The Chester County Economic Development Council is set to host the annual Girls Exploring Tomorrow’s Technology Conference on November 1, 2023, from 10:00 to 14:00. This free event will take place at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Upper Providence Township, Montgomery County. It aims to connect hundreds of young attendees with hands-on experiences in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and industry role models.
Launched in 2001, the conference was created to tackle the underrepresentation of women in technology fields. This year marks a significant milestone, celebrating 25 years of inspiring girls to pursue careers in STEM. According to a press release, the initiative has evolved to include students from across Southeastern Pennsylvania, showcasing a variety of STEM fields.
Empowering Young Women in Technology
According to the World Economic Forum, women currently make up only 28 percent of the global STEM workforce. Daisy Adams, chairwoman of the conference and senior director of Digital Operations and NOC at Bentley Systems, emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “GETT is a practical way to introduce girls to STEM fields in a fun, engaging half-day experience.”
Attendees can expect to engage in over 100 hands-on STEM activities covering diverse areas such as computer science, engineering, coding, robotics, healthcare, environmental science, culinary arts, and broadcasting. This wide array of activities aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to various STEM careers.
Marianne Stack, project director of the Innovative Technology Action Group (ITAG) at the Chester County Economic Development Council, highlighted the conference’s role in breaking down barriers. “Through GETT and our ITAG program, we’re directly connecting girls in our region with companies and their female STEM leaders across diverse roles — from software development to health sciences,” she said. “When these students interact with successful women in STEM, it transforms their perspective on what’s possible.”
Growing Impact and Year-Round Opportunities
Initially focused on computer and IT fields, the Girls Exploring Tomorrow’s Technology Conference has since expanded its reach and focus. The program now includes opportunities and experiences throughout the year, further enhancing its mission of encouraging girls to explore STEM careers. As the event has grown, so has its impact on inspiring young women to envision themselves as future innovators in these fields.
For those interested in attending, more information, including ticket and registration details, can be found at gettpa.org.
