Heidi Kraak
While networking may often be considered something only working professionals take the time to do, some female year 10 students tried their hand at it on Thursday night at a STEM Sisters networking evening.
STEM Sisters is an extra-curricular activity hosted by Baw Baw Latrobe Local Learning and Employment Network which encourages female high school students in the Latrobe and Baw Baw regions to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.
The program was launched in March this year and has since held a number of events, networking opportunities and workplace tours for participating students to get a taste of a wide variety of potential STEM careers in different sectors and fields.
The networking evening on Thursday aimed to connect local women working in STEM careers, who are STEM Ambassadors through the program, with participating students.
The guest speaker for the evening was Justine Barrett who is studying her masters in marine and Antarctic science in Tasmania and who has returned from a ‘Homeward Bound’ expedition to Antarctica with a group of 80 female scientists.
Ms Barrett spoke about her experience in Antarctica, her passion for the environment and the value of women working together to solve big issues.
The STEM Sister ambassador booklet which lists STEM Sister ambassadors who are volunteers passionate about their careers, their organisations or STEM backgrounds and volunteer their time to support and promote STEM to young female learners in a range of original, creative and practical ways was launched on the evening.
Baw Baw Latrobe LLEN executive officer Lisa Price said it was a great evening for female students to meet the ambassadors.
“The evening was a fantastic opportunity for our STEM Sisters to connect with and learn from local women who are passionate about their careers in STEM,” she said.
“Our students are gaining a fantastic insight into STEM careers and pathways, whilst being inspired by our fabulous ambassadors.”
STEM Sisters is an extra-curricular activity hosted by Baw Baw Latrobe Local Learning and Employment Network which encourages female high school students in the Latrobe and Baw Baw regions to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.
The program was launched in March this year and has since held a number of events, networking opportunities and workplace tours for participating students to get a taste of a wide variety of potential STEM careers in different sectors and fields.
The networking evening on Thursday aimed to connect local women working in STEM careers, who are STEM Ambassadors through the program, with participating students.
The guest speaker for the evening was Justine Barrett who is studying her masters in marine and Antarctic science in Tasmania and who has returned from a ‘Homeward Bound’ expedition to Antarctica with a group of 80 female scientists.
Ms Barrett spoke about her experience in Antarctica, her passion for the environment and the value of women working together to solve big issues.
The STEM Sister ambassador booklet which lists STEM Sister ambassadors who are volunteers passionate about their careers, their organisations or STEM backgrounds and volunteer their time to support and promote STEM to young female learners in a range of original, creative and practical ways was launched on the evening.
Baw Baw Latrobe LLEN executive officer Lisa Price said it was a great evening for female students to meet the ambassadors.
“The evening was a fantastic opportunity for our STEM Sisters to connect with and learn from local women who are passionate about their careers in STEM,” she said.
“Our students are gaining a fantastic insight into STEM careers and pathways, whilst being inspired by our fabulous ambassadors.”
