Stemettes partnered with H&M Group to deliver a virtual hackathon on 26th and 27th March 2022. The theme for the hackathon was sustainability in fashion.
The two-day event was attended by 29 young women and non-binary people. They worked in small groups to create a product or business solution that created a sustainable impact within the fashion industry.
Participants worked in groups on their project, with H&M role models joining their groups for networking and project advice throughout each day. At the end of day two, they presented their ideas to a panel of H&M judges in the Showcase.
What did participants think?
They were asked to rate their improvement across our impact demographics after the event:
- 96% felt their network in STEM fields improved
- 87% felt their confidence in their STEM abilities improved
- 87% felt their knowledge of STEM improved
There were 39% of attendees who had not wanted to pursue a STEM career before the event who now do want a career in STEM.
Their favourite parts were meeting role models, collaborating with others in their groups, and designing and presenting their products. Improving confidence, creativity and teamwork skills were unexpected benefits of the event.
“I didn’t know that stem had such an involvement with fashion. I love fashion so much and would love a career in it so this has opened some doors.” – Hackathon Participant
Congratulations to the winning team, Eco Opt, and thank you to everyone who volunteered and took part.
Thank you to @hm & @hmunitedkingdom for partnering with us @stemettes Sustainability Hack @hm to help #GirlsInSTEM #WomenInSTEM create a more sustainable fashion future ?.
Well done team 1 – Eco Opt!
#StemettesxHM#HMTogetherWeMakeItPossible#BeYourselfAndMoreAtHM pic.twitter.com/LPVNImCY4Y— Stemettes ® ?★ # + (@Stemettes) March 27, 2022
