EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University will host its 13th annual Digital Divas STEM conference for middle school girls from 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Friday, April 21, at the Student Center, 900 Oakwood Street, Ypsilanti. Digital Divas is a series of programs founded at the University in 2010 to encourage girls to explore areas of science, math, engineering and technology.  

“We love building an environment where girls can learn about STEM,” said Bia Hamed, EMU’s director of K-12 STEM outreach and Digital Divas program director. “We offer a place where program participants can envision themselves attending college and studying STEM.”

This one-day conference will give girls better insight into STEM careers and opportunities. Kiana Wenzell, co-executive director of Design Core Detroit, will serve as the keynote speaker. There will also be opportunities to network and attend breakout sessions for the girls to gain hands-on experience working in the industry. Breakout sessions include Cosmetics Chemistry and Demos to Knock Your Socks Off, Planes are a Girl's Best Friend, a campus tour, and Virtual Reality in Interior Architecture and Interior Design. 

This year, 400 middle school girls and volunteers from companies such as Ford, Comerica, Dynatrace, Cisco, and students and faculty from EMU will attend this year.  

“Our goal is to show these young girls through STEM activities and challenges that engineering is fun and something everyone is capable of doing,” said Haylee Haik, president of the Society of Women Engineers at EMU and breakout session host. “Not all students are exposed to engineering in their school curriculum, so K-12 outreach events like Digital Divas are important. It allows students to explore STEM fields, which can leave a significant impact and spark their interest in pursuing careers in STEM. Many of our members, including myself, can attest to this.”

To learn more about Digital Divas and the conference, visit the webpage. 

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 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. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University's rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.