At Stemettes we love running school trips, especially when we get to take pupils out to visit real STEM environments. On Wednesday 11th July Stemettes travelled to Maidenhead where Blackberry hosted a ‘Meet the Stemettes’ panel. Girls from local schools (Furze Platt Senior School, Altwood School, and Trevelyan Middle School) where able to meet and network with female STEM role models.
The day kicked off with an introduction to the fantastic panel:
- Mari-Ann Meling –Front End Developer, Treatwell
- Ella Hodge – Talent Acquisition Coordinator, BlackBerry
- Dr Renata Gomes – Head of Research and Innovation, Blind Veterans UK
- Trudie Fell – Head of Early Engagement, Three
- Susanna Meyrick – Senior Manager, EMEA Channel Sales Distribution, BlackBerry
After introducing themselves they then answered lots of questions from our Year 8 audience. Questions ranged from ‘the best part of their jobs’, ‘advice for work experience’ and ‘the future of Technology’.
Stemettes are @BlackBerry HQ in Maidenhead for a STEMtastic panel! Joined by local schools, we've just had an introduction from BlackBerry and the panel in now underway! Looking forward to a fun day ahead!#BlackberryStemettes #GirlsInSTEM #STEM #womeninstem pic.twitter.com/Qf7QZ0PKXV
— Stemettes 💙 ★ # + (@Stemettes) July 11, 2018
We then enjoyed our lunch kindly provided by Blackberry and got to speed network with the panellists. There was a speed networking activity sheet competition (as always) and prizes to close!
In terms of impact, the girls gave the day an average 8.4/10. 100% would come to the event again. 8.5 out of 10 left with an improved awareness of STEM careers available. 8.2 of 10 had increased knowledge of STEM, and 8 out of 10 left with an increased perception of STEM in the world. 7.9 had improved confidence in their STEM abilities and 7 out of 10 left with an improved network within STEM.
Just wrapped up our #BlackberryStemettes panel! It was a wonderful day, full of inspiring conversations and great networking. Thank you to @BlackBerry and our amazing Panellists! Congrats to our #winners and thanks to everyone who made today great! 🎉#GirlsInSTEM #womeninstem pic.twitter.com/xlQONCmnTe
— Stemettes 💙 ★ # + (@Stemettes) July 11, 2018
Some of the girls said:
‘Listening to the panel talk was really fun and it gave me a new perspective of STEM.’
‘Today has made me understand stem a lot more’
‘I’m extremely happy that the whole place wasn’t bright pink!’
‘It was enjoyable and it was fun listening to what other people’s jobs are like’
Thanks very much to Blackberry for hosting us, catering for everyone and providing their role models as panellists. We can’t wait till we’re back with more #GirlsInSTEM. Join our mailing list to be kept up-to-date. If you’d like to host us let Event Stemette know.