Inspiration a Big Highlight at STEM Education Now Conference
On Tuesday, March 5th, the United Nations Association of New York was pleased to host a special panel on STEM Education Now at the SUNY Global Center. The conference had the primary purpose of promoting diversity and inclusion among the STEM fields, while taking into consideration sustainable development, a major agenda of the United Nations.
During the conference, NGO representatives, experts and activists participated in the interactive discussion to motivate the younger participants to be involved in the STEM fields, seeing it as an opportunity for developing careers and making a considerable impact in society.
The conference started with an energetic music video on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which included musical presentations of hip-hop artists. The purpose of this video is to innovatively teach young people about the Global Goals and why each goal is important. Music and other forms of expression are necessary to spread awareness on major global issues. STEM and sustainable development are strictly linked together. In today’s world, science, technology, education, and mathematics need to build sustainable practices to approach the most concerning challenges of today.
As March 8th marked the International Women’s Day, the conference also highlighted the important role that women play within STEM. Trailblazer leaders in the area — Chibulu Luo, Jazlyn Carvajal, Sabrina Bektesevic, and Dr. Yetunde Odugbesan-Omede — were some of the speakers at the conference. Their insightful experiences and knowledge inspired the students about countless opportunities that STEM fields can offer.
According to the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP), women make up only 29% of the science and engineering workforce in the United States. Dr. Yetunde Odugbesan-Omede highlighted that we must continue to foster a continuity of different faces in STEM in order to expand opportunities for minority leaders. On the other hand, Diana Rusu from UN Women, explained how studies revealed that 65% of students’ future jobs are not created yet, and that young people need to move ahead of the game with STEM, building lifelong learning opportunities. Additionally, Jazlyn Carvajal, founder of Latinas in STEM, shared points on the obstacles and challenges that Latina women face today in STEM. She encouraged students to take action in their local communities and continue to break down stereotypes.
Within the STEM fields, there is still a large gap between different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Therefore, diversity must be at the core of STEM practices. Shivam Patel, a physical therapist, gave a presentation on diversity in science, and the necessity to question ourselves about inclusion. He stated that, by continuing the discussion, we could also bring opportunities to the most vulnerable. “Diversity is not just being different than others, it is bringing a change that makes a difference for others,” he said.
As one of the keynote speakers, Ms. Munira Khalif, former U.S. Youth Observer to the UN, shared her experience and challenges while going through college. She asked the audience: what is to be done now? She emphasized how this new generation brings innovative solutions to the table and could start making changes now, in schools and other areas. She further stated that promoting diversity within fields of STEM is a responsibility for our current generation.
Guest panelist Chibulu Luo, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Toronto, underlined that young people need to find role models who can support them. She encouraged participants to think about how their work could create a greater impact in the world, not only practices that make them happy, but are also sustainable. Doctoral candidate at Weill Cornell Medicine, Bryan Ngo made a very energetic intervention and encouraged youth to “Avoid the stereotypes. Be bold and just do it!” On the other hand, Sabrina Bektesevic from Google brought an insightful perspective, from her own journey, of opportunities and challenges at Google. She emphasized youth as an advantage for advancing technology. She further explained that, “your strength as a young person is the trend you set with technology. You are a strong leader because of your youth. Own that strength!”
Diversity, equality and inclusion within the fields of STEM should be an ongoing conversation. From young people to older generations, we all must take action. Increasing participation of women, young people and racial minorities, would allow for a more comprehensive approach to solving global problems.
The United Nations Association of New York and its Education Committee were pleased to host this meaningful event and will seek to continue stressing the conversation on diversity and inclusion. Special thanks to the Central New Jersey Chapter of The Links, Inc., and the New Brunswick Academy and the Stuart Country Day School for bringing such energetic and passionate group of students to the event.
Photography: Parker LaCourse