William Floyd Business Department chairperson Jacqueline Giacalone and Science Department chairperson Dawna Cintron recently collaborated to bring several “Women in STEM” workshops to William Floyd High School to help empower and inspire future female leaders in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) throughout the school year. Twenty six WFHS students took part in this initiative, engaging in unique mentorship opportunities and hands-on experiences that furthered their STEM education.

There were four dynamic workshops hosted throughout the school year, each focusing on essential and contemporary topics within the STEM landscape. The first was an “App and Website Design” workshop, where students explored the intricacies of user experience and interface, and learned to transform creative ideas into functional applications. The second was an “Applied DNA” workshop that highlighted the intersection of technology and biology by presenting students with real-world applications of genetic science. The third was an “Energy and Utilities” workshop, where the students learned about sustainable practices and innovative technologies that are shaping the future of energy consumption. The fourth was a “Manufacturing” workshop that showcased advanced manufacturing techniques and gave students a better idea of the critical role manufacturing plays in our economy and society.

In addition to these informative workshops, the students also visited National Grid for a behind-the-scenes look of the well-known utility provider, witnessing day-to-day operations while also having meaningful conversations with women in various trades who shared their insights and personal journeys working in a traditionally male-dominated field. This highly-anticipated experience helped empower the students and spark their curiosity about potential career paths in energy and utilities.

“The feedback from our students has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing how stories and experiences shared by their female counterparts resonated deeply,” said Ms. Giacalone. “These inspiring narratives have fostered a sense of community amongst the participants, reinforcing their determination to carve their own paths in the fields of science and technology.”

Ms. Giacalone noted one student’s positive response to the workshops, who said, “Hearing from these incredible women made me realize that I can pursue a career in STEM too. Their journeys showed me that obstacles can be overcome and dreams can be achieved.”

To close out the school year, the students attended one last presentation with Derek O’Connor, Workforce Development Manager of Stony Brook University Economic Development, who worked closely with Ms. Giacalone and Ms. Cintron to help make these workshops a possibility. At the end of the presentation, each student was presented with a special certificate that celebrated their participation in the “Women in STEM” workshop series!