The 7th Annual Women in Science Conference is coming up on September 19, 2023, providing an opportunity for young women in Okaloosa County to connect with and learn from successful local women in STEM fields.
- Hosted by the Emerald Coast Science Center and BAE Systems, the event will take place at The Place on Beal in Fort Walton Beach from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
The conference aims to inspire the next generation of female scientists, engineers, doctors, and other STEM professionals by featuring a series of presentations by women currently working in these fields locally.
Confirmed speakers include:
- Sabina Pennington, Environmental Public Outreach Specialist with the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program;
- Dr. Francia Squatrito, surgeon at Bay Foot & Ankle Center;
- Kristen Picard, software engineer at Beast Code;
- Darlene Merchant, program manager at BAE Systems;
- Meya Martin, a senior at Niceville High School.
During the event, speakers will share details about their career paths, offer advice, and participate in an open Q&A panel session where audience members can directly ask questions. The conference is open to students of all ages and genders interested in exploring potential STEM careers.
- However, the focus will be on inspiring middle school and high school girls to pursue degrees and jobs in fields like science, technology, engineering, and math.
Light refreshments will also be provided during the event. Tickets are available online for $10 per adult, while students can attend free of charge. Organizers encourage interested local students to take advantage of this opportunity to make connections and learn about STEM fields from successful women in the community.
The annual Women in Science Conference has been hosted by the Emerald Coast Science Center for the past six years as part of their mission to provide STEM education and inspire future generations of scientists and engineers in the region. This year’s conference promises to be another engaging event for students considering potential careers in growing fields like healthcare, technology, and engineering.
