YPSILANTI – 450 middle school girls from across metro Detroit participated in Digital Divas 2018 today (Nov. 2, 2018) hosted by Eastern Michigan University. The program featured hands-on activities in cyber safety, Google coding, drones and gaming, among many others.
Eastern Michigan's College of Technology (COT) hosted the event, in the strong belief that recruiting and supporting the young women the United States needs in the fast-growing technology and computer science fields requires commitment, leadership and coordinated efforts. The COT notes that such initiatives must come from educators, relevant organizations and the business community.
“It is important for girls today to realize all the college majors and careers in STEM that are available – careers that can lead to excellent pay and a rewarding professional life,” said Bia Hamed, coordinator for student services in the College of Technology. “Women from industry and from the university come together to make this day all about girls supporting girls on a platform of technology – helping each other to rise and succeed.”
Breanna Vertkin a software engineer at Duo Security, served as the opening keynote speaker, on the topic of “An invitation for young girls to see themselves in Engineering.”
Digital Divas’ mission is to provide a venue for connecting middle and high school young women and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This is accomplished by:
Schools and groups represented at the event some included Girl Scouts Troop 42076. Levey Middle School in Southfield, Saline Intermediate, Farmington Middle School, Detroit Public Safety Academy, Wagar Middle School, Beach Middle School, BW Arthurs Middle School, Tecumseh STEM East, Hartland Middle School, Hazel Park Junior High, Emerson School and others.
Businesses and organizations supporting this year’s Digital Divas included Consumers Energy, The DTE Foundation, AAUW, ITC, AT&T, Nexcess, Mercedes Benz Financial Services, Fresh Thyme and Eastern Michigan University.
The program included breakout sessions and demonstrations, such as:
For more information on this event and other related programs, please visit the Digital Divas website.
For further information, contact Bia Hamed at 734-487-8659 or email bia.hamed@emich.edu.
About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 19,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.