On November 18, 2017, nearly 100 Girl Scouts, their parents and an amazing group of female scientists, engineers, artists, and designers took over the GSCM Program Center for the third annual Girls STEAM Ahead event.

Through an informative expo, hands-on workshops, an inspiring keynote address and a Women in STEAM career panel, girls were able to gain new insights into all things STEAM.

Carolyn Yarina, CEO and co-founder of Baltimore-based, Sisu Global Health, an award-winning medical device company, talked with the girls about her career and the journey she took to get to where she is today.  She explained that once upon a time she wanted to be an art teacher and that over time she took that idea of being creative and figured out how she could use it to make the world a better place. Carolyn also noted that she got her start in entrepreneurship and engineering in Girl Scouts.

During the workshop portion of the day, girls worked with AIA Baltimore, Decode Me Space, WealthyU, Society of Women Engineers, Building with Biology Baltimore Underground Science Space (BUGSS), and GSCM’s Graphic Designer, Quandra Gray to explore different aspects of STEAM including learning how to use biology as a tool to create something new, making magnetic slime, learning how the stock market works through an interactive game and practicing the principles of design.

While the girls were busy exploring these topics, their parents had the opportunity to gain knowledge and resources from various STEM professionals. Code in the Schools, TCecure LLC, and GSCM’s STEM Specialist all provided parents with resources about how they can further encourage their girl’s interest in STEM. They even got to try their hand at soldering!

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Girl Scouts of Central Maryland would like to express our sincere thanks to all of the volunteers, presenters, and organizations that supported our event including American Institute of Architects Baltimore, Baltimore Underground Science Space, Decode Me Space, Fire Museum of Maryland, NDMU American Pharmacist Association, Society of Women Engineers, WealthyU, and Star Academy for their support and participation! Special thanks to all of our career panelists who made the day a success. We look forward to your support as we plan next year’s event!