Empowering young women: g4g's epic STEM adventure at the US Embassy!
We at g4g, along with the amazing team at the US Embassy Brussels, recently hosted an event that was nothing short of fantastic. Our g4g STEM EXPLORATORIA on May 29th brought together an extraordinary mix of young women, mentors, and educators, all driven by a shared passion for exploring and expanding the exciting world of STEM. It was a day filled with inspiration, learning, and unforgettable moments! This event on the 29th was the first out of four in our series, and we are thrilled to announce that there are three more opportunities to join us in October. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this amazing experience and register here to secure your spot for the upcoming events:
What was the impact?
The event saw a vibrant gathering of 52 enthusiastic young girls, accompanied by 15 dedicated team members, mentors, and inspiring speakers, along with teachers and parents. The energy in the room was exciting, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. On a scale of 1 to 10, the day was rated an impressive 8.14, and a remarkable 8.5 for recommending the experience to a friend!
A surge in STEM awareness!
One of the most significant outcomes of the event was the 34% increase in awareness about career potential in STEM fields. This heightened awareness underscores the effectiveness of the event in opening new vistas for the young women who attended. When asked to describe the day in one word, participants chose expressions like "EXTRAORDINARY," "Eye-opening," "Amazing," "Awesome," "Innovative," and "Inspiring." These words reflect the transformative impact of the event, leaving hearts singing and minds buzzing with new ideas.
Inspirational mentors and speakers
The mentors and speakers at our event left an unforgettable mark on every participant. Each one was highlighted as a source of inspiration, demonstrating the incredible impact of their stories and insights. Among these remarkable professionals were Maritza Formisano from UN Women, Karen de Sousa Pesse from Salesforce, Kathy Guerra from the US Embassy, and our very own founder, Melissa Rancourt. Their passion and dedication shone through as they discussed a diverse array of STEM and sustainability topics. The participants were deeply moved, finding new role models and igniting their own dreams of making a difference in the world.
Maritza Formisano, Deputy Director of UN Women, delivered an inspiring speech that encouraged young women to break barriers, emphasizing the importance of gender equality and the impact they can make in creating a sustainable future.
Karen de Sousa Pesse, Senior Executive from Salesforce gave an inspiring speech that motivated girls to pursue STEM careers, sharing her own journey to show that with determination and perseverance, success is always within reach, no matter the challenges.
Aspiring for the future
The event also served as a springboard for the participants to envision their future careers. When asked about their dream careers, the young women expressed interests in fields such as bioengineering, biomedical science, psychology, engineering, mathematics, marine biology, astrophysics, and business & economics. This wide array of interests highlights the broad appeal and potential of STEM careers.
Words of wisdom
The advice from participants to their peers about studying STEM was both heartfelt and compelling: "You discover new things every day," "Go for it," "The world needs you," and "It opens up many doors." These sentiments encapsulate the empowering message of the event and its potential to inspire future generations of women in STEM.
Unforgettable experiences!
When asked about their favorite part of the day, participants mentioned "everything," with specific highlights including hearing mentors share their stories, brainstorming sessions, engaging experiments, meeting new people, and collaborating with others. The joy of finding friends with similar interests and the overall excitement of the event were palpable. One participant summed it up perfectly: "everything!!! mostly meeting super amazing people!!!"
Join us for the next g4g STEM EXPLORATORIA
Held at the US Embassy Brussels, the g4g STEM EXPLORATORIA was more than just an event—it was a launchpad for dreams and a testament to the power of mentorship and collaboration. The 3-hour sessions offered on May 29th provided young women aged 15-20 with a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals and ignite their creativity. You might be wondering when the next g4g US Embassy event is going to be? Mark your calendars for October 2nd, 16th, and 23rd this year! Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this inspiring journey. Stay tuned and embark on your own path to invent your future with g4g!
