Earlier this month, the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas (WFA), in partnership with Acxiom Corporation, hosted the Girls of Promise conference at the Arkansas 4-H Center in Little Rock. In its 24th year, the Girls of Promise Conference exposes girls to opportunities and mentors in science, technology, engineering, arts & math (STEAM) fields in Arkansas, with a goal to increase the number of women in the industry and help them achieve economic security in adulthood.
“We are grateful to our longtime partners like Acxiom for helping educate and mentor Arkansas girls interested in careers in STEAM,” WFA CEO Anna Beth Gorman said. “Over the years, their steadfast support of our Girls of Promise initiative has enabled thousands of young women to learn about potential STEAM careers, connect with female mentors in high-profile positions and catapult their interests to the next level. We extend our deepest gratitude to Acxiom and all of our corporate allies for investing in the future of Arkansas girls and women.”
The annual Girls of Promise conference is open to eighth-grade Arkansas girls interested in STEAM-related fields. Attendees participate in a day of learning sessions and hands-on activities led by female executives from a variety of companies, including Acxiom, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Arkansas State Police, Crafton Tull, L’Oreal and nearly a dozen others. The sessions introduce participants to careers in everything from cybersecurity, digital forensics and robotics to health care, cosmetic chemistry and environmental science.
There were 148 girls from 37 schools and 20 counties across the state who were welcomed into this year’s conference, which was free for all participants.
Jerrilyn Jones, M.D., an emergency medicine physician at UAMS, served as keynote speaker.
“Innovation thrives on diverse perspectives, experiences and skills, yet unfortunately, access to STEAM fields remains limited for many girls,” said Janet Cinfio, chief information officer at Acxiom. “Committed to changing this narrative, Acxiom wants to actively expand pathways to careers in STEAM and drive positive change for underserved girls, fostering confidence and financial security.”
To learn more about Girls of Promise, click here.
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