Join us for an engaging discussion of the obstacles faced by women in STEM professions. We’ll explore how those challenges influence the way science is communicated to the public.
Check back for future dates.
This event is geared toward a general community audience and would be best suited for ages 12 and up.
Why a Speaker Series?
For hundreds of years, the predominant voice of science has been white and male. And yet, we know that diverse representation in STEM can engage broader audiences, dispel stereotypes, and expand the range of voices and perspectives in scientific communities, thereby expanding our ability to share scientific knowledge with the world. In this speaker series, we invite women who are thriving in the STEM fields to tell their stories. These women are changing the world, and we cannot wait for you to hear them share their expertise.
2024 Speakers
Angel Price
Angel Price, Senior Attraction Engineering Services Manager Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Angel Price has 15+ years of amusement park work experience with Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts. Angel earned her Mechanical Engineering BS from Purdue University and an Engineering Management MS from the University of Central Florida. She has been fortunate enough to support the construction of Animal Kingdom's Pandora - The World of Avatar and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Most recently, she was awarded the Walt Disney Legacy Award, which celebrates outstanding Disney Cast who excel in upholding Walt Disney’s legacy of Dream, Create, and Inspire.
Emma Louden
Emma Louden, Astrophysicist and Consultant
Emma Louden is an astrophysicist, strategist, TEDxTalk speaker, and advocate for space exploration who is passionate about empowering the next generation of students in STEM. As an astrophysics Ph.D. candidate at Yale University, Emma studies exoplanets—the planets beyond our solar systems. Through her research, Emma aims to put Earth in context to show people why we should care about space exploration and how we can use it to facilitate meaningful change for the common good. Emma speaks at schools nationwide in hopes of destigmatizing the conversation around mental health, encouraging young people to become advocates for sustainability, and empowering the next generation to reach for the stars!
Ana Belaval, WGN Morning News Feature Reporter
Ana Belaval
Ana Belaval is an Emmy-winning feature reporter for “WGN Morning News” with over 20 years of broadcast journalism experience in Spanish- and English-language markets. Ana is a successful woman in business and a cultural trailblazer. She is passionate about honoring her community, empowering the underserved, striving for excellence in journalism, and celebrating her mother tongue and native culture. Ana and her husband are raising their two children in a bilingual/bicultural world that celebrates differences, where respect is mutual, and possibilities are sin limite (limitless).
Photo and Video Policy
Attendees at COD Women in STEM Events agree to allow College of DuPage and its official photographers and videographers to photograph them in the context of the conference. Footage captured by COD's official photographers may be used in future print and electronic promotional and archival materials. Per speaker contract stipulations, not all events will allow photography and/or video recording.