Look Ahead
The Look Ahead track focuses on building a future where people of all genders and diverse backgrounds can pursue their ambitions and thrive in STEM. This track features three panels that will inspire and motivate change for the next generation.
Time and Date: 9:45–10:45 am on Saturday, May 4
Session Type: Panel
Panelists: Cicely Belle Blain, Tatyana Daniels, Danniele Livengood (moderator), Stevie Thuy Anh Nguyen, and Katherine Shadwick
There's a lot of attention paid to the issue of women's low participation in STEM fields, but the diversity that drives innovation is about more than gender. This panel will discuss some of the intersections of identity that further impact the participation of marginalized communities in STEM fields. Learn the impact of things like tokenism and microaggressions so you can advocate for a better culture in your field.
Time and Date: 11:00 am–12:00 pm on Saturday, May 4
Session Type: Panel
Panelists: Alison Anderson, Karimah Es Sabar, Edoye Porbeni, and Anna Stukas (moderator)
Innovations arise when the status quo is challenged—when people question "the way things have always been done" and look at problems from new angles. Several studies have pointed to diversity as being a fundamental component of innovation; diversity inherently brings different perspectives to solving a problem. While this may be great in principle, the practicalities of achieving diversity in STEM fields can be challenging. This panel explores how diversity fuels innovation, strategies for improving diversity in your organization, and highlights stories of both challenges and successes in driving innovation through diversity.
Time and Date: 1:45–2:45 pm on Saturday, May 4
Session Type: Panel
Panelists: Caroline Andrewes (moderator), Dr. Khristine Carino, Shaylene Dekock-Kruger, Dr. Jennifer Jakobi, and Christina Tessier
Role models inspire us, support us, and help us define who we want to be. No matter where they sit in life's organization chart, we look up to them. This makes it incredibly daunting to be one. This panel discussion brings together amazing women to address one question: how do you be a role model?