Apr 11, 2012 - Claremont, Calif. - The second annual Sacred SISTAHS math and science conference for middle- and high-school girls will be held Saturday, April 14 at Harvey Mudd College.

Although open to all girls, the event will focus on empowering young African American girls by introducing them to successful academic and professional role models.

Entitled “Planting Seeds of Innovation,” the conference will include workshops and panel discussions led by women in diverse academic and professional fields. Workshop topics will introduce girls to a variety of scientific disciplines and career possibilities.

Panelists will include Assistant Professor of Biology Elizabeth Glater, Assistant Professor of Mathematics Rachel Levy, psychologist Ronda Hampton, registered nurse Miki Clark and ESRI Support Analyst Rashan Walker. Workshop leaders will include Tracy Drain, flight systems engineer for Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Cora Carmody, senior vice president of information technology for Jacobs Engineering Group.

Keynote speaker Talithia Williams, assistant professor of mathematics, will share how goal setting can help plant seeds of excellence.

“It will be a very interactive session where they can build a road map detailing the steps necessary to reach their goals,” said Williams. “I want them to come away from the conference with confidence in their ability to pursue careers in mathematics, science and engineering.”

The event is sponsored by Sacred SISTAHS (Sisters in Solidarity Teaching and Healing our Spirits), the HMC Mathematics Department, Cal State Los Angeles, and Transcendence Children & Family Services of Pomona.