This magazine highlights women in STEM careers and encourages girls to pursue STEM fields. It features profiles of women like Erica Wagner, a rising STEM star who creates STEAM courses and reviews tech toys on her YouTube channel. It also profiles former teacher Angel Coleman and discusses strategies to get more girls interested in STEM, like providing hands-on learning, female role models, and encouraging spatial skills. The magazine aims to inspire girls by celebrating women who are excelling in STEM.

1. February/March 2018
Mentorship Magazine for Minority Girls
STEM DARLINGS
S.T.E.M Events
We Love
Growing a Heart for
Tech in Minority Girls
Hands-On
Engineering
8 Tech Toys to Spark
Your Inner Engineer
Black Girl Magic
Erica Wagner
A STEM Rising
Star
Profiles in S.T.E.M:
Angel Coleman
Makes Math Magical
STEM Women in
History:
Evelyn Boyd Granville

2. Everyone has a unique thumbprint. You
also have a unique soul print. It's time
to discover it

3. Since age 16 I've been the go-to person for family and
friends for their technology needs. My family got our first
computer when I was 17 or 18 and I gravitated toward it
like a moth to a flame. When we got connected to the
Internet and email it was a magical moment. What could
be better than being connected to the outside world
through a phone line? Dial-up would have everyone on
edge these days, but I waited patiently for the familiar
crackle of the modem firing up, connecting, then letting
me know that I had mail! Yes!
Fast forward 20+ years. Since that first computer, I have
gone through about 10-15 devices. Getting upgrades,
newer models, and exploring the possibilities with a
shiny new machine.
I entered the IT field accidentally. I intended to become a
magazine editor for a big firm in NYC. But my life took a
different turn and ended up setting up the database at
my county job, getting hired as a paid intern at a tech
company in college, and the rest is history.
I've been solving technology problems for municipalities
to Fortune 500 companies over the years. This is just an
abbreviated story of my S.T.E.M beginnings. I've touched
every area except Math, but thankfully it has been a
beautiful journey nonetheless.
I look forward to sharing more of my journey with you
and introducing you to S.T.E.M. career women who look
like you.
Keep your head up and your eyes on the prize. Your
dreams are worth it and your goals are just on the other
side of any challenges you may face.
Editor's Corner
Let's Connect
Samantha A. Gregory
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
Website

4. Meet Stella
Stella is the unofficial avatar for S.T.E.M. Darlings. She represents
the millions of girls who are excited about the possibilities S.T.E.M.
education and careers hold. She reminds us that even though
opportunities may seem few and far between, there are women
around the country and around the world who are ready and willing
to guide her (and you) into this life-changing journey filled with
unlimited possibilities.
She will be there with a smile and bubbles to brighten your day.

5. Where Are the Women in Tech?
By Terri Roeslmeier
According to the National Center for Women Information Technology (NCWIT), the U.S. Department of Labor
estimated that 1.4 million computer related jobs would be available in the U.S. between 2010-2020. At current
graduation rates for Information Technology, we can expect to fill only 32% of those jobs with U.S. Information
Technology graduates. The NCWIT further states that although women hold about 57% of professional
occupations in the U.S., only 26% of computing occupations are held by women. Even worse, only 3% of those
jobs are held by African-American women, 5% by Asian women, and only 2% by Hispanic/Latino women.
The computing industry is failing to attract women to the field and sadly retention is poor. Women are leaving
the industry at staggering rates, according to the NCWIT. Overall, the number of people graduating with
computer or information science degrees has been steadily decreasing since 2004. There is a severe shortage of
talent in IT. Salaries for.net programming and other popular technologies are the highest ever and the need for
developers is rising. Companies are in near crisis mode as they fight to retain and attract IT talent. American
women with computer science degrees can help fill some of these gaps.
Personally, I have been a woman in IT since the late 70's when I graduated with a business degree and the MIS
Manager at the company I worked for noticed I had programming on my resume. At the time, I was only making a
summer pit-stop before pursuing further education in interior design. Struggling with a shortage of programmers
even at that time, I was made a very lucrative offer as a full-time programmer, which I accepted. I never thought I
would stay in the field, but as the years wore on I realized I was destined for a career in IT. Oddly, it wasn't my
passion but the money was good and the opportunities were like none other for a woman in the 80's.

6. The software development career path led me to work with managers and co-workers in a highly male
dominated field. Even from a client perspective, all upper management and power lunches that I was included in
featured a roundtable of suited men with one petite suited woman - me. I never actually thought much about it.
My opinions and work were always highly respected. The knowledge of software and the creation of highly
necessary business programming provided a "20 something" woman with opportunities that I could have never
had in most other fields. Besides being highly compensated, the work was challenging and I worked with business
executives at the highest level.
One of the best things about software development is that you are filling a business need. To sit across major
players at top companies and work with them to develop software that will make their business better is an
amazing experience. Further, technology is exciting to work in because there is always something new to learn
and some new development perspective to take.
I encourage developers to take a field trip to visit users that are performing their daily tasks utilizing the software
that the developer wrote. There is no better feeling than watching people doing their jobs or playing a game
using something that you made. Further, if you work for a national software manufacturer, there are people all
across the nation in many companies and offices or homes using something that you produced. It's like a song
that people listen to everyday and enjoy. As a software developer, you can create a program that is utilized daily
and enjoyed.
Software developers create tools that make the world more efficient. Companies rely on software to cut costs
and increase revenue and profitability. The career path for software developers is wide in range and offers a host
of benefits, including some of the highest salaries. The field of IT is broad and there is a need for IT Managers,
Designers, Team Leads, Programmers, Testers, and more.
Although I am a woman in IT, before analyzing some of the statistics, I never realized that there was such a lack of
diversity in the industry. Even in my own company, we have a 4 to 1 ratio of men to women in the development
role. That statistic is even worse when assessing incoming job applications.
There are solid reasons for women to consider roles in development. First, unemployment statistics are favorable
for jobs in IT. Also, tech companies are generally profitable which means some extra job security. The work is very
interesting, challenging and always changing. You can get creative. Job growth is steadily increasing. Highly
competitive salaries are standard issue. There is no variance in pay between men and women in IT (for
comparable experience, education, and skills). This was confirmed by a salary survey performed by Dice.com.
Why aren't there more women in tech? Good question. Working in IT can be life changing, and the first step for a
woman conquering a development role is making the need for women developers known. Let's get that pipeline
flowing. College students should explore the field, talk to tech companies, and find out more about how coding is
cool. The future of IT depends on it.
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Article Source: Where Are the Women in Tech?

7. STEM Women
in History

9. Was school easy or difficult for you?
I wouldn't say school was easy or hard. It was a little bit of both. Some subjects came easy for me
while others did not. Thankfully, I had supportive parents, superb teachers, and a strong will to
achieve.
What advice would you give a girl/woman interested in your career?
Teaching has to be in your heart. Students know right away if you're just there to collect a paycheck
or if you're truly concerned about their welfare.
What school did you attend and what STEM courses did you take?
I attended the University of North Florida. STEM wasn't a "thing" when I was in college. The
program of study required for a degree in Elementary Education did not include STEM courses at
that time.
What else would you like to share about your experience in a STEM career?
Many corporations are looking to hire minorities in STEM fields, especially minority women.
Making Math Magical
What made you decide to enter this field of study and work?
In my early years of schooling, I had a teacher who really
believed in me and believed in my capabilities. Being in her
classroom made me feel invincible. I wanted to channel and instill
that same energy into my own students.
What is the best part of your job?
Watching a student try over and over again and not give up until
they have that "light bulb" moment. The proud look on their faces
and the feeling of accomplishment makes my heart happyl!
What's the most challenging part of your job?
Teaching is challenging when a student does not have parental
support at home.
Angel Coleman
Career: Former Teacher/ Tutor
S.T.E.M. Sector: Mathematics
Years in this S.T.E.M. Career: 14

10. How Can We Encourage More Girls to Love Science,
Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)?
By Chaima Bagais
Although improvements are being made with the increased involvement of women in science-related
careers, there is still a significant under-representation of women, especially among minority women.
There are a number of factors that contribute to this lack of women in science in our society, but most
of these factors can be overcome to produce the next Anita Roberts, Sally Ride, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth
Blackburn, or YOU.
Factors That Prevent Girls from Entering STEM Fields
According to a study entitled, Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) by Kristine
De Welde @ Florida Gulf Coast University and Sandra Laursen & Heather Thiry @ University of Colorado
at Boulder (2007), several key factors prevent girls from entering or being successful in STEM fields.
First, they found that the classroom environments in schools were not conducive to encouraging girls to
pursue interests in these types of careers. Another key factor was a lack of female role models who
could provide encouragement and inspiration as well as demonstrate how to balance their lives
between careers and family life.
Other significant factors include girls not being well prepared for the demands of these fields as well as
not being encouraged by people around them. Furthermore, these women experience more
discrimination and bias against them in the workplace in both hiring practices and in opportunities for
advancement. These discriminatory practices also include differences in salaries between women and
their male counterparts as well as the practice of seeing women in these positions at a lower status than
their male colleagues.

11. Finally, it is more difficult in general for women in the workplace to balance careers and families, but it is
even more so for STEM careers because they are often more time-consuming due to requiring extended
education, and this can result in the sacrifice of family life or career goals for these women.
There is Hope for STEM Dreams
However, these factors don't have to squash a girl's dream to
work in the variety of STEM careers. A survey study presented last
month (March 2010) by Bayer Facts of Science Education XIV,
released the main causes for the under-representation of female
scientists in STEM careers as well as pointed out the key factors
(both positive & negative) that influence girls and women as they
journey through the education system and workforce. Their hope
is that the results will help to "knock down the barriers and
provide to all of our budding scientists and engineers the
attitudes, behaviors, opportunities and resources that lead to
success." (BFOSE XIV 2010)
Strategies to Counteract Low Number of Women
in STEM Careers
The findings suggest that the lower numbers of women in STEM
careers can be counteracted by certain changes. First of all, it is
important for schools to have quality science programs that utilize
hands-on materials and experiments, not just learning through
textbooks. This is especially important in poorer school districts
where these items may not be readily available. Educators should also be encouraged to provide more
fun science classes and activities, and the district and community should support them and make the
necessary resources available like BrainCake's The Girl Solution Gender Equity Tool Kit. These activities
should also be geared more towards girl interests.
Successful female scientists should be invited to speak to classes, and girl-centered science clubs like the
GEMS club should be created to give them the confidence, support, and resources they need to achieve
success. Furthermore, multi-media resources should be utilized to help make science come alive like
watching renowned science programs on television or on DVD like PBS's NOVA and playing interactive
games on the Internet like those found at Science News for Kids.
Parents can also help encourage their daughters by purchasing science toys, kits, and equipment for
them as well as help them to do simple experiments at home or for science fair projects. In addition,
parents and educators can schedule trips to science museums & summer vacation science camps like
Sally Ride's Camps as well as provide access to good female role models, mentors, & support groups.
Finally, everyone can provide encouragement, help girls to set goals, and create opportunities for them
to increase their positive science experiences and self-confidence. National Girls Collaborative Project
and Expanding Your Horizons Network are two organizations that can help make this possible.

12. How Families, Schools and Communities Can Encourage Girls
Another study published in February 2010 called Why So Few? Women in Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics by Catherine Hill, Ph.D., Christianne Corbett, and Andresse St. Rose, Ed.D.
focus on how families, schools, and communities can encourage girls to overcome obstacles to help
them enter STEM careers.
At the same time, in order to overcome the gender inequalities and societal stereotypes, it is important
to believe that intelligence isn't fixed, but it is something that can be nurtured and grown which helps
level the playing field and means that girls have just as much potential to learn and thrive in these fields
as boys.
Another important factor in improving girls' chances of excelling in these fields is to provide them with
spatial training to increase their spatial skills. This can be done simply by encouraging them to build
things, take them apart, and then put them back together again. Drawing and working with their hands
on various projects will also help enhance their spatial abilities.
The Answer to Getting More Girls into STEM Fields
So how can we encourage more girls to enter
STEM fields? The answers may seem simple,
but history tells us that change isn't easy. The
key is for us to change people's attitudes first
and foremost which is probably one of the
hardest things to do, but it will be well worth it
if we do because it will allow us to tap into a
reservoir of talented, creative female minds
that can help us soar into the future. Then we
have to provide the opportunities, experiences,
skills, and resources that are necessary to get
the job done. If we can't find any in our
communities, then we need to look to other communities for help or start new ones, and the Internet is
full of practically infinite resources that we could use to jump-start any idea or program. What are you
waiting for?
Please visit my website for science resources including science kits and toys, a monthly newsletter and
kid's contest, as well as science fair tips and helpful links to other outstanding science-related websites
for kids.
Article Source: How Can We Encourage More Girls to Love Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)?

13. Rising S.T.E.M. Superstar!
Erica Wagner is all about STEAM. She created a
course for KiraKira approximately two years ago.
She partnered with Ozobot last year and did a
product review for their Ozobot Evo. She recently
won a scholarship from Silicon Stem Academy to
take a class in Computer Science. She has a
Youtube channel that is dedicated to STEAM. You
can see that at www.youtube.com/ScienceHerWay
We caught up with Erica to ask her about her love of
STEM. Here is what she had to say:
What made you decide to enter this field of study
and work?
I love being creative and I want to incorporate STEM
& STEAM with it. In games, movies, animations, tv
shows, and other media, minorities are never
represented or we always have a stereotypical role.
The same happens to women and minority women
excect we are used for fan service and eye candy.
I want to make my own games and animations that
make minority women and men the leaders, the
hero, the inspiration, and have them represent the
power minorities have and serve an actual purpose.
Not some weak attempt at including diversity. There
isn't a lot of media that portrays minorities as smart
or nerdy either. So these games and animation will
all be STEM & STEAM based.
Fictional role models are just as important as real life
ones. Media real or fictional can shape a little girl
and boy's views on what they can and can't do. It's
about time we get some media portraying us
positively and strongly.
Erica Wagner
Career: Student
S.T.E.M. Sector: Technology
Years in this S.T.E.M. Career: 5
Erica (@ScienceHerWay) was recently interviewed on
@herstemstory. You can listen here on SoundCloud

14. What is the best part of your job?
It's my community. It may not be big right now, but I've had a dad contact me asking what STEM &
STEAM resources I recommend for his daughter. I've been contacted by several other dads
thanking me for my videos because they couldn't find something for their daughters. I had a
grandmother ask me to upload a 2 hour and 30 minute video of me building a product so she would
have confidence when she built it with her grandkids. Inspiring and help girls, parents,
grandparents, and just people is an amazing feeling. I get to make content that I needed and
wanted when I was younger but it wasn't there.
What's the most challenging part of your job?
Nothing but my work is "challenging" to me. Sure, learning new things in coding or 3D is challenging
in that sense, but not a struggle.
How long have you been in STEM?
I've loved STEM & STEAM my whole life. I wasn't the girl who loved all the girly things. For
Christmas and my birthday I didn't ask, nor want, dolls, dresses, make up, etc. I wanted dinosaurs,
robots, crystal growing kits, and experiment kits!
Was school easy or difficult for you?
I'm a homeschool student and since my mom knows my learning style school was easy for me. The
only time it's difficult is when it's a subject I dislike or when it's a teacher that teaches differently.
What advice would you give a girl/woman interested in your career?
For the young lady or women who is all about STEM, be true to yourself and your interest. Look for
those who may be an example for you or even a role model. They may not be local, however, if they
are a YouTuber or blogger, begin following their platform. You may find out there are more people
just like you.
What school did you attend and what STEM courses did you take?
My homeschool's name is Wagner Learning Power Institute. I've taken a Chemistry camp, a
Microsoft beginner coding camp, participated on Hour of Code for two years, and I won a
scholarship to attend a coding class that started on January 9th.
What else would you like to share about your experience in a STEM career?
A lot of these can be considered STEM. So don't be afraid to try all sorts of different fields and
aspects of those fields. Just like designing a product on paper, digitally, or in a 3D program is a part
of Engineering because it gives you an idea of how you build it.
Rising S.T.E.M. Superstar! Con't

15. Activity
Pages
Activity
Pages

17. Test Your Tech Know-how

18. Buy the full coloring book at Start-Engieering.com

19. Classes are
enrolling now
Sign up for the
ChickTech KickOff
March 24, 2018
Atlanta, GA
Click here to learn more!

20. STEM Events We Love
ChickTech Kickoff with High School Girls
March 24, 2018
GSMA
Atlanta, GA
Women in STEM Symposium
Apr 7, 8:30 AM ·
Mudd Hall ·
Baltimore, MD
Click here for more information
Women in STEM Panel
Mar 20, 6:15 PM ·
The Third Wave at UND ·
Grand Forks, ND
Click here for more information
Women in STEM Night
March 13, 2018
Shepherd Hill Regional High School
68 Dudley Oxford Road,
Dudley, MA
Women in STEM Conference
May 15, 2018
Central Wyoming College
Riverton, WY
Click here for more information
STEM Atlanta - Private Movie Screening - A Wrinkle in Time
March 10, 2018
STEM Women Atlanta
Alpharetta, GA
Click here for more information
Women and Girls in the STEM World
Mar 24, 12 PM ·
Tuscaloosa Public Library ·
Tuscaloosa, AL
Click here for more information
Would you like your STEM
event listed in the next issue?
Send your listing to
info@stemdarlings.com.

21. 8 Great Engineering Toys for Girls
1. Roominate
Connect wall and floor panels to build your structure. Use the
modular building pieces to create spiral staircases, couches,
pools and so much more! Wire up the motor circuit to make a
spinning windmill, blender, pottery wheel, carousel, elevator, or
anything else you can imagine! 121 piece set includes
pluggable walls, furniture building pieces, columns, wheels,
axles, motor, doll, pet cat, screwdriver, stickers, wallpapers
and more. Teaches important STEM skills: hands-on problem
solving, spatial and fine motor skills, self-confidence and
creativity
2.Nancy B’s Science Club Microscope and Activity Journal
Hands-on science experiences. Includes 40+ piece dual
microscope and twenty-two-page journal. Scientific experiences
designed for kids ages 8 to 11
3. GoldieBlox: Construction toy + storybook set featuring
the world's first girl engineer character, Goldie Blox! This is
Goldie's ultimate kit for the most adventurous innovator!
Her Diary of Inventions offers kids a wide-eyed perspective
of Goldie’s world, including 11 build ideas – help Goldie
build a doghouse, teacup ride, derby car, drum set, a
noisemaker, a guitar, and more! Introduces the real-life
skill concepts of mechanical engineering.
4. Anki Cozmo Robot
Expresses a broad range of real emotions in response to
his environment; Shows curiosity and explores.
Learns, plots, and plans and gets to know you; Unlock new
games and upgrades the more you play. Cozmo app is
constantly updating, so Cozmo’s skills, games, and
personality evolve.

22. 8 Great Engineering Toys for Girls
5. K’NEX Mighty Makers – World Travels Building Set
13 BUILDING IDEAS – Children can create 13 different
model ideas with this colorful playset. The parts can be
combined to make beautiful landmarks such as the Eiffel
Tower, the Taj Mahal, the Empire State Building, an igloo,
a Mayan pyramid, and so much more! Let your children
use their wild imaginations and unleash their potential
with this playset.
7. Lego Friends Amusement Park
Build an entire rollercoaster for hours of fun. Includes
4 mini-dolls: Emma, Andrea, Matthew and Naya in
summer outfits.
6. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Mega Crystal Growing Lab
GROW CRYSTALS IN 8 COLORS - Blue, pink, red, purple,
green, orange, yellow, and teal; Chemistry has never been so
fun and colorful! Easy-to-follow instructions and 4 silicone
growing chambers make growing and saving your crystals easy
Show off your 5 favorite home-grown crystals on the included
light-up display
8. Wonder Workshop Dash Robot
Dash is a real robot for children ages 6 and up that is
responsive to its world; your child can bring it to life with our
free apps available on iOS and Android. Dash comes with
hundreds of exciting coding adventures and projects
available in Wonder and Blockly apps. Kids can program
Dash to be the real robot pet, pal or sidekick of their dreams.

23. Your local library
Check for computer classes, science clubs, and through their online portal
where you can take classes for free.
Open Courseware Universities
Universities like MIT, UC Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, Harvard, Stanford,
Notre Dame, Open.Michigan, and Tufts offer over 2,000 courses for free.
You can find all levels of classes in science, technology, engineering, and
math. Visit the website, https://ocw.mit.edu/index.htm
Skillshare
This website features short and long courses in all the STEM fields.
Use this coupon to get two months free. It's perfect for when you want to
learn something quickly.
STEM Learning
Resources
Here is a list of places you can go to learn more
about Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Math. There are free classes for women and girls.
Mothers and daughters can learn together to
prepare for a career or change careers.
Also, check out http://www.oeconsortium.org/ which features many
community and technical colleges along with universities.
iTunes University
If you have a Mac, iPhone, or iPad you can access iTunes University. You
can also get it on your PC too. Simply download iTunes to your desktop
and search for iTunes University. You will find classes from middle school
to University offering free STEM courses. You can listen or watch lectures,
learn how to cook, and do crafts.

24. Would you like to be a
part of the STEM
Darlings Family?
Here are a few ways
you can help.
Contribute an Article
Submit a Profile
Make a Donation
Buy an Ad
Email the editor learn more at
samantha@stemdarlings.com

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