Students in Rochester area explore careers in STEM fields

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Sept. 26, 2025 — Today’s economy and tomorrow’s well-being depend on innovations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), but a troubling gap exists when it comes to women in STEM occupations. Women make up almost half of employment across non-STEM occupations but just over 29% of the STEM workforce.1 That’s why the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, is bringing Go Red for Women®’s STEM Goes Red to Rochester. STEM Goes Red addresses the underrepresentation of women in STEM and inspires young women to pursue rewarding careers in STEM fields. 

Rochester STEM Goes Red, hosted by University of Rochester Medical Center’s Office of University Engagement and Enrichment, brings to life stimulating and impactful careers in STEM and gives participating schools access to leading employers, local experts and an insider look at what a career in STEM could entail. 

“STEM Goes Red draws on the American Heart Association’s strong legacy of science, education and discovery, offering an immersive experience that propels young women into this exciting world,” said Megan Vargulick, executive director for the Rochester and Buffalo American Heart Association. “By ensuring a new generation of female scientists, doctors, inventors and changemakers, we’re taking critical steps to secure their future as well as our own.” 

Of 100 female students working toward a bachelor’s degree, only three will work in a STEM job 10 years after graduation2, leading to persistent disparities in women’s health. By equipping and inspiring young women to pursue STEM careers, we can ensure women are represented in critical sectors that impact health and well-being such as healthcare, research and technology.  

The American Heart Association’s STEM Goes Red launched in 2017 as part of the Go Red for Women® movement. For more than 20 years, Go Red for Women has served as a catalyst for change, improving women’s lives by advancing equitable research and care, advocating for inclusive health policies and raising awareness of women’s No. 1 health threat—cardiovascular disease.  

Rochester STEM Goes Red hosted 67 students from the following schools: 

During the four-hour interactive program, students explored STEM career paths—such as medical research, health care and engineering—through hands-on breakout sessions, a panel of female experts and meaningful connections with top employers. 

Breakout Sessions included: 

Breakout sessions were designed, organized and led by student leaders from Wayne Finger-Lakes Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH). 

“STEM Goes Red is a vital initiative because it opens doors for young women to explore careers in science and technology and other areas where the gender gap is still far too wide,” said Ana Gómez Parga, Ph.D., director of TIDES at the University of Rochester Medical Center Department of Surgery. “By inspiring the next generation of female leaders in STEM, we’re helping to build a more equitable future, where everyone has the opportunity to innovate and create solutions that can change the world.” 

STEM Goes Go Red is locally sponsored by Withum and M&T Bank. Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by University of Rochester Medical Center and Reliant Credit Union. For more information about the Rochester Go Red for Women movement, contact Michelle Marks-Hook or visit Heart.org/GoRedROC. 

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About the American Heart Association 
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.. 

About Go Red for Women®  

The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).  

For Media Inquiries:  

Anna Heerdt: Anna.Heerdt@Heart.org| (716) 868-7705 

Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)