Campus Academic Advisor Michelle Warkentin, along with seniors Kristen Rosenthal and Taylor Neufeld, attended the seminar which focused on careers in math and science from 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m..
The event was sponsored by DeVry University and Girl Scouts of Central California South. The day’s theme was “Be an Innovator,” and the purpose was to inspire young women who are interested in STEM careers to follow their aspirations in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
According to Neufeld, she is thankful for the opportunity she had to attend the Her World conference, due to her personal career goals and interest in promoting woman power.
“I am glad I went to HER World because of two reasons,” Neufeld said. “First, I want to major in science, either nursing or marine biology, and the workshop gave me a better look on how to accomplish my goal. Secondly, I am all for promoting girl power in the world since women have not had rights for very long. We are still gradually being accepted into male dominated careers and I feel that the more women interested in pursuing that goal of being accepted the easier it will come.”
Throughout the day, the girls were assigned activities to think outside the box about how they could use their fields of interest to help solve world problems.
We heard from several female leaders who have been successful in their careers and are passionate about helping young girls do the same. Women from diverse areas of study were represented, giving attendees a wide scope of career possibilities. — Michelle Warkentin, academic advisor
Around 190 girls were in attendance from the following high schools schools: Fresno Christian, Sunnyside, Cambridge, DeWolf, Fresno, Bullard, Edison, Hoover, McLane, Tulare Tech Prep, and Fowler.
During the workshop, various speakers delivered messages concerning their professional fields in order to give the students a wide range of examples to consider for themselves.
“We heard from several female leaders who have been successful in their careers and are passionate about helping young girls do the same,” Warkentin said. “Women from diverse areas of study were represented, giving attendees a wide scope of career possibilities.”
One of the keynote speakers was Cathy Ferguson, CEO of Girl Scouts Central California and swimming Olympic Gold medalist. Other speakers included Margaret Mims, Fresno County Sheriff, Eloise Golden, a former metallurgical engineer, and 2011 Miss Fresno County, Valerie Salcedo.
While male power is dominate in most workplaces, women continue to receiver lower wages. Along with HER World encouraging girls to go into STEM careers, Warkentin aims to inspire more girls to change the statistics.
“STEM careers are still predominately male and in many work places women continue to receive a lower pay grade than men,” Warkentin said. “The hope is to turn this statistics around by inspiring more girls to enter these professions.”
For more information on the HER World event, go to KFSN ABC30 and/or check out Female HS Students represent in ‘Her World’.
Self-doubt is one of the biggest obstacles young women often face. The speakers stressed that once girls become aware of the unique talents and ideas they have to offer, their options are limitless. When girls have a desire for something and are inspired to make a difference, Warkentin says that they are off to a great start.
“It was great to hear from professionals in these fields who faced difficult obstacles, but continued to pursue their dreams in order to get where they are today,” Warkentin said. “Their stories were inspirational and offered hope to girls who have a desire to make a difference, but need some inspiration on how to start on the right path.”
This event was a great reminder about the opportunities available to women in the STEM fields. Areas such as engineering and technology are always expanding and there is a great need for women in these careers. Due to her experience this year, Warkentin looks forward to bringing more girls next year.
“My hope for next year is to bring many more girls to represent Fresno Christian at this exciting event,” Warkentin said. “HER World surpassed my expectations and I look forward to the speakers and inspirational message next year’s event will bring.”
Warkentin went on to say she appreciated the honesty of the speakers regarding the hardships they encountered and discrimination they often faced on their journey. But even more inspiring was how three out of the four gave glory to God for giving them the strength to accomplish their dreams. Neufeld agreed with her assessment.
“I think the best moment of the convention was listening to the women speakers who have been discriminated and doubted on what they did or wanted to do in their lives,” Neufeld said. “It gave me more of a nudge towards pursuing my goals even if I doubt myself.”
For more news, read the March 4 article, Kid’s Day encourages community to participate.
