Moenius discusses how AI is posed to make major changes to innovation, economic growth, job markets and society
Thursday, March 20, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
From discussions on representation to deep dives into history, attendees left with fresh ideas, signed books, and a renewed passion for children’s literature.
Hundreds of 8th grade girls gathered at the University of Redlands for a day of inspiration, hands-on learning, and career exploration. With guidance from women professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Hundreds of 8th grade girls filed into the Memorial Chapel at the University of Redlands the morning of Tuesday, March 4th. They were there to listen to women career professionals within the STEM-field (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) at a conference put on by the Redlands branch of The American Association of University Women (AAUW).
“Our speakers today think you are so important that they have taken the day away from their busy career,” said Heather Abushanab, President of the AAUW Redlands Branch in her welcome speech.
Not only did over 40 local professionals speak to the young teens, another 100 volunteers made the event run smoothly. All with the goal of inspiring the audience to think in broader terms about their future.
“Did you know that 60% of our students are female?” asked Krista L. Newkirk, President of The University of Redlands in her address to the crowd. They replied with a big applause. “Here’s my challenge to you today: Be curious, be bold, ask big questions.”
“We might be reading your research paper on your groundbreaking contributions to science or technology and it could all start with a single spark that come today,” she added.
Professional keynote speaker, Erica Alfaro told her life story of overcoming unimaginable hardship without dwelling on the details, instead she shared the turning points in her life. The encouragement of a high school teacher, how her community college counselor was her role model and living up to her parents dream for her.
Her mom was deported when she was a baby, and Alfaro didn’t return to the US until she was 13 years old. Her graduation photo went viral, where she stood proudly next to her parents in a strawberry field. A testament to her parents’ hard work.
“Don’t let someone’s opinion of you become your reality,” she said. “There are many things I wish I knew before, one of those things is that I had the power to change my life.”
One of the many workshops offered was “Animatronic Prototyping” by employees at The Garner Holt Education through Imagination in Redlands. The speakers showed 60 different career paths that could lead to a future within the themed entertainment industry. Not only was there an emphasis on mechanics and engineering degrees but also how to foster one’s creativity and artistic talents.
Tayler Brown, director of Dimensional Design, explained how she had worked with character development not only here in Southern California but also for theme parks in China and Korea. “Everything I make has to move, function and not destroy itself over time. So, it’s a very good dance between mechanical and art in my field,” said Brown.
Design engineer Celine Haynie explained how she had worked on projects in the Netherlands and in Florida. She got her foot in the door by meeting Garner Holt at an Expo in 2017, and again after finishing her college degree in 2022 when she went back and asked him, “Do you remember me?” she said. “And now I work here.”
Many of the workshops were interactive. At the Garner Holt session, the audience got to build their own little battery driven bugs. In “The Future of Finance is Women” financial planner, Rachel Bubb, had her audience try to spend $550 teaching important values along the way.
“Being smart with money is going to be important in any job you do,” said Bubb.
“I didn’t think that I could actually do [math]. And it was a story I was telling myself because we hear that a lot as women. And I am here telling you that is not true,” she said, now making math and numbers her career.
Throughout the workshop the girls had to choose which low-, mid-range or premium items they would spend their money on. About half of the 50 attendees in the room achieved to still have $250 or more left after having ‘invested’ most of their initial amount.
“It gives me immense joy to come back and share with my community and really support women and girls in helping them see a different future for themselves,” said Bubb after the workshop.
Redlands, Yucaipa-Calimesa and Beaumont Unified School Districts were invited to the event, plus local public charter schools. In total 600 students got the chance to experience a college campus up close.
“What we want for [the 8th graders] is to feel the reason to take math and science in high school,” said Pam Ford, co-chair for the AAUW STEM conference. “It’s really about them having a day that is inspiring, energizing and have more confidence about what they can do.”
“[This event] sparks my curiosity in a lot of different areas. I really want a STEM career when I grow up. So, it’s really helpful,” said Madison Jones from Park View Middle School in Yucaipa.
“I remember how impactful my experience was when I was in 8th grade. It was so empowering to see experts in their field share their knowledge,” said Jenna Guzman-Lowery, mental health therapist at Citrus Counseling Services and former city council member. “Today I hope to offer the same empowerment to these young women.”
Besides two workshop sessions, the attendees also had lunch in the University Commons and participated in a STEM Career Fair before the event concluded at 1:15 p.m.
AAUW Redlands 2025 STEM Committee
Heather Abushanab, Patty Ahearn, Susan Bentley, Amy Bisek, Kathryn Brown, Linda Browning, Rosemary Conway, Peggi Cook, Ellen Cope, Kay Dobbertin, Roslyn Dunn, Pam Ford, Andrea Fuqua, Betsy Grimes, Sue Hall, Dolly Israelitt, Carol Kennedy, Ann Leonard, Thelma Muro, Cindy Perkins, Kate Pretorious, Marilyn Shankar, Susan Shodahl, Meena Spangrud, Sally Trost and Karen Watkins.
Sponsors for the AAUW STEM Conference
AAUW Redlands is supported by the University of Redlands in hosting the event. Many community sponsors support the annual conference: The Morongo Band of Mission Indians, The Optimist Club of Redlands, Redlands Community Foundation, Laura Mae Stewart Foundation, Sun Lakes Country Club Charitable Trust Board, Sorenson Engineering and individual sponsors.
About AAUW
AAUW Redlands branch fulfills the AAUW mission of advancing equity for women and girls in our local area through our well-regarded STEM initiatives. The branch has historically put on two STEM Conferences for 8th grade girls, one at Mount San Jacinto College in January and one at the University of Redlands in February.
Website: redlands-ca.aauw.net
Learn more about the keynote speaker, Erica Alfaro, on her website: www.ericaalfaro.com
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