My name is Amrita Adak and I’m a senior at UMass Amherst studying Neurobiology, Language, and Trauma. With the help of Women for UMass, the Office of Equity of Inclusion, and several STEM departments across campus, I’m organizing a mini-conference on October 22nd focused on empowering Historically Marginalized Women in STEM.

Our project centers around connecting women who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and women with disabilities in the Hampshire county area, with contemporary female role models in STEM that reflect their marginalized identities. This event will include inspiring keynote speakers, one-on-one student interviews, engaging panel discussions with Q&A sections, and interactive workshops. Among other crucial topics, speakers will address their interests and contributions within STEM as well as how their marginalized identities have both helped and hindered their life journey. The event will foster connection and community between participants, creating a unique space for them that previously may not have existed. Attendees will also enjoy lunch that pays homage to the cultural identities found across the county and the opportunity to interact with peers and community members to create lasting connections founded on women empowerment. Click here for a full flyer about this free event.