20 th Annual Women of Color STEM Conference A Multicultural Event October 15-17, 2015 Detroit Marriott Marriott at The Renaissance Center Detroit, MI Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives

What is the Women of Color STEM Conference? The conference is a three-day multicultural event for women in STEM fields. Key speakers address the underrepresentation of women in the discipline, with a focus on activities that encourage interest, entry, and retention. Activities include: STEM pipeline development in the K-12 community Networking, mentoring, and training for pre-professionals and professionals Recruitment of entry- through mid-level technical jobs Employer recognition of the outstanding STEM accomplishments by female professionals in their organizations

Why is the Women of Color STEM Conference important? Gender-based bias remains high in the workplace (28.5% in 2011)*. Women are less likely than men to be employed in STEM jobs, fostering the need to nurture those already there and those aspiring for employment in STEM fields. In 2011, just 8% of female professionals were employed in the high-paying computer and engineering fields, compared with 44% of male professionals*. * According to EEOC statistics Multiple studies show a strong correlation between recognition and retention. The U.S. Department of Labor cites “lack of appreciation” as the primary reason employees leave their jobs. This conference creates an informal, trusted community that provides support specifically to women in STEM careers.

Who is served by the Women of Color STEM Conference? While the conference celebrates women, roughly 18 percent of its attendees are men. Twenty percent of all attendees are college students from academic institutions nationwide. The average GPA for college students attending the conference exceeds 3.0. Among attending professionals, 59% are in engineering and other STEM fields, 21% are in management, and 13% are in business and financial operations. Approximately 300 middle and high school students attend to engage in hands-on activities including robotics and interactive workshops.

How does the Women of Color STEM Conference serve these communities? The Women of Color STEM Conference provides a unique opportunity to increase recruitment, retention, professional development and employee recognition capabilities. Events include: Alumnae Welcome Reception Education Sessions Technology Recognition Luncheon Women of Color Awards Dinner Professional Networking Mixer Women-to-Women: Up Close and Personal Breakfast with Leaders & Legends Women of Color Gala and Dinner

Alumnae Welcome Reception The Alumnae Welcome Reception is a homecoming event for the trusted community of women who support one another long after the annual conference has concluded. Many conference attendees stay in contact throughout the year and return annually to make new connections, expand their professional network, and pay forward to help advance other women in STEM fields.

Education Sessions Our education sessions concentrate on the topics most important to our conference audience. An annual meeting is hosted with event alumni, evaluating past performance and reviewing evaluation forms to determine relevant topics for the following year’s audience. Conference education sessions provide continuing education units (CEUs) and professional development hours (PDHs). While attendance is the most direct way to participate, there are limited opportunities for subject matter experts from participating organizations to lead, moderate, or act as panel members.

Technology Recognition Luncheon Our Technology Recognition Luncheon provides organizations with an opportunity to participate in a powerful and motivational external recognition event. The application process is abbreviated and your candidates are recognized based on your recommendation. (Self-nominations are not permitted.) Recognize outstanding achievers Obtain a notable keynote speaking opportunity Provide a memorable photo opportunity Offer a feature role in the widely distributed Women of Color magazine

Women of Color Awards Dinner Throughout the year we feature the accomplishments of women in STEM in our publications. Some of the most notable are the women we feature in our spring issue of Women of Color magazine for women’s heritage month. This dinner salutes the accomplishments of these women as well as those of the women who have been selected for a Special Recognition award in the peer- reviewed process. This special event offers a mix of scripted speeches designed to deliver encouragement and inspiration as well as present citations of the women who serve, not only in the military, but in industry and across the STEM enterprise developing innovations and services that keep our nation safe. In attendance are organizations, families, and friends to support the women honored at this event.

Professional Development Meet & Greet The Women of Color Meet and Greet takes professional training to a new level. Not just a reception. It is an opportunity for conference attendees to network. To cap it off, the evening ends with a powerful speaker.

Women-to-Women: Up Close and Personal Easily the most memorable event, this workshop connects women from your executive ranks with mentoring opportunities for up-and-coming professionals Discussions are candid on topics typically discussed only in a hush around the water cooler. Enjoy 17 roundtables of 10, each with a table host. Send employees to participate in either a leadership or learning role. This workshop has changed the way many women view their role in the workplace; it has also helped many build a healthy work-life balance.

Breakfast with Leaders and Legends What does it take to reach the upper rungs of the corporate ladder? This is the question on the minds of the typical Women of Color STEM Conference attendee. This event was designed to offer insight into the skills your employees need for the C-Suite. Four executives will hone the message with stirring discussions with the audience on the qualities of legendary leadership.

Women of Color Gala The Women of Color Gala is the culmination of an eventful three-day conference. While award recipients in attendance have “won” the competition, everyone in the room takes part in the culmination of hard work and unbridled professional support. From the women walking across the stage to the pride felt by their organizations, families, and friends, the evening’s message is clear and often heard throughout the crowd: “I work for a great organization.”

What’s in it for my organization? Professional recruitment and networking opportunities. Visibility as an employer of choice for underrepresented women. An occasion to boost recognition, employee commitment, and morale. Ability to enhance retention, minimize turnover, and expand STEM employees’ trusted community.

How are my competitors participating? Nominating Conference and event advertising Employee attendance Many organizations also host employee meetings at the conference.

How can I participate? Register to attend at Nominate and recognize top-performing STEM employees. Become a sponsor, exhibitor or advertiser.

20 th Annual Women of Color STEM Conference A Multicultural Event 15-17, 2015 Detroit Marriott at The Renaissance Center Detroit, MI Character, Courage and Commitment