Middlesex Community College: MCC's Virtual Women In STEM Event Inspires Students

Press release from the Middlesex Community College:

Caitlin Buckley

3/30/2021

To support students studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Middlesex Community College held its 16th annual Women in STEM Event virtually on Thursday, March 18, 2021. All students had the opportunity to attend a panel featuring women in the fields of STEM who shared their academic and professional experiences in STEM.

“It is important to continue offering events like these virtually to keep our students engaged and hopeful about their futures,” said Amanda Bordenca, MCC’s Cybersecurity EDP Systems Analyst. “To increase visibility and heighten awareness of women in STEM fields provides guidance, support and mentoring to those looking into these career paths.”

Esra Eisa is an MCC Mechanical Engineering student from Sudan who expects to graduate in May 2022. When she was studying the subject in her country, many told her that it was not intended for women. By attending the Women in STEM Event, she felt inspired hearing from successful professionals in careers that interest her.

“I came from a poor country in Africa, where many parts don't have the necessities of life like electricity,” she said. “I'm here in the U.S. to get as much knowledge as I can and be able to help in the development of my country. Being in a community full of successful people, I believe this would push me forward to achieve my goals.”

MCC Electrical Engineering student Kwadwo Bempah also expects to graduate in May 2022. For him, attending an event focused on women in STEM fields provides an opportunity to hear about their experiences – both their struggles and their successes.

“I've always thought women – and especially women of color ¬– were underrepresented in STEM,” he said. “As an upcoming man in STEM, I want to listen to how I can help change that because after all, STEM should and must be a cohort of great minds.”

A Quality Assurance Associate to a pharmaceutical company, panelist Jessica Shores’ passion for chemistry was inspired by her high school teacher. She went on to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from UMass Lowell and work in the field where she can connect with like-minded professionals. For students in STEM, she believes that there are many opportunities to explore.

“It’s important for women to see other women being in the same environment they are,” Shores said. “Seeing other women being determined, motivated and working hard is what helps me continue this journey. I hope that through this Women in STEM Event, we as the speakers, can give a breath of fresh air to another person to continue their adventure through life.”

When she was younger, panelist Briana Lynch – an Atmospheric Scientist at CPP Wind Engineering and Air Quality Consultants – was fascinated by thunderstorms. She changed majors from an accountant to a meteorologist after a professional visited her class in college. With a bachelor’s from UMass Lowell and a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma, for her, science is about collaboration and “working towards a common goal.”

“Having a role model can be incredibly influential on a person’s life, especially when they see someone who looks like them,” Lynch said. “This is particularly important for young people when they are discovering their passion and interests. I have been inspired by seeing women in powerful leadership positions within the meteorology community. I hope that by talking at events like this, we can inspire someone to pursue their dreams and continue to bring amazing achievements to the world of science.”

The Director of Public Works for the Town of Salisbury, panelist Lisa DeMeo has always liked building things. She worked for 20 years in the private sector and has spent 18 years as a Town Engineer, City Engineer and in her current role.

“There are almost no women in my field ahead of me,” DeMeo said. “I have some mentors I’ve come to rely on – they are all male. These are jobs that can be done by women. We all have to be seen.”

Product Development Manager for a medical technology company, panelist Ellen Jennings enjoys solving problems and working on hands-on projects. She has a bachelor’s in Marine Engineering from Mass. Maritime Academy and a master’s in Plastics Engineering from UMass Lowell.

“I believe it’s important to help women see what careers and opportunities there are in STEM-based industries,” she said. “Not everyone is exposed to women who work in these areas, so it’s good to make ourselves available.”

MCC’s STEM pathway helps students go into – and succeed in – the workforce or transfer to four-year schools with its award-winning and affordable offerings, small class sizes and flexible schedules. Visit https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/discover/dyp_stem.aspx for more information and to discover your path to a degree in STEM at Middlesex.

With three-week, five-week and eight-week sessions, MCC’s Summer semester helps students fit education into their busy lives. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434 to register.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, MCC has been a proven leader in online education for more than 20 years. We educate, engage and empower a diverse community of learners, offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses. Middlesex Community College: Student success starts here!

This press release was produced by the Middlesex Community College. The views expressed here are the author’s own.