Women Rock Science returns Thursday with virtual event
The Women Rock Science fundraiser is back and once again online.
The fourth annual event, hosted by the Cranbrook Institute of Science, celebrates women in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) fields while working to provide programming to students prekindergarten through 12th grade in underserved Michigan communities, such as Detroit, Pontiac and Flint.
Last year’s virtual gala raised over $250,000, with proceeds helping to support nearly 34,000 children annually through the Institute’s Service to Others initiatives. STEAM programming is delivered to students by Cranbrook Institute of Science educators.
“Last year more than any other year taught us that science is more important than ever,” said Michael D. Stafford, director of Cranbrook Institute of Science. “It is critical that all students in Michigan have access to enhanced learning through STEAM curricula to gain knowledge about the power of science and the impact it has on their everyday lives.”
The decision to stay virtual was based on safety
and to provide a larger impact through outreach initiatives, Stafford added.
Three women will be honored at this year’s event for their impacts across Michigan and the country, including:
Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, who began her career in 1980 as a co-op student.
Tuyen Duddles, a seventh and eighth science teacher in Warren Consolidated Schools, who in 2018 was selected as a participant in the Research Experiences for Teachers program at Michigan State University,
where she created a curriculum that connects an engineering team’s research project to a science or math concept. That STEAM curriculum can be utilized by educators in all classrooms.
Celeste T. Williams, director of Quality, Heart and Vascular Institute at Henry Ford Health System, who leads one of the state’s top heart transplant programs and advocates for gender parity for women — in addition to encouraging cardiology as a career choice.
Event guests will watch a 45-minute video on the impact STEAM education has had on the development of Michigan children.
The gala emcee will be Lila Lazarus. Event cochairs include Adele Acheson, Kelle Ilitch, Kim Reuss and Linzie Venegas. Sponsorship packages are available and range in price from $1,000 to $50,000.
Those who purchase tickets will be sent a link at 7 p.m. on the day of the event.