EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Hundreds of middle school girls will travel to Eastern Michigan University’s campus learn about careers and college programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) on November 1.

The one-day event, called Digital Divas, will be held from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the EMU Student Center, located at 900 Oakwood Street in Ypsilanti.

During the event, participants will have a chance to explore multiple interactive STEM sessions and network with industry leaders, professors and students.

“Women are highly sought after in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and as an educational institution, we feel it is imperative to offer valuable and unique opportunities for young women to be exposed to the education and career opportunities in these fields,” said Bia Hamed, coordinator of student services for the EMU College of Engineering & Technology, and Digital Divas program director. “We are honored to once again host a new brilliant group of young women to explore their interests in STEM and hear from experts in the field.”

The doors open at 8 a.m. and the main program will begin at 9:15 a.m., with opening remarks from two keynote guest speakers, Michigan Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and airline pilot and EMU alumna Delane Battacavoli.

Digital Divas mission is to provide a venue for connecting middle and high school women with careers in STEM through:

• Introducing young women to careers in technology
• Recruiting women into technology majors
• Breaking down gender stereotypes regarding tech careers
• Creating awareness of safe online interactions
• Encouraging ethical behaviors in texting, emailing and social media

Key sponsors for the Digital Divas event are AT&T, DTE Energy Foundation and Consumers Energy, AAUW and Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. Thanks to their generous contributions, the Digital Divas event continues to be free for its participants.  

The Digital Divas conference was founded in 2011 by Gerald “Skip” Lawver, former professor for the College of Technology, with the goal of connecting young women to opportunities in the fast-growing technology and computer science fields. This year’s event will host 450 attendees, representing schools in Oakland, Monroe, Lenawee, Wayne and Washtenaw counties.  

Eastern Michigan’s Extended Programs and the College of Technology are the hosts of the event. To learn more about the Digital Divas conference, visit the EMU Digital Divas homepage. 

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 18,000 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; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; 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.