EDGE in Tech Athena Awards 2024 | Next-Generation Engagement Award - Women in STEM (WISTEM)

The EDGE in Tech Athena Awards, the Next Generation Engagement Award recognizes organizations or programs that encourage girls or young women to pursue interests in STEM careers.

Nominated by Maddie Stearns, WiSTEM's President from 2022-23 and current Board of Director member, this award is being presented to WiSTEM and is being accepted on the organization's behalf by Carolyn He, President of WiSTEM.

Founded in 2017 at the University of Chicago Lab Schools, WiSTEM has become a pivotal force in bridging social justice with STEM education. Recognizing gender disparity in STEM fields, WiSTEM has implemented dual-driven approaches to address both the attitudes toward women in STEM and the limited opportunities available at the high school level.

WiSTEM's initiatives, including constructive discussions, guest speaker events, and a mentorship program that pairs high school students with university mentors, have been instrumental in creating effective and comprehensive programs. This strategic approach, guided by a diverse range of expert advice and quantitative research, has empowered WiSTEM to inspire girls at a critical decision-making age and introduce them to potential STEM careers.

Now in its eighth year, the annual EDGE in Tech Symposium highlights the experiences of experts "Advancing Health Tech for All." #HealthTechforAll Panels span telehealth, IoT, medical imaging, sensors, and AI. The symposium was a great introduction to many of the ways technology is changing healthcare and promoting a greater healthspan for all. It also showcased jobs and roles for technologists in health and career paths the speakers took to get there. This event also features the EDGE in Tech Initiative Athena Awards, recognizing those who have championed the advancement of women and people of color in technology.

Thank you to the symposium sponsors and supporters: Siemens, Sandia National Labs, Berkeley Engineering, UC Davis College of Engineering, Baskin School of Engineering at UCSC, Bakar Fellows Program, IoT4Ag at UC Merced, and philanthropist Carla Itzkowich, who made a generous contribution in honor of her father.

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EDGE in Tech at the University of California (EDGE in Tech) is run by CITRIS and Banatao Institute and is committed to addressing the challenges faced by women and other under-included identities in engineering and computer science fields by serving as a trusted center and resource that integrates research with action.

CITRIS and the Banatao Institute is a University of California research center focused on creating IT solutions that generate societal and economic benefits for everyone.