Get Inspired to Aspire With Sacred SISTAHS

Excellence and diversity go hand in hand. At Harvey Mudd, this is demonstrated by the College’s continued efforts to increase the diversity of its community and through community engagement activities that expand access to science and technology careers for underrepresented populations and generate passion for science at an early age.

The Office of Community Engagement and Department of Mathematics have teamed with Sacred SISTAHS Inc. to organize the fourth annual Sacred SISTAHS Math, Science and Technology Conference, an enriching experience for minority girls ages 12 to 18. Hosted by Harvey Mudd Assistant Professor of Mathematics Talithia Williams, the event showcases a diverse selection of female speakers in the fields of math, science and technology who will share life experiences that inspired their development, work and dreams.

The event is free and will be held Saturday, April 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the R. Michael Shanahan Center for Teaching and Learning.

The conference will include a special parent session, a mixture of expert science talks, a professional panel and an opportunity for attending students to share their own science fair projects. Students who participate by bringing a science fair project will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win an iPad.

In addition to host/organizer Williams, speakers at this year’s conference include Tara Gomez, FDA Regulatory Affairs, the Clorox Company; Melissa Aczon, senior scientist, Arete Associates; Ariel Sweet, vice president of strategic communications and public advocacy, the Aliah Sweet Fragile Hearts Foundation; Nicki Mitchell, counselor, Claremont High School; and Rachel Levy, associate professor of mathematics at Harvey Mudd. Professional panelists include an engineer, a graduate student and a pediatrician, among others.

Support for the conference is provided by the Harvey Mudd College Department of Mathematics, the Mathematical Association of America and Transcendence Children and Family Services of Pomona. Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be served, and registration is recommended.

Sacred Sistahs, Inc. is an organization founded to empower, serve and improve the overall health and well being of women and children. Since 2004, Sacred Sistahs has provided mentorship to young women in the Inland Empire to inspire and promote self-esteem, self-concept and affirmation.