The Women of Color STEM Conference is an annual event that brings together women of color who are making significant contributions in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. The conference aims to inspire, empower, and support women of color in STEM while also addressing issues surrounding diversity and inclusion. Since its inception in 2015, the Women of Color STEM Conference has become one of the largest gatherings focused on highlighting the achievements of minority women in STEM and providing a space for networking, mentoring, professional development, and celebrating diversity.
History of the Women of Color STEM Conference
The Women of Color STEM Conference was founded in 2015 by Dr. Nicole Campbell, a chemist and founder of The ChemChats Foundation. After noticing the lack of conferences focused specifically on women of color in STEM, Dr. Campbell created the Women of Color STEM Conference as a way to provide a supportive community and platform to celebrate the accomplishments of minority women in technical fields. The first conference took place in Detroit, Michigan and brought together over 200 attendees.
Since 2015, the Women of Color STEM Conference has experienced immense growth and popularity. The second annual conference in 2016 had over 500 attendees. Subsequent conferences have been held in various cities across the United States including Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. Each year, the conference programming, sponsorship, and number of attendees continues to expand.
Mission and Goals
The mission of the Women of Color STEM Conference is to connect, inspire, and empower women of color in STEM. The goals of the conference include:
- Showcase women of color who are making groundbreaking achievements in STEM fields
- Provide a platform for minority women to share their experiences and insights related to diversity and inclusion efforts in STEM
- Offer professional development and mentoring opportunities for women of color in STEM
- Highlight relevant research and data on the state of diversity in STEM
- Foster networking and a sense of community among women of color in STEM
- Inspire young girls and minorities to pursue education and careers in STEM
Who Attends the Conference?
The Women of Color STEM Conference attracts a diverse audience of women from across the United States and around the world. Attendees include students, faculty, researchers, and professionals at various stages of their education and careers. Some key demographics of attendees include:
- Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students in STEM degree programs
- Early career and experienced professionals across STEM industries
- University professors and researchers
- K-12 educators in STEM subjects
- Government, military, and industry leaders
- Entrepreneurs and small business owners
While women of color are the target audience, the conference is open and welcoming to all who support its mission. Past conferences have drawn several hundred to over 1,000 attendees annually.
Speakers and Programming
The Women of Color STEM Conference organizes robust programming featuring keynote talks, panel discussions, networking sessions, and more. Speakers at past conferences have included some of the top scientists, technologists, and advocates from organizations such as NASA, Lockheed Martin, Google, Microsoft, and many universities. Notable keynote speakers have included:
- Ellen Ochoa – First Hispanic woman in space and former director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center
- France Córdova – Astrophysicist and past director of the National Science Foundation
- Mae Jemison – First African American woman in space
- Ibtihaj Muhammad – Olympic fencer and first Muslim American woman to wear hijab while competing
In addition to prominent keynote speakers, the conference features panel discussions and workshops led by established professionals and rising stars in STEM fields. Participants can attend sessions on a wide range of topics such as technology, engineering, mathematics, physics, robotics, data science, environmental science, medicine, and much more.
Networking and Mentorship
One of the highlights of the Women of Color STEM Conference is the emphasis on networking and mentorship opportunities. Attendees have many chances to meet peers, learn about different career paths, and find mentors. Specific networking and mentoring events include:
- STEM Connect Platform – This custom platform allows attendees to browse profiles of other attendees, schedule 1:1 meetings, and video chat.
- Networking Receptions – Evening receptions provide a relaxed environment for mingling and meeting other professionals over food and drinks.
- Mentoring Circles – Small group sessions connect junior attendees with more senior-level mentors in STEM fields.
- Career Fair – The conference often features a career fair with leading employers looking to recruit minority talent.
These opportunities allow women at all stages of their education or career to gain insights, advice, and make connections that may help them advance and thrive.
Scholarships and Awards
The Women of Color STEM Conference offers scholarships and awards to support and celebrate outstanding students and professionals. Some of the scholarships and awards include:
| Scholarship/Award | Description |
|---|---|
| Conference Scholarships | Provides full or partial support for students to attend the conference, covering registration fees, travel, and lodging. |
| Research Scholarships | Supports women of color conducting outstanding undergraduate, graduate, or postdoctoral research in STEM. |
| Technology Pioneer Award | Recognizes women of color making breakthrough innovations and contributions to technological progress. |
| Distinguished Leader Award | Honors exceptional women of color in leadership roles advancing diversity and inclusion in STEM. |
| Rising Star Award | Celebrates the achievements of up-and-coming women of color in STEM. |
These awards and scholarships help provide financial assistance and highlight role models helping pave the way for the next generation of women in STEM.
Impact and Growth
In just a few short years, the Women of Color STEM Conference has made measurable impacts and experienced tremendous growth:
- Over 4,000 women have participated since the inaugural conference in 2015.
- The number of participating companies and organizations has grown from 25 in 2015 to over 100.
- In 2018, over $150,000 in scholarships and awards was presented.
- The conference has expanded from 1 day to 2-3 days of programming.
- Participation has doubled in size each year, with 1,200 attendees in 2018.
- The conference has inspired 20+ regional chapters and events across the U.S.
The conference has succeeded in bringing together a community and providing a platform to recognize diversity and inclusion efforts in STEM. It has enabled valuable connections, conversations, and collaborations that are helping change the landscape in technical fields.
2022 Conference Details
The 2022 Women of Color STEM Conference will take place September 27-29 in Minneapolis, MN with the theme “Breaking Barriers, Forging Connections”. Some key details include:
- 300+ speakers including researchers, entrepreneurs, tech leaders, educators, and more
- Pre-conference workshops and in-depth trainings
- 3 days of keynotes, panels, networking, and awards
- Anticipated 2,000+ diverse attendees from across the country
- Conference tracks in life sciences, engineering, tech, environmental science, data science, and more
- Dedicated tracks for graduate students, early-career professionals, and innovators/entrepreneurs
- Hundreds of company booths at the STEM career fair
- $200,000 in scholarships and awards
The 2022 Women of Color STEM Conference is expected to be the largest gathering yet of women breaking barriers and forging connections that will shape the future of science and technology.
Get Involved!
The Women of Color STEM Conference provides tremendous opportunities to learn, network, find mentors, build community, and advance diversity in STEM fields. Here are some ways to get involved:
- Attend the conference – Anyone can register to attend the multiple days of events and sessions.
- Present your research – Students can submit abstracts to present posters and oral research presentations.
- Volunteer – Volunteers are crucial in planning and staffing such a large event.
- Sponsor – Various sponsorship opportunities exist for organizations to support and participate.
- Nominate someone for an award – Awards shine a light on exceptional achievers.
- Share on social media – Help spread the word and increase reach/visibility.
- Start a regional chapter – Bring the mission to your local area.
The Women of Color STEM Conference provides an empowering space to support and uplift women in STEM. Get involved to accelerate diversity, community, and change!
Conclusion
Since its founding in 2015, the Women of Color STEM Conference has grown into one of the largest and most impactful gatherings celebrating diversity and inclusion in science and technology. The conference connects women at all education and career levels, providing inspiration, empowerment, networking, mentoring, and recognition to support the advancement of women of color in STEM. With robust programming, distinguished speakers, awards, and much more, the conference shines a light on women of color breaking barriers and forging connections that will shape the future STEM workforce. The Women of Color STEM Conference provides a platform and community to uplift women, address challenges surrounding diversity and inclusion, and encourage the next generation of women leaders in technical fields.