National STEM Day on Nov. 8 is an opportunity to help kids advance in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). This is especially important for young women who remain underrepresented in the industry.
As part of its ongoing efforts to help address this challenge and empower young women in STEM, ComEd organized a virtual panel, Getting Back into the STEM of Things, for high school female students across Chicagoland to connect with women STEM professionals at ComEd.
“Our goal was to prepare young women for their future career paths but, more importantly, to introduce girls to relatable role models: women from Chicago, passionate about science and technology, who faced challenges,” said Maryam Heidaripour, ComEd project lead.
During the discussion, the panelists shared personal stories about their unique backgrounds and dreams as well as the challenges and rewards they faced as women navigating a career in STEM.
“It was particularly interesting for students to hear that once these women embraced their differences, they gained the courage to ask different questions and envision new possibilities,” she said.
Following the panel, students worked with ComEd engineers to test their knowledge by building an energy-efficient house and solar-powered circuit.
“At ComEd, we have the opportunity to plan the vision for both the future electrical grid and our future communities,” Heidaripour said. “Our engineers are working every day, making the world a better place, and we believe that women with diverse backgrounds, ideas and visions are needed to achieve this goal.”
