U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) this week launched the first Women in STEM Caucus, alongside co-chairs Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.), and Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.).
The bipartisan House caucus was founded to increase the presence of women and underrepresented minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM. The caucus currently has 13 members from both sides of the aisle.
“STEM education is a driving force behind our nation’s 21st century economy, strengthening our workforce through hands-on learning, technical training, and real-world application of the skills required in cutting-edge jobs,” said Walorski. “That’s especially true in northern Indiana, a manufacturing hub that depends on innovation and skill to build made-in-America products. By expanding access and encouraging girls of all ages to explore STEM fields, we can create more jobs and opportunity in our communities and open doors for them to achieve their full potential. I’m excited to help launch the bipartisan Women in STEM Caucus and work with my colleagues to change the landscape of American innovation so all ships can rise.”
“I was one of 10 women in my engineering major,” Houlahan said. “30 years later, the numbers haven’t really changed. That’s why we launched the Women in STEM Caucus. For too long, the STEM community has felt inaccessible to women and underrepresented minorities. I’m proud to stand alongside my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to give STEM a much-needed makeover. Our mission is clear: show women, girls, and underrepresented minorities that STEM is for everyone.”
“I have seen firsthand how the strong partnership between universities and federal research agencies is essential to supporting women who are passionate about careers in STEM fields,” said Melanie Kornides, assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. “As a result, more women now than ever are entering STEM fields. We should be proud of that accomplishment, but also recognize now is the time to redouble our efforts. Today, we reaffirm that commitment by working with members of this caucus and others to foster the next generation of successful, innovative women researchers.”
The Women in STEM Caucus is a bipartisan group of members of Congress dedicated to advancing the important role women and underrepresented minorities in STEM fields play in boosting our economy, conducting groundbreaking research that leads to life-changing innovations, and furthering our nation’s scientific enterprise.