More than 3,000 Utah students gathered to explore STEM careers at SheTech, where hands-on workshops, industry booths and inspirational leaders encouraged middle and high school girls to see themselves in fields where women are still underrepresented.

Michele Hollist, a senior chemical engineering analyst with Oxeon Energy, said her company participates because it wants student to see how science and engineering make an impact in both space and on Earth.

The company is working on technology that can create oxygen from carbon dioxide in the Martian atmosphere and converts biogas from food waste into renewable fuels on Earth.

“We’re trying to solve energy issues on Earth I know this generation cares about and our technology actually has operated on Mars, which I don’t think a lot of people know,” she said. “I’m hoping to get girls excited about the fact they can use their education to solve problems. A lot of the people we interview coming out of college are passionate about trying to make the world a better place and our new energy sources will last for generations.”

Nearby was a booth with programs Women who Succeed, Ken Garff Keys to Success and Ken Garff eSports, that support high school and college students, connecting females with mentors, resources and scholarships.

“I want to help girls, especially in tech fields, have a place,” said Addie Huff, Women who Succeed program manager. “We want to help the next generation of leaders.”

Girls participated in hands-on challenges and networked with industries and colleges in the TechZone. More than 1,000 mentors from 250 companies and major universities took part in the free event, which was hosted by the Women Tech Council with the help of the SheTech student board.

Students spent the day discovering possibilities.

West Hills Junior High ninth-grader Leimomi Jensen was exploring career choices.

“I’m open to options, learning about these fields,” she said, adding she’d also like to be a pro dirt bike rider.

Her classmate, Jesse Jones, said she was looking at opportunities to help her in a field, marine biology, she’d like to pursue.

“I’m taking the opportunity to learn new things,” Jones said.

Students took part in workshops ranging from programming and aerospace to biomedicine and cybersecurity.

Cottonwood High sophomore Avery Harmston appreciated the event for female students.

“SheTech is great because it can be intimidating in the male-dominated STEM fields so here we can learn about the industry from women who are in the tech field; it’s a good experience,” she said.

Her classmate Callye Linke liked the interactive learning.

“It’s fun to learn about all this; I had an engineering-focused workshop,” she said. “I’ve learned at SheTech how AI can be used for good reasons.”

Juan Diego Catholic High junior Lei Harline used the experience to learn more about the health care industry.

“I want to be an anesthesiologist so I’m looking more at the medical field booths and workshops, but it’s fun to explore all the new technology,” she said. 

Educators say the event leaves a lasting impact on students.

Corner Canyon High’s work-based learning coordinator Taylor Jesienouski brought 37 girls to the explorer day.

“It’s a great event, one of the best of the year for women empowerment,” she said. “We always feel women are strong and can do anything after this event; my girls absolutely love it.”

Two-time Olympic skiing freestyle medalist Shannon Bahrke, who just returned from watching the Olympics in Italy where she said women won 60% of the medals, was one of the event’s speakers. She encouraged students to try new things and pursue what inspires them.

“I challenge you today to make friends with all of these incredible girls around you, because they are your people,” Bahrke said. “Find something that you really love here, something that inspires you, something that intrigues you…and you will have your Olympic moment. It may not be on the world's biggest stage, but it will be on your biggest stage. Work hard and be your best self, because your extraordinary starts here.”