MIDDLETOWN – Rhode Island Women in Science and Engineering, also known as RIWISE, will hold an inaugural event on Nov. 14 to celebrate its launch as a resource for women professionals, professors, K-12 teachers and college students.
RIWISE is a new initiative of the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance, or SENEDIA, funded under a Real Jobs Rhode Island grant to create a network for women in the state’s science, engineering and other defense-related industries to assist with school outreach and mentorship for young girls interested in science, technology, engineering and math careers.
Molly Donohue Magee, SENEDIA’s executive director, said the initiative’s ultimate goal is to ensure a strong pipeline of women entering Rhode Island’s science and technology workforce.
“Industry is starting to recognize that in order to ensure they have the workforce they need, they need to be part of building that pipeline and let students know about the opportunities in these fields,” said Magee.
She added that RIWISE’s focus on early education outreach is what sets the initiative apart from other Rhode Island groups and organizations geared toward women in technology.
“We’re looking at the whole pipeline,” said Magee. “Not only the folks who are currently professionals in the field but also how we can be a partner to middle schools, high schools and even elementary schools, and keep young girls engaged and interested in STEM careers.”
RIWISE plans to hold its inaugural networking event on Tuesday, Nov. 14. Chris Demchak, the chair of cybersecurity and director of the Center for Cyber Conflict Studies at the Naval War College in Newport, will present insights into the cyber ecosystem as the event’s featured speaker.
The event is free to attend but registration is required. For more information or to register, visit the event’s website. Registration will remain open until Nov. 10.
Magee said she expects at least 50 people to attend the first event, which she said will serve to “get the conversation going” about the RIWISE initiative. SENEDIA plans to do significant social media outreach to spread the word about RIWISE, and also aims to have a website up and running before the end of the year.
“This is going to be a work in progress,” said Magee, “but our expectations are that it will grow.”
Galen Auer is a PBN contributing writer. Email galen.auer@gmail.com or follow on Twitter at @PBNAuer.
