On Tuesday, February 11, we recognize the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and celebrate with a fun, engaging, and inspiring event—the 2025 Girls+ in STEAM Conference!
This virtual conference is an opportunity for youth in grades 6 to 9 to meet women working in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) fields, gain new skills, and have a lot of fun with hands-on activities.
The 2025 Girls+ in STEAM Conference will be presented virtually and is FREE for all participants; however, registration is required.
This inclusive program welcomes participants and mentors of many gender identities—whether you identify as a girl, boy, trans, genderqueer, non-binary, Two-Spirit, or gender questioning.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Moronke Harris
Moronke Harris is the founder of ‘The Imaginative Scientist’, a science communication and consultation brand blending traditional outreach and artistry to produce an audience-first approach that engages, invites, and inspires curiosity.
MENTORS
Jessica McNaughton – Founder, Memory KPR
Kelsey Love – Founder, Kilo Lima Code
Joanne McDonald – General Manager, City tv Saskatchewan
Hannah Kopytko – Instructor, Sask Polytechnic
Allison Champion – Manager, Nuclear Regulatory Affairs, SaskPower
Captain Caitie Clapp – The Canadian Forces (CF) Snowbirds, 431 Air Demonstration Squadron
Jenna Boyko – Executive Director, Water Security Agency
Samantha Maciag – Host/Producer, CBC Saskatchewan News
VIRTUAL EVENT SCHEDULE
9:30 am: Conference Kick Off
9:35 am:
Welcome and Introduction from Host, Sara McCreary
Welcome from Kookum Brenda
Welcome from Minister Ross
9:50 am: Welcome from Sandy Baumgartner – CEO Saskatchewan Science Centre
10:00 am: Keynote Presentation with Moronke Harris – Founder of The Imaginative Scientist
11:00 am: Breakout Sessions
12:00 pm: Lunch Break
1:00 pm: Welcome Back from Host, Sara McCreary
1:05 pm: Health Break
1:15 pm: Breakout Sessions
3:00 pm: Conference Closing Ceremonies
GIRLS+ IN STEAM SPONSORS
GIRLS+ IN STEAM PARTNERS
FAQ:
-
No! This conference will contain themes and messaging that are meant to speak more directly to girls. However, the keynote and sessions will contain information and messaging that speaks to a larger audience and are appropriate for all audiences.
-
Yes, this event is available to classrooms and home schools.
-
Absolutely! This event has great information even if you do not have supplies. All activities that are a part of breakout sessions will show supplies that are used and are offered asynchronously so you are able to come back to those sessions at a future time. It is also worth noting, that our coding platform allows you to utilize virtual hardware so you can code along with us.
-
Our classroom kits are designed to provide relevant materials for activities. They are designed for students to work in groups, and will be customized to class size. We can accommodate a maximum of 30 students in each kit.
-
There is a lot of evidence that show as young women learn in school, they perform on par with boys, and enroll in STEAM classes on par. However, as time goes on, a gender gap grows as participation from girls in STEAM classes drops off. This is further widened by issues of race and class. Our goal in offering this program is to help these young girls begin to understand that anyone can be a scientist, engineer, coder, an architect, or any STEAM-related professional by creating positive experiences with other young women. We hope to dispel the myth that they aren't able to excel in STEAM fields.
About the International Day of Women and Girls in Science
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are a call to action to promote prosperity and protect the planet. Goal 5 seeks to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. To achieve this goal, youth in particular girls, need more opportunities to learn about careers and opportunities to be future innovators.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science (unesco.org)