The yearly seminar provides a forum in which local STEM professionals share perspectives and experiences about the personal and intellectual journeys each has undertaken to get where they are today. NVCC students and approximately 30 local high school girls attended the event to learn more about STEM career paths.

Rebecca Binney, Ph.D., NVCC Assistant Professor of Biology and event organizer said, “The event successfully showcased both the triumphs and tribulations women continue to face in STEM fields, while introducing students to a wide variety of career options.  Speakers’ stories resonated with the audience, serving as positive reminders that continued persistence in fields/careers that you are passionate about lead to successes that may somewhat depart from the original mapped path.”

NVCC President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D. said, “We have come a long way from the times when women were kept out of the science classroom and laboratories. How wonderful to see our generous faculty—women and men—nurture and support the education of women in the sciences at NVCC. Bravi!”

Speakers included:

• Jessica McGuire, Aquaculture Technician, Great American Aquaculture
• Christina Ruddy, D.C., Chiropractor, Carbone Chiropractic Center
• Carla Niederhofer, Director of Product Development, FuelCell Energy, Inc.
• Robin Ganter, Student, Yale School of Nursing (former Head Athletic Trainer)
• Liz Mendonca, Production Manager, Hubbard Hall, Inc.

The event was sponsored by the Scott Lawrence Pond Memorial Fund through the Naugatuck Valley Community College Foundation.