Women in STEM Panel Features Collegiate Alums

Collegiate School hosted six local alums for a Women in STEM panel this afternoon in McFall Hall to share with Upper School girls their experiences, challenges and opportunities in science-, technology- and math-related careers.
Emily Mendelson, a senior at Collegiate, organized the panel and worked with Upper School faculty and the Alumni Office to connect with female alums who have pursued STEM in college and in careers in the fields of medicine, technology, health care, management and robotics.

The panel featured the following alums:
Liza Little '81 - Principal, Partner Relationship Manager, Healthcare Independent Software Vendors at Citrix
Rachel Burgess '01 - Principal at Southeastern Institute of Research (SIR)
Ava Gorman '06 - Senior Scientist at PPD Pharmaceuticals
Lauren Siff, M.D. '02 -  VCU Health, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Barrie Miller Sutton '70 - Assistant Director, Project Management Office (IT Services)
Alexandra Povlishock '03 - Senior Vice President, Clinovations

The panel format included a question-and-answer session as well as time for the 30 students in attendance to engage with the alums in smaller groups. Emily was pleased with the turnout and was excited for students who excel in math or robotics to see the connection to other careers.

“I want young women to be confident in themselves,” she said. “The gender gap in STEM fields is closing and I hope these alumni sharing the challenges they’ve faced will offer insight to everyone here.”
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