Women in Science & Engineering Forum

About this event

The annual Women in Science & Engineering (WISE) Forum brings together high school and college students who are interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math (STEAM) with accomplished women professionals in STEAM fields, ranging from academia and healthcare to design engineering and space exploration.

A Two-Part Event

The first half of the evening consists of a Distinguished Leader Panel Discussion . We encourage everyone who allies with girls and women in STEAM to attend. The panel features four distinguished women in STEAM who share their perspectives on working in STEAM fields. Hear about the opportunities and challenges they have faced while pursuing careers dominated by men.

Following the panel discussion is a Networking & Mentoring Reception where attendees are invited to connect. This is an opportunity for high school students to talk one-on-one with and receive advice from women professionals and college students.

Past panelists: executives from DuPont Company; IBM; Mack Trucks; Mars Inc.; Merck; NASA Goddard Space Flight Center; and Sanofi.

Not Just for Women & Girls

Our WISE Initiative and Forum is not just for women and girls. Check out some frequently asked questions below to learn why you should get involved and how to participate.

Is the WISE Forum just for women and girls?

Absolutely not! While the primary goal of the WISE Initiative is to create a supportive community of women employed in STEAM fields and encourage girls who aspire to follow a STEAM career path, all genders can benefit from hearing the stories and experiences shared in the WISE Forum.

I'm not a woman, why should I care about the WISE Forum?

It’s not only women and girls who need to be informed of the challenges unique to their gender in STEAM careers. Because all genders have a role in creating barriers to an equitable workforce, everyone must learn and improve together to create meaningful change.

Other communities are also underrepresented in STEAM fields. While this event is specific to women’s experiences, many discussions and strategies for enacting change also apply to similar challenges faced by other groups, such as people of color and the LGBTQ+ community.

Many WISE participants also share how other aspects of their identity, in addition to their gender, shape their experiences in the workplace and school.

What can I take away from this event as a man or someone who does not identify as a woman or girl?

Listening to the personal experiences of panelists, mentors, and students will give you additional perspective on the challenges women and girls encounter. Some stories may be surprising or unexpected and may help you reflect on your personal contribution to an equitable workplace and learning environment. Hearing about these experiences can help you to enact change and become an even better ally and advocate for women in STEAM careers.

Save the Date

2026 Women in Science & Engineering Forum

Wednesday, November 18, 2026; 5:30-8 p.m.