WISE Initiative

H/WISE Initiative

In 2015, the Da Vinci Science Center established the Women in Science & Engineering (WISE) Initiative as part of its broader commitment to supporting aspiring young girls and female practicing STEM professionals. The Science Center offers a number of programs and events throughout the year to introduce students to STEM career pathways and to engage female STEM professionals and provide them the opportunities to network and support each other.

In 2017, the WISE Initiative garnered national attention and federal funding through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). With the support of a two-year grant from IMLS entitled, “Building a Community Ecosystem to Support Women in Science and Engineering,”

the Da Vinci Science Center is partnering with area colleges, universities, community organizations, and YOU, to identify how we can develop programs and services that address the needs of area women and girls and enhance the STEM learning ecosystem in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding communities.

WISE Initiative Programs & Events

WISE Advisory Council

The WISE Initiative is overseen by an Advisory Council made up of female representatives from area STEM corporations, colleges and universities, and organizations serving women and girls.

Co-Chairs

Name	Affiliation
Erin Armstrong	Associate Director, Sterilization, B. Braun Medical
Katy Worrilow, Ph.D.	Founder and CEO, LifeAire Systems

Members

Name	Affiliation
Mary Armstrong, Ph.D.	Professor Women’s and Gender Studies and English, Lafayette College
Terry Capuano	Chief Operating Officer, Lehigh Valley Health Network
Lin Erickson	Executive Director and CEO, Da Vinci Science Center
Bonnie Hall	VP of Global Quality and Continuous Improvement, Crayola
Rachel Hayden	VP and Chief Information Officer, Just Born, Inc.
Stephanie Hnatiw	Executive Director, YWCA of Bethlehem
Kristen Jellison, Ph.D.	Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Lehigh University
Joy Karnas, Ph.D.	Chair, Director of Biological Sciences, Professor/Director, Genetic Engineering, Cedar Crest College
Maureen Maier	Vice President of Girl Experience & Property, Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania
Tamala Mallett Moore, MD. MBA, ABFP	Sr. Director Global Pharmacovigilance, Sanofi
Megan McGovern	VGIGP, Manufacturing & Engineering – Product, Mack Trucks
Darlene Pors	Senior HVAC & Plumbing CAD Designer, HT Lyons
Kelly Rindock	Vice President – Wealth Management, Steel Valley Investment Group of Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
Susan Schierwagen	VP of Couplings Fittings and Fire Suppression, Victaulic
Jean Vincent	VP Product Line Advanced Polyurethanes, Evonik Corporation