By: LaTunya Evans, Communications Specialist
On Thursday, March 28, 2024, the Mathematics, Computer, and Information Sciences Department of Mississippi Valley State University hosted its 26th Annual Constance G. Bland Women in Science and Technology (WIST) Conference in the Claude G. Perkins Auditorium of the William W. Sutton Administration Building. The theme of the 2024 conference was “Uplifting Women and Building the Next Generation in STEM.”
The WIST conference aims to inform young middle and high school girls of women's careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It is also a way for the girls to become more aware of Mississippi Valley State University and the many STEM majors offered.
The conference began with registration and a continental breakfast at 8:30 a.m. for all attendees, with the program beginning at 9 a.m. Dr. Latonya Garner-Jackson, Chair of the Department of Mathematics, Computer and Information Sciences, opened the program.
Kathleen Sims, the 71st Miss MVSU, greeted the audience.
"I am honored to stand among you today. As we embark on this journey together, I want to remind each of you of your incredible work and potential. You are not just the future. You are the powerful architects of change in the making."
Following her greetings, Dr. Abigail Newsome, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Dr. Jerryl Briggs, MVSU President, gave warm, enthusiastic greetings.
The presenters for the roundtable sessions included Karolyn Bridges-Jordan (MVSU graduate), Jacquelyn R. German, Glenda Hargrove, Jackie Henne-Kerr, Dr. Erin Jacobs, Dr. Bhanu Priya Viraka Nellore, Sabrina Perry (MVSU graduate), Dr. Hattie Spencer, Hilliary Spivey (MVSU graduate), and Dr. Candace Stevens. The topics for the sessions included Medicine Chemistry, Health Computer Science, Chiropractic Computer Science, Wildlife Biology, and Nursing Mathematics.
Ja’Mya Peoples, MVSU SGA Vice President, introduced the luncheon keynote speaker, Dr. Edrika Thigpen.
Dr. Thigpen is a Regional Math Consultant for the Tennessee Department of Education. She is a native of Drew and an alumna of Drew High School and Mississippi Valley State University.
During her speech, Thigpen expressed how vital women's presence is in STEM and how making their presence known can influence the next generation of women and girls.
"I have never had to look for a job. Women in STEM do not have to look for jobs and purpose; jobs and purpose find us," said Thigpen.
“How often do you shine your light in rooms where you are underrepresented and let your presence be felt and experienced? The next generation is motivated by truth, authenticity, and certainty," she added.
Thigpen explained that women engaged in and excelling in STEM must be genuine and sure of themselves in every room they enter.
"Let's continue creating these spaces to share and celebrate. Whether you believe it or not, a young woman is watching you, and she may be influenced to walk beside you," said Thigpen.
She ended her speech with a powerful keynote that said, “ I uplift by showing up, and I show up, and I uplift.”
Peoples said the conference successfully encouraged more young girls to consider STEM as a major in college.
"The event went well. Many girls did not know what they wanted to major in when they came to college, but after the sessions, many considered STEM majors. I am so glad about that because many of the careers in STEM are male-dominated, so it is up to us to inform young women so we can break that cycle."
