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Junior League Event Connects Students and STEAM Professionals

On Tuesday, May 5, a group of more than 15 students, faculty and staff represented WVU Tech at the Junior League of Charleston’s Women on the Move event at the Women’s Club of Charleston.

The networking event featured a panel of female professionals from STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) fields to discuss the important role of women in these growing industries.

WVU Tech Campus President Carolyn Long served on the panel alongside Kathy D’Antoni, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, West Virginia Department of Education, Division of Technical and Adult Education Services; Betty King, Vice President of Operations and Education, West Virginia Symphony Orchestra; Sherry Cole, Electrical & Instrumentation Engineering Team Leader, DuPont, and Dr. Christen Simpson Raynes, Dentist, Simpson Dental.

During the panel, attendees learned about advances in STEAM education, the power of mentorships and the importance of integrating educational subjects so that students might better understand the connections between them.

“STEAM is important because it helps students learn how to think. It’s more than just knowing the right answer, it’s about knowing how to learn and find the answer,” said President Long.

Panelists also provided words of encouragement to students studying STEAM disciplines.

Sherry Cole, Electrical & Instrumentation Engineering Team Leader at DuPont, said that women in STEAM fields should not be afraid to go after the career of their dreams.

“Don’t give up. If there’s something you want to do, do it,” she said.

“Make sure you love what you do, else you will just walk through life – and you want to be able to fly,” added President Long.

View photos from the event on Flickr.