Empowering young minds

The Girl Scouts of Nassau County joined forces with Hofstra University to host their 8th annual STEM Conference, a remarkable event dedicated to empowering young girls and fostering their passion for science, technology, engineering, and math.

This conference gathers the bright minds of female adolescents and aspiring scientists from fourth grade to eighth, offering them an opportunity to engage in interactive workshops and connect with influential women professionals in STEM fields. With this year’s theme being "Imagine Your Possibilities," this year a range of exciting activities designed to immerse the girls in the world of science and technology.

A diverse array of hands-on workshops allowed the Girl Scouts to explore and experience STEM in action. From the art of color manipulation to harnessing wind energy, bridge building, lessons in nutrition and personalized medicine, and even delving into the world of forensic science through DNA evidence, these workshops provided a dynamic platform for learning. The bright, young women gained invaluable insights and developed a deeper understanding of STEM concepts, all while having fun.

Lisa Napolione, the senior vice president of global research and development for Estée Lauder, shared her remarkable career journey and emphasized her dedication to advancing women in STEM fields.

"Girl Scouts of Nassau County’s mission is to nurture curiosity and creativity, and expose them to opportunities that help build their skills and perspectives as they become the scientists and leaders of the future, said Rande Bynum, CEO of Girl Scouts of Nassau County, “we were so happy to connect our Girl Scouts with professional mentors to help show them what’s possible and how those before them have paved the way for their success."

The "Imagine Your Possibilities" STEM Conference is just the beginning of Girl Scouts of Nassau County's continuous efforts to encourage girls to explore and pursue STEM fields. This commitment is crucial, as reports from the Girl Scout Research Institute reveal that women remain significantly underrepresented in STEM careers, despite the growing importance of these fields and the expanding career opportunities they offer. Currently, women make up just 34 percent of the STEM workforce, and they continue to earn lower median salaries compared to their male counterparts.

At the collegiate level, women hold the majority of bachelor's degrees but represent only 39 percent of STEM bachelor's degrees.

Beyond the annual STEM Conference, Girl Scouts of Nassau County offers a wide range of year-round STEM programs, including tours and internships in partnership with The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research at Northwell Health, engineering workshops with H2M architects + engineers, clean energy and sustainability programs with National Grid/Project C, and computer science workshops, among others. These programs provide girls with continuous exposure to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, allowing them to explore their interests and cultivate their STEM skills.