Khandle Hedrick at the Women in STEM conference in Danang, Vietnam
On August 5, a leadership conference and exhibition opened at the University of Danang with an aim to highlight female role models in Vietnam in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), encourage the exchange of knowledge and paths to entrepreneurship and offer networking opportunities among professionals.
“Leaders in STEM career fields will be exploring some of the most exciting realms of discovery and technological innovation and will occupy the high-tech, high-wage jobs of the future,” said USAID Vietnam Mission Director Michael Greene. “As a result, increasing opportunities for women in these fields are critically important in realizing greater economic success and equality for women across the board.”
The event is part of the Women in Stem (WiSTEM) Leadership Program under the Building University-Industry Learning and Development through Innovation and Technology (BUILD-IT) Alliance, an initiative supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and announced by U.S. President Barak Obama during his trip to Vietnam in June. The project is implemented by Arizona State University and runs through 2020.
“We want to connect women in the STEM community,” explains Kathy Wigal, Ed.D., BUILD-IT Project Director and Associate Director for Curricular Innovation at Arizona State University. “The Forum will convene both men and women working in STEM for open discussion on the role of women in the high demand professions of math, engineering, technology and science.”
WiSTEM, in addition to hosting an annual conference, is establishing university campus-based clubs and associated academic programs that provide female mentors and offer scholarships for women earning engineering and technical degrees.
Women in STEM Conference Exhibitor table
With technology and science advancing at such a rapid rate, and with the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the ASEAN Economic Community launch, many Vietnam public and private universities are encouraging women to seek an education that will prepare them for a career in STEM. It is more important than ever to inspire and educate women and girls to challenge the status quo and be a part of this global revolution. and the launch, many Vietnam public and private universities are encouraging women to seek an education that will prepare them for a career in STEM. It is more important than ever to inspire and educate women and girls to challenge the status quo and be a part of this global revolution.
The BUILD-IT Alliance is the latest advancement in a series of initiatives led by the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University. The alliance links STEM instruction to the needs and capabilities of industry partners by producing graduates ready for inclusive, technology-based careers. More than 20 industry partners currently support the program. A key objective is accreditation by the ASEAN University Network (AUN) in the areas of biotechnology, chemistry, mathematics and computer science.