HerTechPath is thrilled to announce our inaugural one-day event, “DARE TO DREAM – STEM Careers for Girls,” taking place on November 7th, 2024, in Adelaide. This event marks a significant milestone for HerTechPath, with 300 secondary school girls registered to attend, alongside a number of national partners who have generously volunteered their time to support the event.

The “Dare to Dream” event is designed to inspire young girls to explore exciting career opportunities in STEM, featuring a dynamic agenda filled with interactive sessions, speed networking, and hands-on workshops. From building smart cities to coding, the students will gain a real sense of how technology and innovation shape the world around us. Our keynote speakers, including female entrepreneurs, engineers, and scientists, will offer valuable insights into their careers and personal journeys in the tech world.

The event will open with a warm welcome from HerTechPath’s Founder, Dr. Eva Balan-Vnuk, and Laura Mercurio Chair, who will set the stage for an exciting day of learning and inspiration. Dr. Balan-Vnuk will also round up the event with reflections on the day, as we continue to empower the next generation of female leaders in STEM.

One of the highlights of the day will be the speed networking session, where students will have the chance to meet and speak with inspiring women working in tech and STEM. Keynote presentations will be delivered by industry leaders, who will share her experiences and insights with the audience, encouraging them to “Dare to Dream” big for their future.

In addition to the workshops, girls will be guided through interactive sessions that include smart city brainstorming, coding, and exploring the world of AI and data science, all led by professionals from leading companies like Chamonix, Expose, SA Power Networks, and Aurizn. The day will also include a session on understanding personal strengths and talents, delivered by TEDx speaker Rosslyn Cox.

To ensure long-term impact, HerTechPath has strategically reviewed its engagement model, pivoting to bring students together at large events like “Dare to Dream,” rather than relying solely on members presenting at individual schools. This shift allows us to maximise the impact and reach of our programs as we continue our national expansion.

The upcoming event reflects HerTechPath’s broader mission and strategic changes, including the launch of our new website and refreshed brand identity. These changes are designed to align with our transformation into a national entity and help us better engage with schools and girls across Australia.

“HerTechPath are incredibly grateful to our sponsors and partners, who not only make events like this possible but also play a vital role in shaping the future of tech for the next generation of female leaders”, says Laura Mercurio, Chair of HerTechPath.   Our sponsors are also invited to showcase their organisations and engage directly with the girls through hands-on activities at the event.

The “Dare to Dream” event is just the beginning, as we anticipate replicating this model across Australia, with plans to reach up to 1,000 girls at each event. HerTechPath is excited to continue expanding nationally, ensuring that girls everywhere have the opportunity to see and believe in the endless possibilities of a career in STEM.

As the day concludes, we will host a Member and Sponsor Networking Evening to honor the valuable contributions of our partners and share our vision for national growth. We look forward to the collective effort in building a brighter, more inclusive future for girls in STEM.