Women in STEM Day at Atkins Academic & Technology High School

On Nov. 8, a program called Women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) was held at Atkins Academic & Technology High School. Participants included students from Atkins, Walkertown High School, Downtown Middle School, Southeast Middle School, Hanes Magnet School, Paisley IB Magnet School and Brunson Elementary School.

One purpose of the event was to motivate girls to follow their dreams and explore their talents, said Atkins teacher Monika Vasili.

“All students enjoyed being in this event,” Vasili said. “They loved all the activities that Atkins female students had prepared for them.”

Speakers included Toni Wilkins of Monsanto, Anne E. Loccisano of Reynolds American, Jennifer Burg of Wake Forest University and WFU students Makenzie Whitner and Riana Freedman. Students were able to chat with the speakers, and activities included biotechnology, engineering, game design and fashion design.

Vasili said that she wanted to thank Kim Marion, who is the school system’s program manager for magnet schools and STEM programs; all the business partners; the schools that participated; and Atkins teachers Terry Howerton and Kevin Hamilton, who, along with parents, helped Vasili to organize the event.

“I am looking forward to next year's event,” Vasili said.

Business partners for the event included:
Carolina Liquid Chemistries
Caterpillar
Davenport
Forsyth Technical Community College
SciWorks
Volvo Winston-Salem State University Life Science

Wake Forest University Biology and Chemistry
WFU Computer Programming
WFU Nanotechnology
WFU Documentary Film

Monsanto
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.