Celebrating a Decade of Transformation for Girls in STEM Tech Sassy Girlz 10th Annual Conference Underscores the Butterfly Effect

10^th Annual Tech Sassy Girlz Day Conference Presented by Orlando Magic Youth Foundation and
Powered by Lockheed Martin is Changing the Face of STEM

As the caterpillar changes through metamorphosis to reveal a beautiful butterfly, it is empowered to become entirely new, thoroughly transformed.  Celebrating its 10^th year anniversary, the Tech Sassy Girlz Day Conference presented by the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation and powered by Lockheed Martin, works the same way, igniting the spark of middle and high school girls across Central Florida to transform their minds and aspirations, to learn more about exciting careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

 

With interactive discussions on career readiness, mentoring and entrepreneurship, this year’s conference went virtual and was held over three days.  Emphasizing the theme “The Butterfly Effect: A Decade of Transformation,” hosted by Jo Newell, Vice President, Orlando Economic Partnership and Courtney Powell, President, AceApplications, they were joined by special guests Mayor Buddy Dyer, City of Orlando and Mayor Jerry L. Demings, Orange County Government, as advocates in changing the face of STEM in the Central Florida community!

 

The three-day virtual sessions include:

Day 1 – October 20, 2021 The Butterfly Effect: A Decade of Transformation Powered by Ford and Spectrum Opening Reception and Fundraiser

Day 2 – October 21, 2021 Metamorphosis: The Future of Work Powered by Oracle Academy

Day3 – October 22, 2021 Cool Careers in STEM Powered by Universal Orlando Foundation

 

“We are thrilled to celebrate the tenth anniversary of our annual Tech Sassy Girlz Day Conference.  Our goal a decade ago, was to create increased awareness of STEM career opportunities and services for middle and high school girls by increasing participation, retention and advancement of girls and women in STEM.  Since that time, we have made exciting progress, but there is still work to do.  We are excited about ensuring that the pipeline we’re creating fosters a path the girls can take, as they progress through our program.  As the future generation, these girls are the leaders that are continuing to change the face of STEM and are doing amazing things,” says Laine Powell, Ed.D., Tech Sassy Girlz Founder and Executive Director.

 

Tech Sassy Girlz (TSG) provides access for girls to develop 21st century computing skills that will help them embrace their passion and recognize their potential in STEM fields.  Since its inception in 2012, TSG has touched the lives of more than 2,000 middle and high school “girlz” and awarded more than $20,000 in scholarships. TSG’s Pearls in Tech program has successfully placed students in six-week paid internships in a variety of businesses including the City of Orlando’s IT Department and AceApplications, LLC.   It affords an opportunity to learn real-world skills applicable in a professional environment.

Special thanks to TSG’s additional sponsors for making this event possible and for continuing to champion the advancement of women in STEM: Orange County Government, the African American Chamber of Commerce, Orange County Public Schools, Orlando Economic Partnership, AceApplications, LLC, and NBC Sports NEXT.

 

There are several ways to support and plug into TSG including mentoring, serving as a speaker, sponsoring both on a corporate and individual level and through donating products and services to advance the mission of TSG.  TSG has been widely recognized in the community and has received several awards, grants, and public recognition for the exceptional work over the last decade.  As a nonprofit organization, TSG is always seeking community and corporate support to advance and further its mission.