The STEM Academy hosted a panel focused on promoting diversity and inclusivity within the STEM fields. This event aimed to inspire individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in STEM by highlighting the varied experiences of our esteemed panelists.

The distinguished panel included Dr. Latisse Stoval, ER Physician at Clara Mass Medical; Martin Viegas, Associate Director of Medical Affairs at BD; Zakiyyah Walker, Senior Staff Engineer at BD; Kim Lehmann, Senior Legal Counsel at BD; and Schiller Rathjen, Information Security Manager at Ascot Group.

During the panel discussion, the focus was on resilience, with panelists sharing their personal educational and career journeys, underscoring the importance of perseverance in overcoming challenges. They emphasized seizing every opportunity for success and discussed the crucial role of creating a supportive environment to foster diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Key topics explored included navigating the non-linear nature of educational and career paths, leveraging opportunities for advancement, and cultivating a culture of support to enhance diversity within STEM professions. The panel sparked an engaging conversation that inspired our students to consider careers in STEM.