MedTech, WISE to host The Power of Women in STEM on April 9

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The MedTech Association and the Women Inspiring the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (WISE) Women’s Business Center next week will host an event that seeks to encourage women to pursue careers in STEM fields.

STEM is short for science, technology, engineering, and math.

The event, entitled “The Power of Women in STEM: Opportunities Past, Present and Future,” is set for April 9 at Syracuse University’s Martin J. Whitman School of Management.

The program will take place between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. in the Milton Room on the fourth floor of the Whitman School.

Individuals interesting in attending should register by April 3, according to a news release the organizations issued. The event is free for all students and $20 for non-students.

Attendees can register by visiting http://powerofwomeninstem.eventbrite.com

The one-day program will “empower and encourage” female STEM majors and feature professional opportunities available in these fields, according to the news release.

“We are excited to be hosting an event that will help inspire female science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) majors,” Jessica Crawford, president of the MedTech Association, said in the news release. “MedTech’s 2014 industry report highlighted the need for talent to support the burgeoning bioscience and medical-technology industry in New York state. It is my hope that these women learn about various STEM career options, specifically in New York, and pursue these professions.”

Nancy Rurkowski, vice president of biologics external manufacturing at Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY), will provide a keynote presentation.

Bristol-Myers Squibb is a New York City–based pharmaceutical company that operates a location in DeWitt. The company employs 450 people in Central New York, according to CNYBJ Research.

“The Power of Women in STEM” event will also include a panel discussion with female STEM leaders and entrepreneurs from across Central New York, along with a networking reception, according to the news release.

MedTech Association “connects New York State’s Bio/Med industry through collaboration, education and advocacy,” according to its website.

The organization includes pharmaceutical companies, biotech and medical-technology companies, their suppliers and service providers, and research universities, the website says.

The WISE Women’s Business Center is one of 105 women’s business centers nationwide that the U.S. Small Business Administration funds. SU’s Whitman School hosts the WISE Women’s Business Center, according to the news release.

Both organizations are based at the Syracuse Tech Garden at 235 Harrison St. in Syracuse.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com