The O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs bustled with activity Tuesday as students gathered for the “Celebrating Women in STEM: Earth, Environment and Sustainability” event.
The all-day event hosted by Heartland Advisory Group, an environmental consulting firm, aimed to promote networking, career exploration and empowerment for women in STEM.
Students attended career chats to meet one-on-one with industry professionals. The 30-minute sessions gave students the opportunity to further discuss career opportunities and goals.
Attendees also participated in a “lunch and learn” featuring three leading life science companies and representatives from industry giants in agriscience, medical devices and healthcare innovation.
Elizabeth Bolyard, assistant director of external relations at the Walter Center for Career Achievement, was the mind behind the event.
“It’s an event that I hope inspires and motivates our next achievers in the field,” Bolyard said in an interview with the IDS. “It could be a life changing career opportunity, so that’s what I hope that the students will get out of the event.”
“Celebrating Women in STEM” concluded with an evening session featuring guest speaker Jennifer Hallgarth, an entrepreneur and geologist with the Heartland Advisory Group, and a Q&A discussion with several female panelists. About 40 students attended.
Hallgarth has led environmental investigations, site cleanups and risk assessments across the Midwest. Her opening presentation, “Finding Your Strengths,” centered around navigating STEM-related fields and the obstacles that accompany them.
“That is the joy of life — the most stressful parts of your career, you will look back on and you will love those decisions that you made as you navigate, gaining technical experience and being more of an expert as you have those opportunities come to you,” Hallgarth said as the audience nodded in agreement.
As Hallgarth concluded her speech, she emphasized the importance of having an entrepreneurial mindset.
“Science is driven by business,” she said. “Know what businesses are doing. Be inquisitive, ask questions.”
After a round of applause, the four panelists joined the front of the room as Hallgarth stepped to the side to moderate the discussion. Hallgarth asked them about their experiences as women working in STEM-related fields, with the four women routinely bouncing off each other’s answers.
Sha’Londa Terry, marketing lead at Consolidated Electrical Distributors, discussed the differences in how she sees men and women treated in the workplace. She said, for example, a woman would be called arrogant when a man would be considered confident for the same behavior.
Terry also said it can be difficult for women to stand up for themselves, but that they must speak up anyway.
“Don’t be afraid to be the first, and sometimes the only,” Terry said.
“Advocate and speak up. That’s how we’re going to make a change,” Tina Lillard, regional talent partner at pharmaceutical company Simtra, said. “Our thinking is impeccable; the way women think is impeccable.”
The room erupted in applause at the end of the panel and the start of the networking session, with students gathering in small groups and waiting to introduce themselves to the speakers.
IU students Marie Renahan and Abigail Garcia attended the event to network and learn from other women in STEM fields.
Renahan, an environmental sustainability master’s student, said it was important for her to find mentors and support and said it can be challenging to find your place in the STEM atmosphere.
Garcia, who is pursuing a master’s in environmental science, said that she was excited to hear what women in conservation had to say.
“My biggest takeaway is to take what is coming your way,” Garcia said. “Don’t try to force things and take the opportunities that you see and that are coming your way.”
