Lehigh Times

The Pennsylvania Commission for Women recently held its second annual National STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Day Event at the Pennsylvania State Museum, which had a focus on encouraging young women to pursue a STEM career.

According to a recent press release, the Nov. 16 event included videos from 15 women around Pennsylvania who are in STEM careers. They discussed their education and involvement in STEM, and what drove them to choose that type of career. The videos are on YouTube and the commission website for viewing. 

“Our commission is so excited to be hosting our second annual National STEM Day event. One of our priorities is to increase the number of women in STEM careers in Pennsylvania. This project allows girls and young women to explore STEM opportunities,” Commission for Women Executive Director Moriah Hathaway said. “We wanted to introduce girls at an early age to STEM opportunities, so 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.”

Joining the Commission for Women was the Girl Scouts of the Heart of Pennsylvania. President and CEO Janet Donovan said the Girl Scouts were excited to take part in the day. The girls were able to join in activities that helped them earn badges.

“As one of the four pillars in Girl Scouting, STEM programs – girl-focused STEM programs — lead to critical thinkers, better grades and the foundation for a successful future. We are so proud to be part of that experience,” Donovan said.

Gov. Tom Wolf also weighed in on the importance of STEM jobs and for students to take advantage of the state’s programs to help build their skills.

“We need to take a strategic approach to ensure that today’s students and workers have the skills they need for tomorrow’s jobs,” Gov. Wolf said. “That’s why, in 2018, I launched the PAsmart initiative, which introduced STEM and computer science programs into hundreds of schools, and helped bridge the gap between the classroom and well-paying jobs by building a new apprenticeship program."

First Lady Frances Wolf commended the Commission for Women for promoting this to women across the state and showing them that women have a place in STEM fields.

“Women in STEM careers continue to move the commonwealth forward, keeping our industries competitive and Pennsylvania a great place to work and live,” First Lady Wolf said. “We know that science, technology, engineering and mathematics are the future, and it is imperative that we keep preparing our young women for these jobs.

Video submissions were received from the women listed below:

• Lesli Kunkle, Wolfgang Confectioners, director of food safety and quality
• Tonya Nye, Wolfgang Confectioners, vice president of customer care
• Michelle Finch, Wolfgang Confectioners, senior director of work force development
• Danielle Klein, The ButterBee Foundation, founder/ executive director
• Arianna Sindelar, Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation, park naturalist
• Hannah Smith-Brubaker, Pasa Sustainable Agriculture, executive director
• Katrin Hillner, PCN (PC Network Inc.), president & CEO
• Jen Fetter, Penn State Extension, Water Resources
• Joyce Sakamoto, Penn State University, assistant research professor
• Becca Refford, Chariot Solutions, Design and Marketing
• Margarita Uribe-Lopez, Penn State University, professor
• Johnna Goble, Shippensburg University, mathematics professor
• Jodi Gauker, Chester County Economic Development Council, agriculture project director
• Crystal Daughtry, Delta Airlines, mechanic
• Wendy Jackson-Dowe, Sky Pix Group, president, engineer, Federal Aviation Administration-certified drone pilot
• Tracy Langkilde, Penn State Eberly College of Science, Verne M. Willaman dean
• Kishi Qiang, Kulicke and Soffa Industries Inc., engineer