2023 Texas Women and Girls in STEM Summit 

December 1, 2023 - Hosted on Zoom

Educators and advocates from across Texas and beyond joined the Texas Girls Collaborative Project (TxGCP) for our 7th Annual Texas Women and Girls in STEM Summit designed to share effective practices, connect organizations and individuals, and showcase outstanding efforts to increase the number of girls in STEM and support the retention of women in STEM careers.  STEM professionals and all who are engaged in education, outreach, recruitment, and/or retention of women and girls in STEM are invited to join in.

Presentations and Resources:

1. Visit the TxGCP YouTube channel for the 2023 Summit Playlist

2. Access presentations and resources in the Summit Google Drive Folder

Agenda

• 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Tech Test Time (Can you navigate to a breakout room?), Collaborative Whiteboard Creation, Networking Breakouts (Zoom)

• 8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Welcome, Stand Up for STEM Awards, Lightning Talks, Speed Networking (Zoom)
  Join in a high-energy welcome session celebrating the 2023 Texas Stand Up for STEM Awardees and featuring 2 Lightning Talks. Connect with participants, awardees, and speakers during a few rounds of fast-paced Zoom breakout Speed Networking to kick off the day!

  • Lightning Talk #1: Fighting Biases in STEM Using Comics and Inclusive Teaching

    Can presenting STEM in comic form fight against gender, racial, and other biases? This session will discuss the experience of a software engineer, scientific researcher, comic artist, and former computer science professor aiming to radically dismantle the high-pressure, inaccessible approach elite schools take toward STEM education. This session will also discuss how comics and other more accessible forms of STEM presentation must be supplemented by other inclusive teaching methods as well as the dismantling of structural and institutional biases to create an elite, yet inclusive, learning environment that pushes students to master advanced, complex STEM topics.

    Presented by:
    Chand John, Independent Educator, Researcher, and Software Engineer, CS-comics.com

  • Lightning Talk #2: STEM-ulating Minds: Unleashing Creativity in Your School

    STEM-ulating Minds embraces the idea that STEM components and literacy naturally intersect and support one another. Utilizing knowledge from a STEM-certified librarian, attendees will learn about current trends in STEM and how to apply them, immediately and long-term, to their library, English Language Arts, and other classes and curricula, regardless of grade level and time limits.

    Presented by:
    Amanda Chacon, Librarian, Sheldon ISD

• 9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Opening Featured Session: We are STILL our Ancestors' Wildest Dream: Learning from Black Women Leading STEM Nonprofits (Zoom)

  Back by popular demand from the 2022 Summit, don’t miss this inspiring and important featured session!

  Public school data reveals that Black girls, especially those from underserved communities, experience the brunt of the unequal distribution of and access to quality STEM learning experiences over their schooling. Given our current politicized educational landscape, this session will resume last year's conversation with panelists sharing what they've learned in their leadership experiences since last year's Summit. The goal of this session is to share updates on or reinforce solutions to engage more Black and Brown girls in STEM outside the school day to advance gender and racial equity in STEM in ways meaningful and sustainable. In this panel discussion, the audience is encouraged to pose questions from Black women STEM leaders as they share insights and strategies for humanizing Black and Brown girls in STEM education. Panelists include:

  • Shane Woods, Executive Director, Girlstart

  • Saki Milton, Executive Director & Founder, The GEMS Camp

  • Dr. Toni Harrison-Kelly, Executive Director, Southern Methodist University, The Budd Center

  • Dr. Jennifer C. Stimpson, Founder, National Association of Black STEM Educators

  • Dr. Shakiyya Bland, Ed.D., Mathematics Educator in Residence, Just Equations

• 10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Break: Zoom Breakouts Open for Networking

• 10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Concurrent Sessions #1

  • #1A: Moving Beyond Informal STEM Curriculum: Intentional Engagement (Zoom - Breakout A)

    This session will give participants tools to increase and re-engage girls of differing ethnicities and races in their STEM programs. Intentionality increases students' ability to take risks, allowing them to build confidence to learn something new because they feel seen and heard. Through intentional engagement, girls will return as peer mentors, later as college counselors, and seek additional opportunities your program offers. During this session, participants will have the chance to learn how to make their impact measurable.

    Presented by:
    Dawn Hunter, Program Manager, University of Texas at Austin
    Yaritza Kenyon, Computer Science Junior, Texas State University

  • #1B: Tech Is More Than Computers Navigating STEM Careers with Purpose (Zoom - Breakout B)

    In an increasingly tech-driven world, it's essential to recognize that "tech" encompasses more than just computers and coding. This workshop hosted by the Austin Urban Technology Movement (AUTMHQ) will explore the broader values, goals, and professional pathways available within the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field.

    Key takeaways include 1) a broader understanding of STEM careers and opportunities; 2) insight into how AUTMHQ's values can inform and enrich one's STEM journey; 3) tools for setting values-driven career goals; and 4) strategies for professional development and success in STEM.

    Presented by:
    Alejandra Alcaraz, Director of Community Engagement and Outreach, Austin Urban Technology Movement
    Hannah McKeating, Director of Workforce Innovation, Austin Urban Technology Movement
    Renata Estes, Marketing Coordinator, Austin Urban Technology Movement

• 11:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Break: Zoom Breakouts Open for Networking

• 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Concurrent Sessions #2

  • #2A: Data Divas: Unlocking the Power of Data Science (Zoom - Breakout A)

    Discover the captivating power of data science through engaging activities that utilize free digital tools like Adobe, Canva and Google Collab. Harness the popularity of TikTok and Starbucks to create real-world examples to explore the vast realm of Data Science. Let’s unlock the potential of these opportunities for your students, with ready-made lessons you can incorporate in your classroom tomorrow.

    Presented by:
    Brittany Templeton, Assistant Director for Computer Science and Mathematics, Rice University

  • #2B: Emerging Leaders in STEM: Using Near Peer Mentors to Increase Young Women in STEM Careers (Zoom - Breakout B)

    The Emerging Leaders in STEM program pairs high school and college women as near-peer mentors and connects them with diverse professionals from STEM careers, with a focus on the biotechnology and engineering fields. The program combines near-peer mentoring with authentic laboratory experiences and introduces students to female luminaries from all across the spectrum of STEM careers. The combination of career-focused activities, intensive laboratories, and meeting female STEM professionals creates in students a sense of belonging in STEM.

    This session will describe the success we have had in increasing student knowledge of STEM career opportunities and in increasing student confidence to be successful in pursuing a career in STEM.

    Presented by:
    Benedetta Naglieri, Senior Program Manager, Learning Undefeated

• 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. Break: Zoom Breakouts Open for Networking

• 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Concurrent Sessions #3

  • #3A: Empowering Women in STEM: Stories of Success and Inclusion (Zoom - Breakout A)

    Explore the inspiring journey of women who have made significant strides in STEM fields while fostering diversity and inclusion. This panel, representing the Austin Urban Technology Movement (AUTMHQ), will delve into the experiences of accomplished women in STEM and share insights on how they reached their current positions. Moreover, we'll shed light on how AUTMHQ plays a pivotal role in supporting its mission to bridge the gap for marginalized communities in the technology industry.

    Presented by:
    Facilitator: Hannah McKeating, Director of Workforce Innovation, Austin Urban Technology Movement
    Tasha McCarter, Vice President of Project Engineering at RWE
    Acacia Erhardt, Carbon Markets Manager at CarbonCure Technologies
    Kathryn Zehner, Product Manager, Video Discovery at Pinterest

  • #3B: Strategies from VentureLab’s Entrepreneurial Mindset Course for Educators (Zoom - Breakout B)

    Grow entrepreneurial thinking for your students and yourself, parents and teachers, volunteers and administrators, during school and after school with strategies from VentureLab's evidence-based  Entrepreneurial Mindset Course for Educators. This evidence-based program helps you practice specific strategies to grow your entrepreneurial thinking in your personal life and professional practice and can be used by individuals or groups seeking to imbue their culture with empathy, adaptability, and optimism…all the entrepreneurial mindsets and skills we want to see in the youth we serve!

    Presented by:
    Dr. Cristal Glangchai, VentureLab

  • #3C: Digital Divas 2024 High School and Middle School Competition (Zoom - Breakout C)

    Learn more about the DFW CSTA’s 11th annual in-person and virtual event for high schoolers and middle schoolers across Texas. Learn what this all-girls programming contest and workshop event looks like for participants and how it encourages girls to explore and experience programming, computer science, and computing pathways.

    What’s our timeline? Who participates? Who do we target? How can you get involved? Join us to explore and celebrate Digital Divas and the tradition of introducing girls to computer science and promoting the presence of women in the STEM workforce.

    Presented by:
    Dan Blier, DFW Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) Past-President, Career and Technical Education Coordinator (STEM & FIRST Robotics) at Plano Independent School District

• 1:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. Break: Zoom Breakouts Open for Networking

• 1:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Concurrent Sessions #4

  • #4A: STEM GEMS All-Girls Elementary School Club: A Model for STEM Exploration (Zoom - Breakout A)

    Want to get girls more actively engaged in STEM on your campus or district? Try STEM GEMS! Learn about an all-girls STEM club hosted on a Sheldon ISD campus for the past five years. Consistently the only all-girl STEM club offering in the district, the club is open to girls in grades 2 - 5 and is called STEM GEMS. In the club, girls are offered a safe place to explore and take risks as they engage in fun STEM challenges, such as a hidden building challenge, designing a prosthetic using Tinkercad and 3D printing, and coming up: design a jewelry business, in partnership with a local Latina-owned jewelry business. In this presentation, learn about the facets of STEM GEMS & how to create your own club!

    Presented by:
    Amanda Chacon, Librarian, Sheldon ISD

  • #4B: Women in STEM: Should Their Perceptions be Considered? (Zoom - Breakout B)

    Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics innovations can improve lives, provide problem-solving skills, and help make sense of the world (Gulen, 2019; NRC, 2014). Female perspectives enhance a comprehensive understanding while strengthening STEM career equity and justice. Lessieg et al. (2019) call for case studies including female perceptions. This session will discuss females' perceptions of STEM disciplines and why they should not be discounted even if more women are represented in the STEM workforce. This session opens the conversation about the importance of females' perceptions of STEM and will provide insight into provocative viewpoints on STEM disciplines and careers.

    Presented by:
    Carol Waters, Assistant Professor, STEM Education, University of Houston-Clear Lake
    Mary Curtis, University of Houston-Clear Lake

• 1:30 p.m. - 1:35 p.m. Quick Break: Zoom Breakouts Open for Networking

• 1:35 p.m. - 1:50 p.m. Concurrent Session #5

  • #5A: Museums, STEAM and The Ancient Maya (Zoom - Breakout A)

    To better serve the new culturally diverse student population, we must create accessible educational materials that engage ALL learners. Join us in this fun quest to learn about Ancient Maya and STEAM in a museum gallery. Museums are centers of innovation, learning, and cultural diversity. In addition, these spaces offer a unique educational experience that fosters art analysis, critical thinking, and creativity.

    In this presentation, educators will learn strategies to incorporate STEAM in a museum exhibit of ancient Maya works. We will look at these objects in detail, understand their history, and learn how the Maya used math/science to improve their lives.

    Presented by:
    Mariel Robles, STEAM Education Programs, Museum Educator, XX Apothecary

  • #5B: DESIGN. CONNECT. CREATE. Future Leaders by STEMulating Minds Earlier (Zoom - Breakout B)

    This session overviews successful out-of-school time STEM programming for girls in grades 3-5. The out-of-school time camps expose girls to STEM concepts while building confidence and enhancing self-efficacy earlier while providing an environment for elementary-age girls to work and play together, while also learning important STEM concepts and giving them important social and emotional skills that will impact their future.

    Our afterschool program provides hands-on experiences and career exposure that build academic, career and life skills empower girls to design solutions, connect ideas to real-world applications and create their futures in STEM and beyond. DCC leaders will discuss goals and outcomes of recent camps.

    Presented by:
    Danielle Moore, Director of Operations, Design Connect Create
    Dr. Denise Strickland

• 1:50 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Quick Break: Zoom Breakouts Open for Networking

• 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Closing Featured Sessions (Zoom)

  • National Girls Collaborative Project (NCGP) Youth Advisory Board - Texas Student Perspectives

    Elevating student voices is an effective strategy for engaging girls and all students in STEM programs. The NGCP Youth Advisory Board consists of high school students from diverse regions, backgrounds, and STEM interests who provide feedback on current NGCP initiatives and inform future directions. Hear directly from Texas-based NGCP Youth Advisory Board members Anika C. and Mary A. about their STEM experiences and inspirations.

  • Totality Over Texas, April 8, 2024 - Sparking STEM Curiosity During the Total Eclipse
    Don’t miss out on our unique Texas opportunity to engage girls and all students in STEM through the magic of a total solar eclipse. The path of totality for the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse crosses Texas. Learn about resources, activities, and more to spark STEM curiosity before, during and after the total eclipse.

    Presented by:
    Dawn Davies, Night Sky Program Manager, Hill Country Alliance

• 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Presenter Meet-ups, Networking: Zoom Breakouts Open for Networking

All times Central Time.

What Organizations are Represented by Registrants?
Wondering if it makes sense for you to participate? Check out the organizations represented by last year’s 2022 Summit presenters, awardees, and registrants:

Social Media: Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @TXGCP. We'll use hashtag #TXGCPSummit for the event. 

See past Texas Women and Girls in STEM Summit pages for presentations, recordings, resources, and more:
2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017