Local middle school girls explore careers in STEM fields

(NORTHEAST OHIO) Nov. 12, 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 Northeast Ohio. STEM Goes Red addresses the underrepresentation of women in STEM and inspires young women to pursue rewarding careers in STEM fields.

Northeast Ohio STEM Goes Red, locally sponsored by presenting sponsor FirstEnergy Foundation, brings to life stimulating and impactful careers in STEM and gives participating students access to leading employers, local experts and an insider look at what a career in STEM could entail.

“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 Torey Tolson, Community Involvement Consultant for FirstEnergy. “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.”

Of 100 female students working toward a bachelor’s degree, only three will work in a STEM job 10 years after graduation[2], 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.

Northeast Ohio STEM Goes Red was offered to 7^th and 8^th grade girls from schools across the region. During the four-hour interactive program, students heard a brief welcome from presenting sponsor, FirstEnergy Foundation, then split into break-out sessions focusing on science, technology, engineering and math. The girls got to interact with a cadaver heart and had an interactive educational session with Enbridge Gas Ohio. The event culminated with a panel Q&A featuring local women in STEM fields.

“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 Molly Marhofer, Community Outreach Director for Ron Marhofer Auto Family and chair of the 2026 Akron-Canton Go Red for Women movement. “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.”

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by FirstEnergy Foundation, HBK, Ron Marhofer Auto Family, The Bill Phillips Legacy Foundation, Thom Duma Jewelers, Synthomer Foundation, ONE Health Ohio and GPD Group. For more information about the Northeast Ohio Go Red for Women movement, contact Jennifer Kulics at jennifer.kulics@heart.org or visit

Heart.org/neohgored.

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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, on 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:

Chelsea Caldwell, chelsea.caldwell@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org