Work in STEM? Looking for inspiration? This event’s for you

There’s no question that there’s a shortage of women in STEM fields, and Delaware is no different. But this upcoming conference is out to change that.
The Delaware BioScience Association and the Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Alliance (DESCA) are teaming up to bring together women in STEM and empower them through a series of talks and workshops.
On Nov. 15, the Inspiring Women in STEM Conference will be held at DuPont Country Club beginning at 8 a.m.
Interested in attending?
Get tickets ($250)
The conference is currently in its fourth year. It started in 2013 when Inspiring Women in STEM founder Jennifer Kmiec was the executive director at the DESCA, she approached Delaware Bio with the idea of organizing the conference. Along with co-chair Helen Stimson from the Delaware Bio board, they were able to secure Ellen Kullman, who was with DuPont at the time, and Terri Kelly from Gore. That year, the event sold out with 300 attendees.
Kmiec’s favorite part of the event is the signature session, a fireside chat between STEM leaders. “They just talk about their journey and professional journey, what it’s been like being a woman rising to leadership,” she said. “We’re mostly soft-skill development, so we focus on things how to networking, communicating to be heard.”
This year, Lori Palmer has become co-chair. She explained why the conference is so important. “When younger STEM professionals see women in executive positions and hear their stories, they are more likely to remain in STEM-related fields,” Palmer said.
According to Million Women Mentors, only 4 percent of female students were encouraged to pursue STEM by a mentor and only three of every 12 women who earn bachelor degrees in a STEM field will remain in STEM after 10 years.
The event is two months away, but tickets are on sale now.