Over 200 students attended the Women in STEM event during tutorial and lunch on Thursday, Feb. 27, featuring a panel discussion with industry professionals and networking opportunities for female students interested in STEM fields.
Organized by math and computer science teacher Nick Blackford, the event aimed to address the gender disparities seen within STEM classes by exposing students to female professionals in the industry. Staff from AT&T and the Walnut Valley Water District were present, along with California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (CPP) and Walnut High School alumni.
“I feel like I got more knowledge about how many careers there are for women in STEM,” senior attendee Sophia Mendoza said. “It’s really broad, and I got to meet different organizations like [CPP]’s Women in STEM club.”
Attendees had the chance to meet the representatives from various organizations, ask questions and explore different career possibilities.
“The panel and the [demonstrations] made an impression. The stories that the panelists told about their path into [the] industry resonated with a lot of [students]. Our goal for the event wasn’t necessarily to have students come out of that and [decide] to major in chemistry. It was more just showing that there are different paths to become a professional in the industry and the different opportunities they have,” Blackford said.
Students also engaged in interactive activities, gaining hands-on experience in different STEM fields. Cal Poly Pomona and Walnut High School clubs provided demonstrations such as a banana that played musical notes and a sheep brain dissection to immerse students in scientific concepts. Lunch was also provided to the students and volunteers by Raising Cane’s and Starbucks.
“My favorite part was talking to the guests and learning about how they got into their respective fields,” senior and event volunteer Chloe Cheng said. “I found it very inspiring and fun to get to know the speakers and [CPP] students.”
Blackford hopes to continue hosting similar events in the future to further inspire students and connect them with professionals in the STEM industry.
“It’s going to hopefully become an annual thing. We can bring in different panelists and change the format,” Blackford said. “Trying to have outreach, opportunities and events like this are going to draw in students that aren’t necessarily already interested in STEM. It’s where we’re going to make the most impact.”
![CPR certified | Medical Pathway students sophomore Mina Thongsaeng (left) and Chloe Yang practice performing CPR on a practice manikin. “I wanted to [take this class] to learn how to do CPR and learn skills such as taking vitals because it’s realistic to what you have to do in an actual hospital,” Thongsaeng said.](https://whshoofprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/000B7285-DD69-4FBA-9881-A33CADC137C1-1200x800.jpeg)
