Hosting Organization: Manalapan High School
County: Monmouth
Students had the opportunity to hear from four inspiring women in STEM who shared their personal journeys, career insights, and lessons learned along the way. A key message resonated throughout the event: STEM is not just about math and science—it’s a way of thinking, solving problems, and creating solutions that make a meaningful impact on people and society. Speakers emphasized the importance of perseverance, learning from failure, finding mentors, advocating for ideas, and using STEM as a tool to serve others.
The event featured an accomplished group of speakers, including Katrina Bawar of Rutgers University; Cynthia Sabbaghof Microsoft; Vidya Shankaran of Commvault; and Katherine Grace August of Stevens Institute of Technology (formerly of Bell Labs). Together, they provided students with valuable perspectives on the diverse pathways within STEM and inspired them to pursue their own goals with confidence and purpose.