We launched the wildly successful #ItWasNeverADress campaign to inspire the next generation of women to pursue STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) fields. To continue this movement, we created a conference for girls between the ages of 12 and 17 and worked with local schools and nonprofit organizations to hand select 50 girls to attend.
Over the course of two days, these girls will learn valuable tools to take on the tech world and the challenges that surround it with gusto! The conference will be hosted at Axosoft Headquarters and feature renowned speakers and community leaders teaching cutting edge curriculum and hands-on, interactive workshops. Girls will learn programming skills from David Dodge, Founder of CodaKid; how to “reprogram” their inner critic and build confidence from Hilary Weber, CEO of Opportu; socially conscious marketing from Evan Clark, Founder and Creative Director of Spectrum Experience; identity development and anti-bullying tactics from Melissa Medvin, Associate Director of the Anti-Defamation League; engineering skills to create wearable technology (capes!) by Artist and Professor of Art at ASU, Hilary Harp; and more!
At the end of the conference, the girls will leave with a business plan and resources to go back into their schools and start a STEAM focused club, organization, and/or be able to help infuse STEAM into the curriculum at their schools. As an #ItWasNeverADress Ambassador, they will also receive the support of an advisory board made up of influential community leaders who will contact them quarterly to offer guidance.
And, to offer future opportunities to girls pursuing a degree in the STEAM fields, we started a scholarship for need-based, under-represented individuals through ASU. We’re taking the profits from #ItWasNeverADress merchandise sales and putting them directly into the scholarship!
The only thing left to say is… FULL STEAM AHEAD!