2024 Texas Women and Girls in STEM Summit 

Friday, December 6, 2024
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. CT Summit Sessions (Virtual in Zoom)

Join the Texas Girls Collaborative Project (TxGCP) for our 8th 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.

This event is hosted around Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek), held in recognition of the birthday of computing pioneer and #WomeninSTEM role model Admiral Grace Murray Hopper (December 9, 1906).

Registration fee: $50. Provides full access to all virtual sessions, recordings, resources, and references.

Registration is open. Contact STEM@TxGCP.org to inquire about a registration full or partial scholarship.

Summit Agenda and Sessions

8:30 - 8:35 a.m. CT                         Summit Welcome

8:35 - 8:50 a.m. CT                          Texas Stand Up for STEM Awards

8:50 – 9:30 a.m. CT                         Featured Session – Empowered to Persevere: Resilience and Financial Wellness for Women in STEM, Marin Laukka, Yes&

Join Marin Laukka, an expert in positive psychology and financial wellness, for a transformative session designed specifically for women navigating the challenges of STEM. In a year marked by funding cuts and mounting pressures on women in STEM programs, corporate employee resource groups, and all kinds of educators and advocates, Marin will create a supportive space to acknowledge the very real frustrations of working in an unpredictable and sometimes unfair environment. She will guide you to explore how internal dialogues and societal narratives around the “M” in STEM (math, or money?!) undermine confidence and amplify stress. Drawing from her extensive coaching background, Marin will then share empowering mindset strategies rooted in positive psychology, equipping you with practical tools to effectively manage financial strain and cultivate resilience. Together, we'll ground ourselves in reality while reframing what's possible, providing actionable steps to maintain balance, well-being, and your meaningful impact.

Key Takeaways:

1. Acknowledge the real impact of external challenges and internal dialogues on financial stress and career resilience.

2. Learn actionable tools to stay connected to your mission and centered amid workplace and financial challenges.

3. Gain self-care practices and mindset techniques from positive psychology to reclaim control and resilience.

4. Leave with strategies to reduce financial anxiety, nurture work-life balance, and sustain impact through challenging seasons.

Bio:
Marin Laukka is a joyful budgeting coach and positive psychology speaker who empowers women to stand strong, thrive in alignment with their values, and sustain the impact they’re driven to create. With a track record of supporting over 3,000 audience members at events like the Virginia Women in Sales Conference and Florida SHRM Leadership Conference, Marin combines the psychology of money, joyful budgeting, and the research of wellness to provide tangible support for women personally and professionally around the United States. Known for her practical, energetic approach, Marin has helped hundreds of clients and attendees find confidence, reduce financial stress, and turn obstacles into opportunities for growth. She is honored to support the Texas Women and Girls in STEM Summit this year, and looks forward to sharing her expertise on December 6th.

9:30 – 9:45 a.m. CT                         Breakout Blast – Speed Networking

9:45 – 9:50 a.m. CT                         Lightning Talk – 5 Minute Speed Session

Digital Ambassadors & Youth Participatory Research - This session will showcase the IDRA Digital Ambassadors program and how youth in the Rio Grande Valley are engaged in youth participatory research, canvasing technology needs in their community, and learning how to lead technology training. IDRA coaches high school students on how to lead workshops in the community so they can then lead technology skills training sessions to support digital equity and inclusion in their community. Presented by Stephanie Garcia, IDRA

9:50 – 10:00 a.m. CT                      Break

10:00 – 10:45 a.m. CT                    Concurrent Session A – 45 Minute Sessions

Concurrent Session A: Breakout Room 1
STEM Power-Up: Department of Defense Resources for Teachers and Students - Discover a wide array of free STEM resources and opportunities provided by the Department of Defense. Learn about impactful programs like STEMtoSky and STEMtoSpace (Air & Space STEM Outreach), Seaworthy STEM (Naval NSWC - Carderock), the SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program (DoD STEM Office), and STEM Competitions and internships (Naval STEM). Attendees will explore dedicated websites for each program, gaining hands-on experience with resources that support competitions, internships, scholarships, and PD opportunities for teachers and students nationwide. Presented by Selene Verhofstad, Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship

Concurrent Session A: Breakout Room 2
#WeldingISStem: Incorporating Hands-On Trades w/Existing STEAM Programs - The "true trades" going back centuries: Welding, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing & Carpentry are all STEM. They incorporate math, science/metallurgy/chemical/element knowledge, and technology of robots/cobots and lasers - but they left the lexicon during the dot-com boom. Through real-world companies, nonprofits, and committed advocacy organizations, we're "bringing back the trades" to STEM programs nationwide with pop-up shops, competitions & curricula that teachers, nonprofits, and administrations can plug and play and deploy with their existing programs. This further encourages hands-on making, learning, and exposure to more STEM career paths! Presented by Demi Clark, Spark Building Group/Reimagined Rosies/Pop Up Weld Shop, and Thomas Gray, Make48

10:45 – 11:00 a.m. CT                    Break

11:00 – 11:45 a.m. CT                    Concurrent Session B – 45 Minute Sessions

Concurrent Session B: Breakout Room 1
Why Sense of Belonging Matters (And How to Increase It) - Building students’ sense of belonging is critical to recruiting, engaging, and retaining them in computer science (CS). When students feel that they belong and are connected to others in the classroom, they are ready to engage on a deeper level. However, girls often feel they do not belong in computer science classes. Our research lab has been studying when and why these gender gaps emerge in CS to help teachers address them. Teachers will learn about research findings through a “data party,” where we will present findings in a simple, actionable, and fun way that teachers can discuss in a community of practice. Teachers will leave with an action plan to promote their students' belonging. Presented by Summer Robinson and Allison Master, University of Houston

Concurrent Session B: Breakout Room 2
Strategies to Create STEMinists - In this session, participants will learn research-based strategies that can be used in K-12 educational settings. These strategies engage all types of learners and immerse girls in experiences that help them envision themselves in the STEM pipeline. These strategies can be employed in reading, math, science, and social studies content classes for all age levels and provide real-world career-connected learning. Participants will leave ready to put these strategies to work! Presented by Cindy Moss, Cindy Moss STEMboss LLC

Concurrent Session B: Breakout Room 3
Equitable Learning in STEM for BIPOC Girls - This workshop will equip out-of-school-time program managers and site directors with tools and strategies to create equitable learning spaces for girls (and gender-expansive youth), especially Black, Indigenous, and Latina girls, across the United States. Through this session, participants will understand personal biases, increase their knowledge about creating more gender - and culturally-responsive STEM enrichment, and become better equipped to engage line staff to run equitable STEM programming. Presented by Nashira Williams, Techbridge Girls

11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT         Break

12:00 – 12:30 p.m. CT                    Concurrent Session C – 30 Minute Sessions

Concurrent Session C: Breakout Room 1
Bridging the Digital Divide: Innovative Strategies for Teaching Coding to Underserved Youth - Bridging the Digital Divide - Innovative Strategies for Teaching Coding to Underserved Youth: This engaging presentation will explore creative methods for teaching coding to youth with limited access to digital devices and internet connectivity. Attendees will discover effective offline teaching strategies, such as coding cards and unplugged activities, to introduce programming concepts without relying on constant internet access. We will address these students' challenges and share inspiring success stories from the 501(c)(3) nonprofit CTRL Code’s programs. The session will also include a Q&A segment, allowing participants to ask questions and collaborate on solutions to empower the next generation of innovators. Presented by Mary Adegbesan, CTRL Code

Concurrent Session C: Breakout Room 2
Future Innovators: Teaching Girls to Harness Emerging Technologies for Real-World Impact - In this dynamic breakout session, explore how The GEMS Camp empowers young girls to tackle global socio-scientific challenges with cutting-edge technologies like generative AI and data science. Through hands-on projects and mentorship, GEMS participants learn to apply emerging tech to solve local community issues, from environmental justice to algorithmic bias. Join us to experience how we’re equipping the next generation of diverse innovators with the tools and skills to create meaningful change locally and globally. Discover how you can inspire and guide girls to become tomorrow’s tech leaders. Presented by Saki Milton, The GEMS Camp (Girls interested in Engineering, Math, and Science)

Concurrent Session C: Breakout Room 3
Free Culturally Responsive STEM Lessons - Join us for a workshop showcasing the IDRA SEEN School Resource Hub, a free platform that houses hundreds of culturally responsive lessons, including STEM lessons for all grade levels. We will briefly model 3 specific lesson resources (STEMinistas, Grace Hopper, and Real World). Presented by Stephanie Garcia, IDRA

12:30 – 1:00 p.m. CT                      Lunch Break

1:00 – 1:30 p.m. CT                         Concurrent Session D – 30 Minute Sessions

Concurrent Session D: Breakout Room 1
GeoInquires: Using GIS to Increase Girls' Sense of Belonging-Innovations in STEM capture students' imaginations. Geotechnology is a dynamic field where users visualize relationships, analyze data, make predictions, and support arguments. One such tool, Geographic Information Systems, is an interactive program that supports inquiry-based and 21st-century instruction in K-12 education (Kerski, 2015). These tools uniquely support multiple fields of study in social science, science, technology, and beyond. Thus, they offer possible inroads to capture female curiosity and career interests. This session opens the conversation about the importance of building awareness of emerging STEM fields and fostering females’ sense of identity in new, dynamic applications and careers in these fields. Presented by Mary Curtis and Carol Waters, University of Houston-Clear Lake

Concurrent Session D: Breakout Room 2
STEM Resources: Resourceful, Self-aware & Commitment -Techniques to find, utilize, promote and share available STEM resources from High School to starting professionals. Presented by Nadia Mankins, University of North Texas

1:30 – 1:40 p.m. CT                         Break

1:40 – 1:55 p.m. CT                         Concurrent Session E – 15 Minute Sessions

Concurrent Session E: Breakout Room 1
Empowering Future Generations: The Role of Health Equity in Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders - This session explores the importance of combating gender equity by inspiring today’s youth, particularly focusing on how gender disparities in healthcare affect young women today. Led by Simona Jude, founder of Young Women in Medicine (YWIM), the discussion will highlight historical and current challenges in medicine and STEM and the application of understanding what today's youth think to change tomorrow. Presented by Simona Jude, Young Women In Medicine

Concurrent Session E: Breakout Room 2
Recognizing Latinas in STEM Programming - The more visible women in STEM are for our students, especially those of color, the more likely my younger female students will be encouraged to take more upper-level STEM classes. We will discuss Hispanic Heritage Month, females in STEM (including a STEM activity that honors Ellen Ochoa), and implementing STEM in an elementary school library. I will also touch on my collaboration with our local public library - we have organized pop-up library programs after school to further explore STEM and collaborative projects. Presented by Lupe Palacios, Pasadena ISD and University of Houston-Clear Lake

1:55 – 2:00 p.m. CT                         Break

2:00 – 2:15 p.m. CT                         Concurrent Session F – 15 Minute Sessions

Concurrent Session F: Breakout Room 1
Strategies and Practices for Creating Inclusive CS Classrooms and Increasing Young Women’s Participation in CS - This session explores strategies to promote gender parity in K-12 computer science (CS) education. Based on surveys and interviews with educators in Texas schools with at least 50% female representation in CS classes, the presenters will share effective practices such as fostering inclusive classroom cultures, integrating real-world applications and project-based learning, and leveraging role models to combat stereotypes. We will also discuss effective school/district policies for promoting gender parity, including requiring some exposure to CS and allowing CS to count as a foreign language requirement. This session offers practical interventions to create equitable and supportive CS learning environments. Presented by Madeline Haynes and Trae Madrigal, The University of Texas at Austin

Concurrent Session F: Breakout Room 2
STEM Sisters: Trailblazing Tech Innovations Between IWA St. Louis & IWHS San Antonio - Join us for an inspiring breakout session showcasing the innovative STEM collaboration between two powerhouse all-female Incarnate Word (IW) high schools, IWA St. Louis (MO) and IWHS San Antonio (TX). Through cutting-edge projects in Aviation and FTC Robotics, these schools have joined forces to uplift and empower each other, creating a unique sisterhood of support and strength in STEM fields. Discover how this partnership has driven both schools to new heights, fostering leadership, teamwork, and trailblazing innovations shaping women's future in technology. Don't miss this exciting exploration of how collaboration makes us stronger! Presented by Jennifer Martin and Anee Salinas and Students, Incarnate Word Academy STL & Incarnate Word HS SAX

2:15 – 3:00 p.m. CT                        Closing with Featured Session, Speed Networking Reflections & Takeaways

Featured Session - The Girls’ Index™: Girls & STEM Report with Dr. Lisa Hinkelman

Dive into the data and insights from The Girls’ Index™ — the first-ever, large-scale national survey designed to develop a deeper understanding of teen girls' thoughts, experiences, behaviors, and attitudes throughout the U.S. The ROX Institute for Research & Training explores what girls want us to know about what it’s like being a girl today. What do they want and need from the adults in their lives? What challenges do girls face in school and relationships, and how can adults support girls’ dreams and aspirations more effectively?

The Girls' Index™: Girls & STEM Report is based on data from over 17,500 girls in grades 5-12 across the U.S. and highlights both the growing interest in STEM careers among girls and the persistent challenges they face, particularly around confidence and self-efficacy in math and science. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted efforts to help girls realize their full potential in STEM fields.

Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX) began in 2006 as a research study at The Ohio State University where Founder and CEO Dr. Lisa Hinkelman spent her career training graduate students in counselor education. As a licensed counselor working with adults and students in school settings, Dr. Hinkelman recognized that the issues facing female students mirrored the experiences of the adult women she was working with in counseling. This connection sparked a research agenda that sought to understand the challenges facing girls and what interventions existed to help them navigate these challenges.

Contact stem@txgcp.org for corporate partnerships, advertisements, and other opportunities.

What Organizations are Represented by Registrants?
Wondering if it makes sense for you to participate? Check out a sampling of the organizations represented by past 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:
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017