Girls Inc. of Southeast Wisconsin to Host 10th Annual Girls Empowered By Math & Science (GEMS) Conference at UW-Parkside

Published: January 9, 2023

GEMSGirls Inc. of Southeast Wisconsin is excited to announce the 10th Annual Girls Empowered by Math & Science (GEMS) Conference, to be held on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

This year's conference, sponsored by SC Johnson, American Association of University Women-Racine Branch, University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Racine Unified School District, Gateway Technical College, Inclusity, United Way of Racine County, SAFE Haven of Racine, Community State Bank, Educators Credit Union, Eaton Corporation, We Energies and Summit Credit Union will feature 450 middle school girls from the Racine Unified School District. Students will participate in campus tours, interact with a college student panel, and engage in three STEM workshops.

"The GEMS Conference is a unique and educational opportunity for girls to learn about the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in their future careers," said Jeanette Brown, CEO of Girls Inc. of Southeast Wisconsin. "We are proud to be hosting this conference for the 10th year. With the support of organizations like Girls Inc. of Southeast Wisconsin, girls are empowered to be strong, finish school on time, be healthy, and take charge of their futures."

The conference will feature keynote speaker, Miss America 2023 Grace Stanke, as well as interactive and engaging presentations geared towards 7th and 8th grade girls. Attendees will have the chance to hear from experts in the STEM field and learn about the exciting career opportunities available to them.

"We are thrilled to host the GEMS Conference and provide 450 middle school girls in the Racine community with the opportunity to learn about and explore their passions in STEM," said Robin Smerchek, GEMS Conference Chair. "The hands-on workshops provide the opportunity to experience possible education and career paths in the STEM fields. We are grateful to our partners, sponsors and volunteers for their support in making this conference a success."

"We are thrilled to partner with Girls Inc. of Southeast Wisconsin and the GEMS Conference for the 10th year in a row and provide a platform for middle school girls to explore and learn about STEM fields. At UW-Parkside, we are committed to increasing diversity and representation in STEM fields, and events like the GEMS Conference are crucial in inspiring the next generation of girls to pursue their passions in these fields. We are excited to welcome 450 girls to our campus and provide them with the opportunity to interact with college students and experts in STEM." said Debbie Ford, Chancellor of University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

"At the Racine Unified School District, we believe in the power of education to transform lives and empower students to reach their full potential,” said Dr. Eric Gallien, Superintendent of Racine Unified School District. “The GEMS Conference is an excellent opportunity for our middle school girls to learn about and explore the exciting career opportunities available to them in STEM fields. We are grateful to Girls Inc. of Southeast Wisconsin and our partners for organizing this conference and providing our students with this valuable learning experience. We are confident that the 450 girls in attendance will be inspired to pursue their passions in STEM and make a positive impact in their communities."

About Girls Inc. of Southeast Wisconsin:

Girls Inc. of Southeast Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Through research-based programming and a network of supportive adults, Girls Inc. of Southeast Wisconsin helps girls navigate their way to academic and personal success. For more information, visit girlsincsewi.org.


The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is committed to high-quality educational programs, creative and scholarly activities, and services responsive to its diverse student population, and its local, national, and global communities. We are a dynamic learning community grounded in academic excellence and focused on student success, diversity, inclusion, and community engagement. The campus serves as a premier comprehensive public institution and a destination of choice, serving as a focal point of local, regional, and global progress.


Media Contact:                

Rebecca Osmolski
rebecca.osmolski@gmail.com | info@girlsincsewi.com
262-994-7542

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