Girls Inc. Of Pinellas Celebrates Women In STEAM

Press release from Girls Inc.:

Sept. 23, 2021

On September 17, 2021, Girls Inc. of Pinellas held their annual luncheon celebrating women in STEAM at the Collection on Palmetto in Clearwater. The 2021 Honorees are Rachel Carpenter, Founder and CEO of Intrinio, Dr. Trina Espinola, Chief Medical Officer of Bayfront Health, Dr. Leslie Hafer, St. Petersburg College Provost, Lori Larsen, Chief Strategy Officer at Celestar Corporation and Rita Lowman, President of Pilot Bank.

During their acceptance speeches, honorees shared personal stories from their childhoods, educational and professional journeys that inspired many in the audience to commit dollars and time to supporting Girls Inc.

“These honorees demonstrate what is possible when girls pursue careers in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math). The luncheon is an opportunity for people to network with other STEAM professionals and to learn how they can engage with and support young women who want to follow in their steps,” shared Darla Otey, Executive Director at Girls Inc of Pinellas.

Luncheon guests heard from Girls Inc. camper, Emilia Aguilar, who is a 3rd grader at St. Paul’s Catholic School. Emilia and all the girls who attend Girls Inc. will benefit from the generosity of individual and corporate donors who raised almost $50,000.00 to fund year-round STEAM programming and scholarships to their 2022 spring break and summer camps.

Girls Inc of Pinellas is the leading non-profit that inspires and benefits 500 girls annually through services designed to teach all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Girls Inc.’s approach to STEAM enrichment inspires girls through hands-on, interactive workshops and exposes them to leaders in fields of study in which women, particularly women of color, are underrepresented. STEAM programming takes place daily across all age groups, with a focus on middle and high school students.

To register your daughter for Girls Inc. of Pinellas’ after-school enrichment program visit https://girlsinc-pinellas.org/after-school/.

Girls Inc. of Pinellas’s programming - in partnership with local schools and organizations - focuses on the development of the whole girl. A combination of long-lasting mentoring relationships, a pro-girl environment, and research-based programming equips girls to lead fulfilling and productive lives, break the cycle of poverty, and become role models in their community. Mission: Inspiring all girls to be strong, smart & bold.

This press release was produced by Girls Inc. The views expressed here are the author's own.