Women and gender minorities make up just over 25% of the workforce in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and men vastly outnumber women majoring in most STEM fields in college. The gender gaps are particularly high in some of the fastest-growing and highest-paid jobs of the future, like computer science and engineering. In trades occupations, this gap is even larger with women only making up just 9% of the workforce in construction and other skilled trades occupations.

Our goal with the creation of "Closing the Gap" is to highlight professional women and gender minorities from our region who are working in STEM & Trades fields. This way, they can see local women who are working in these careers and can consider these careers for themselves.

There are different ways to participate in this project:

* Guest Speaker - This includes participating in a 20-30 minute podcast interview;

* Written Interview - For this, you will fill out a Q&A form, and we will use that information to write an article. After it's written, we will share with you and collect any feedback as well as make any necessary edits & changes before posting on our website and social media.

* Speaking opportunities - This can include being available to give a presentation about your career to students, attending a Q&A session for an event, and other opportunities.

If you're interested in participating, please fill out this brief interest form.

Listen to the Closing the Gap Podcast

Meet our Closing the Gap Featured Role Models

Season 4

April 2024

Gabrielle McNally (Coming Soon)

Portrait of Gabrielle McNally

March 2024

Kristi Lebkowsky (Coming Soon)

Portrait of Kristi Lebkowsky

March 2024

Trinia of Hinterland Empire

Portrait of Trinia in front of Hinterland Empire storefront

February 2024

W.I.S.terhood

February 2024

Sarala Paliwal

January 2024

Alice Welch

December 2023

Melissa Koke

November 2023

Sara Lipow

October 2023

Katherine Edmonds

October 2023

Dani Raiche

September 2023

Margaret Landis

Past Seasons

April 2023

GEEO

February 2023

Deb Mumm-Hill

January 2023

Demetriah Webster

December 2022

Yuliya Dennis

December 2022

Eden Olsen

November 2022

Carolina Guillen

November 2022

Dr. Ramycia McGhee

October 2022

Crystal Vue

October 2022

Breanna Allen

September 2022

Amber Barber

September 2022

Missy Smith

April 2022

Mindy Crandall

February 2022

Robin Maxkii

February 2022

Dr. Lisa Avery

January 2022

Ashley Merback

December 2021

Devon Chase

December 2021

Veronika Kivenson

November 2021

Courtney Conklin

October 2021

Cassie Hidalgo

March 2021

Barbara Hanley

February 2021

Britney Cawrse