{"id":2779,"date":"2026-05-13T16:16:02","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T22:16:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bgdstem.com\/stagingformalik\/?p=2779"},"modified":"2026-05-13T16:22:57","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T22:22:57","slug":"bridging-the-gap-celebrating-the-success-of-the-black-girls-do-stem-inaugural-quarterly-professional-mixer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bgdstem.com\/stagingformalik\/bridging-the-gap-celebrating-the-success-of-the-black-girls-do-stem-inaugural-quarterly-professional-mixer\/","title":{"rendered":"Bridging the Gap: Celebrating the Success of the Black Girls Do STEM Inaugural Quarterly Professional Mixer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Black Girls Do STEM (BGDSTEM) Quarterly Professional STEM Networking Mixer <\/strong>was hosted on February 26th and thank you to everyone who attended for making it such a great inaugural event!  This new series is more than just a networking event\u2014it is a purposeful bridge connecting the St. Louis region\u2019s current STEM leaders with the innovators of tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By bringing together corporate Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), community partners, and our very own BGDSTEM Alumni and college-aged youth, we are creating a powerful ecosystem of success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why It Matters<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the St. Louis region, building a robust professional network is key to career longevity. This series strengthens regional STEM networks and expands mentorship and career access for those often underrepresented in the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most importantly, these mixers serve as a fundraising engine. Every event helps us continue providing high-quality, hands-on STEM education and career pathways for Black girls in grades 6\u201312<\/strong>, as well as connects our alumnae to mentors as they exit 12th grade into post secondary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Honoring Excellence: The STEM Legacy Award<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We honored two Black women in STEM with our Inaugural STEM Legacy Award. This award recognizes individuals within STL organizations who have made a lasting impact on STEM equity and have paved the way for the next generation of Black women in science and technology.  Thank you to our youth leaders who served as the Jury for this selection process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Congratulations to Kiona Elliot as well as Keona Hughes for acceptance of this award!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who  Attended?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We invited a diverse group of changemakers to join us:<\/p>\n\n\n\n