Students interested in pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) were introduced to various women working in the field at a special speed-networking event held at Make Place on Saturday.
The event saw non-profit The Innovators’ Tea Party and Peel Bright Minds team up to inspire learning and build aspirations in the Peel region.
The Innovators’ Tea Party founder Everlyn Chuk said she created the initiative to inspire young women to take up careers in a field dominated by men.
From scientists to engineers and innovators, girls in years 10 to 12 from various Mandurah-based high schools were given the chance to hear stories from people working in their desired field, in a one-on-one .
This is the first time the event has been offered to students of the Peel region.
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About 20 mentors took part in the initiative, a majority of which were Peel-based.
Peel Bright Minds program coordinator Charlie Jones said she was thrilled to host the event and hoped the occasion would inspire young people in the region to pursue careers in STEM.
Each student had six minutes to chat to each mentor and after the session was finished a chance to chat over food and beverages.
Scitech director of state-wide programs and STEM editor Tara Broadhurst also spoke to students at the event and encouraged them to make the most out of the opportunity.
She stressed the importance of linking successful women working in STEM with high-school students.
One of the many women who jumped at the opportunity to mentor at the event was Peel-Harvey Catchment Council chief executive officer Jane O’Malley.
Ms O’Malley shared her diverse journey from life in Adelaide to becoming a environmental leader in the Peel region.
Like most mentors at the event, Ms O’Malley showed that however unique a career pathway was, there is always a place for women to become leaders in STEM fields.
The Innovators’ Tea Party have hosted a string of similar event around WA and aim to continue inspiring young women.
For more information on The Innovators’ Tea Party visit their website.