Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance and Lacawac Sanctuary and Field Station are pleased to announce the 2016 Women in Science Symposium at The Heritage Nightclub at Woodloch Resort in Hawley, Pike County on September 20.

This unique forum showcases the professional and life experiences of distinguished female science and environmental leaders.

Through stimulating conversations and active engagement with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) professionals, this Women in Science Breakfast encourages attendees to pursue careers, exchange ideas and make lasting connections.

Women who are in STEM occupations are encouraged to attend this event to interact with others in attendance during the program.

“Demonstrating to people of any age that there ARE jobs here in Northeast Pennsylvania is so important! Career awareness and exploration is most effective when it includes REAL people from your hometown that work in cool jobs! Talking to professionals and hearing WHY they chose a certain career path is so helpful to the decision making process,” said Lucyann Vierling, Executive Director, Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance.

“Attracting more women in STEM occupations will maximize innovation, creativity and competitiveness. With a more diverse workforce, the direction of scientific inquiry will be guided by a broader array of experiences,” said Craig Lukatch, President, Lacawac Sanctuary and Field Station.

The morning begins with Networking and Breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by the Welcome and Opening Remarks at 9:15, a keynote address from Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), Chair of the Senate Labor & Industry Committee discussing Overcoming Obstacles to Achievement and Satisfaction and panelist presentations, concluding at 10:45 a.m.

Following the program, attendees will have the opportunity for a question and answer session with the panelists and STEM attendees as well as obtain information and resources from the Higher Education and Business sponsors tables.

Sponsors to date include: Brookfield Energy, East Stroudsburg University, Johnson College, Keystone College, Lackawanna College, Luzerne County Community College, Northampton Community College, Penn State Worthington Scranton, Pennsylvania College of Technology, Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Region 2, Pike County Conservation District, UGI and Wilkes University.

The sponsors will showcase their programs and fields of study offering resources to attendees considering STEM related careers.

Panelists include:

-- Sarah Hall-Bagdonas- Program Manager, Northern Tier Hardwood Association;

-- Patti Duncan- Discovery Education;

-- Brittany Gross- Veterinarian and Raw Milk Producer, Gross Family Dairy;

-- Linda Helgerma- Information Services Supervisor, Wayne Memorial Health System;

-- Katie Lester- Compliance Specialist, Brookfield Renewable Energy Group;

-- Amanda Fedorka- Physical Therapist, Progressive Health; and

-- Vicki Stanavitch- Program Coordinator for the Biological and Physical Sciences, Keystone College.

Everyone is welcome to attend! Seating is limited. Please register by September 15.

Tickets can be purchased online or for more information contact Craig Lukatch, Lacawac Sanctuary at 570-689-9494 or send email to: craig.lukatch@lacawac.org or Cheryl Duquette, Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance at 570-390-7613 or send email to: cduquette@wpworkforce.org.

For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the Lacawac Sanctuary and Field Station website.

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