Because the region can benefit from having a more diverse, balanced and competitive workforce, ComEd is encouraging young women and girls to explore opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Women make up 47 percent of the U.S. workforce, yet only hold 24 percent of jobs in STEM-related related fields, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.
In honor of Women’s History Month, ComEd and the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana celebrated women in innovation at the Adler Planetarium with prominent Chicago-area leaders who are shaping the future through leadership and innovation in environmental science, health care and technology, including:
• Nancy Joseph-Ridge, M.D., head of global development, Takeda Pharmaceuticals;
• Robin Graham, Ph.D., ecologist, deputy associate director, Argonne National Laboratory;
• Andrea Sreshta, M.Arch., co-founder, LuminAID Lab; and
• Award-winning journalist, Marion Brooks, who moderated the panel discussion.
On Friday, ComEd launched a digital advertising campaign to inspire young women to unleash their innate talents – or “superpowers” in the sciences – and achieve their full potential.
“ComEd has been an ardent advocate for education and an active supporter of STEM-related programs for decades,” said Anne Pramaggiore, president and CEO, ComEd. Empowering the next generation of trailblazers and innovators, including women and girls, is just one of the ways that we are partnering with the communities we serve. This effort aligns with ComEd perfectly, as we are constantly seeking and fostering innovation to improve our operations to help create a stronger, more sustainable future.”
During the signature event, ComEd introduced the “Icebox Derby Project,” an initiative that will challenge high school students, including young women, to build an electric car from a recycled refrigerator. With support from ComEd mentors and its community partners, these student teams will work together to demonstrate how they can unleash their talents and powers to transform a common household appliance into a fully operational car.
