EmpowHER conference empowers young girls to embrace STEM

More than 130 middle and high school girls and educators from 10 schools across Alabama came to the Auburn University campus on Nov. 1 for the fifth annual EmpowHER Conference. The event was hosted by the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) Outreach office.

“EmpowHER offers a distinctive platform for middle and high school students to connect with inspiring female role models and envision careers in STEM fields, where women are still significantly underrepresented,” said Jess Gilpin, assistant director of the COSAM Outreach office. While this program is open to all students, it is designed to foster curiosity and motivate girls to pursue their interests in science, technology, engineering, and math.

According to a 2011 study by the U.S. Department of Education, only about 25% of the STEM workforce is female, despite women comprising nearly half of the total workforce. A significant study on women in the workplace conducted in 2022 further highlighted the ongoing underrepresentation of women in STEM leadership roles and the prevailing perceptions of who belongs in these fields. EmpowHER aims to change this narrative.

Keynote speaker Sonja B. Favors, a licensed professional engineer specializing in environmental management and community engagement, spoke about finding STEM in every part of your life, making a difference and the importance of making good decisions.

 “The decisions you make today matter tomorrow, and they shape the future of our communities and the world,” said Favors. “Dream big, because your ambitions can lead to real change.”

Favors also emphasized the importance of experiences like EmpowHER: “Many students don’t get opportunities and exposure like EmpowHER. Take this experience to heart and be whatever you can conceive.”

Participants rotated through a “Life In STEM” speed networking activity, a breakout session hosted by the COSAM Office of Academic Engagement, Innovation and Opportunity (AEIO)  and hands-on activities during the STEM expo, which featured research initiatives and departments within COSAM, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harrison College of Pharmacy and the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. The exhibits allowed students to interact with animals, conduct scientific experiments and discover various STEM degree opportunities at Auburn.

When asked what she would tell her parents about her experience, Lanett Junior High School student Amy Verde Lopez said, “The exhibit with the AU Museum of Natural History was my favorite part of the day! I learned so much. I never imagined I could hold a cockroach and feel so excited about science!”

Another student, Malayah Hausa from Lanett Junior High School, enjoyed the breakout session with the COSAM ambassadors. “My favorite part of the day was the Lava Lamp experiment with the COSAM Ambassadors. I loved learning about the chemical reaction that made the lamps bubble and why water and oil don’t mix.”

This was Tamalita Autry’s second year attending EmpowHER. The retired teacher from Lanett Junior High School reflected on the event's impact: “EmpowHER plants the seed in the minds of these young ladies. It’s okay to be great, and there’s so much to discover.”

The success of the fifth EmpowHER Conference showcases the critical need for initiatives that support underrepresented groups in STEM. EmpowHER fosters an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive in science, technology, engineering and math.