FOCUS SECTION
Talent Pipelines
WOMEN IN business
SUCCEEDING IN MALE-DOMINATED INDUSTRIES BY BROOKE STRICKLAND
JULIE SIGMON
DIRECTOR, NEBRASKA WOMEN IN STEM/ OMAHA STEM ECOSYSTEM
Two local organizations are doing their part in building a talent pipeline for girls in fields traditionally dominated by males.
Omaha STEM Ecosystem
Founded in 2016, Omaha STEM Ecosystem is a collaborative partnership between education, government, nonprofit, and business entities to provide science, technology, engineering, and math learning initiatives for students, especially those underrepresented in STEM careers. Omaha STEM works closely with more than 1,200 organizations to provide events for women and girls in these fields, including UNO’s STEM Trail Center, Nebraska Women in STEM, Intern Nebraska, and more. Some of these events include ‘Dinner with a Scientist,’ which offers high school students the opportunity to engage with a scientist and learn about their research and potential careers. There are also science and engineering fairs, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for women professionals and college students. “At Omaha STEM Ecosystem, our goal is to transform the region into a robust STEM community; to grow the talent pipeline by providing opportunities needed to be successful in learning, scientific thinking, examining potential career paths, and exploring opportunities to extend educational achievement,” said Director Julie Sigmon. “This approach ensures that students have the opportunity to learn and are more likely to remain in Nebraska, contributing to the state’s future workforce. Additionally, it offers increased opportunities for women and girls in traditionally maledominated industries and promotes greater diversity in STEM fields.” To make these types of events and opportunities available, Omaha STEM partners with a variety of organizations, such as Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, the University of Nebraska Omaha, Clarkson College, Metropolitan Community College, and the AIM Institute. Sigmon said there is continued momentum for STEM fields, but it will require hard work to ensure equality for women and girls. “I look forward to the equal opportunity that will be available,” she said. “While we are seeing a positive increase, there is still a long way to go in terms of achieving equal pay and breaking the glass ceiling.”
KIMBERLY THOMAS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EPIC FOR GIRLS
EPIC for Girls
EPIC for Girls was established in 2017 out of an observed disparity in sports accessibility for girls, especially girls of color in North and South Omaha. EPIC (Equal Play: Inspiring Confidence) is on a mission to provide access and resources for those girls. Last year, EPIC provided nearly $300,000 to 23 program partners to provide sports access to girls of color across Omaha. Over 1,800 girls were able to participate in sports such as volleyball, basketball, dance, golf, boxing, cycling, softball, and more. EPIC for Girls also launched three paid internship programs in basketball officiating, sports marketing, and instruction/coaching. Kimberly Thomas, executive director for EPIC, said that there are several benefits to sports, and creating a pipeline for girls of color to discover their abilities and advance those skills, can help them in the future. “Nebraska is a sports state,” she said. “Nearly 90% of women CEOs participated in sports as a youth/teen. Sports teaches many life skills and prepares children and teens for the workforce and adulthood. “Sports is also a pathway to a better life for many KIMBERLY THOMAS, individuals; however, sports EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, opportunities have not been EPIC FOR GIRLS equally distributed across communities, specifically leaving out communities of color. Girls need to see themselves in these positions and this is a great opportunity to create a pipeline of talent and introduce girls of color to careers in sports in a low-threat, highly supportive environment.” Looking ahead, Thomas said that while women and girls have, and continue to be, restricted from participation in many of the spaces where men have had access for decades, there have been many great strides made. “It excites me to see how women are finally entering those spaces and making progress, closing the gap, and having a greater financial and social impact than anyone ever expected,” she said. “It’s time to put aside this notion that we [women and girls] need permission to be our best selves.”
It’s time to put aside this notion that we need permission to be our best selves.”
Page 12 • June 14, 2024