Eastern Michigan University’s Digital Divas program is returning for its 13th annual Digital Divas STEM Conference. Hosted by EMU’s extended programs and the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology, the conference takes place on Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom.
With over 600 confirmed attendees, the event will focus on Michigan’s semiconductor industry and explore how it plays a significant role in the world’s economy. There will be a free workshop for teachers on how to provide job opportunities and resources.
In addition, participants will have the opportunity to explore hands-on workshops. These workshops include, but are not limited to, drones, coding, finance, chemistry, orthicon and prosthetics, nursing, first aid, manufacturing and electrical engineering.
Established in 2010, Digital Divas has spent over a decade of efforts inspiring girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
"Hundreds of young girls eagerly anticipate the Digital Divas conference each year because of the hands-on and networking components," Bia Hamed, program director of Digital Divas, said in a written statement. "A critical goal of this program is to promote STEM careers to young girls, which is essential in today's workforce and preparing them to succeed in their future roles."
Digital Divas programs include conferences, summer camps, mentoring opportunities and interview series. Each is centered on fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for exploration.
"Every Digital Divas program is unique because of its participants,“ Hamed said. "We are gathering the gathering spot for girls from all over Southeast Michigan where we give them an opportunity to explore STEM Careers and STEM education in an environment where we uplift them with so much positivity and can-do attitudes. It is amazing to see the reactions of the participants when they discover careers they never knew were available to them."
The mission of Digital Divas is to provide services for connecting middle and high school women with careers in STEM. This is done by recruiting women into technology majors, breaking down gender stereotypes regarding tech careers, creating awareness of safe online interactions and encouraging ethical behaviors in social media, emailing and texting.
The 2023 Digital Divas STEM conference is sponsored by Toyota, AT&T, GM, Comerica Bank, Ann Arbor Spark and GameAbove.
For more information about the Digital Divas conference, visit the EMU Digital Divas homepage.
