayne Memorial Health System
Katie Lester — Compliance Specialist,Brookfield Renewable Energy Group
Amanda Fedorka — Physical Therapist, Progressive Health
Vicki Stanavitch — Program Coordinator for the Biological and Physical Sciences, Keystone College

Schedule

8 a.m.:
Networking and breakfast
9:15 -1 0 :45 a.m.:
Welcome and opening remarks
Keynote address from Senator Lisa Baker, Chair, Pennsylvania Senate Labor and Industry Committee discussing "Overcoming Obstacles to Achievement and Satisfaction
Panelist presentations
10:45 a.m.:
Question-and-answer session with the panelists and STEM attendees
Information and resources from Higher Education and Business sponsors tables

Sponsors

The sponsors will showcase their programs and fields of study offering resources to attendees considering STEM related careers
Brookfield Energy
East Stroudsburg University
Johnson College
Keystone College
Lackawanna College
Luzerne County Community College
Northampton Community College
Penn State Worthington Scranton
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Region 2
Pike County Conservation
UGI
Wilkes University