MVSU Hosts Annual Conference to Inspire Local Young Women Towards STEM Careers

On March 28, 2024, the Mathematics, Computer, and Information Sciences Department at Mississippi Valley State University hosted its 26th Annual Constance G. Bland Women in Science and Technology (WIST) Conference. The conference aimed to promote women's careers in STEM and increase awareness of the university's STEM majors. Dr. Latonya Garner-Jackson, Department Chair, and Kathleen Sims, the 71st Miss MVSU, opened the event.

The conference included roundtable sessions led by MVSU graduates and faculty. These sessions covered a variety of STEM fields, such as Medicine Chemistry, Health Computer Science, Chiropractic Computer Science, Wildlife Biology, and Nursing Mathematics. The goal was to provide insights into these fields and encourage young attendees to consider them.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Edrika Thigpen, a Regional Math Consultant for the Tennessee Department of Education and MVSU alumna, highlighted the importance of women in STEM. She stressed that their visibility can inspire future generations of women and girls. She urged women in STEM to be genuine and confident, as their actions can motivate young women to pursue similar paths.

Dr. Thigpen ended her speech with a simple message, “I inspire by showing up.” This statement reflects the conference's aim to encourage more young girls to choose STEM majors in college. Ja’Mya Peoples, MVSU SGA Vice President, agreed, stating that the conference had successfully motivated many attendees to consider STEM majors.

The WIST conference aims to promote gender diversity in STEM fields by informing and inspiring young women. The event's success in motivating more girls to consider STEM majors in college demonstrates its effectiveness.

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