In a celebration of innovation and empowerment, a team of volunteers from across DTE recently participated in Eastern Michigan University’s Digital Divas event – an initiative dedicated to encouraging middle and high school girls to explore careers in STEM.
Molly Luempert-Coy, regional manager and coordinator of volunteers for the event, said, “From sharing their personal career journeys to demonstrating how to restore a downed power line, our team talked with more than 300 young women interested in STEM fields from high schools and academies around southeast Michigan.”
Founded in 2010, Digital Divas has grown into a dynamic series of programs, including conferences, summer camps, mentoring opportunities and interview series — all designed to create supportive spaces for girls and women interested in STEM. The event brings together students, educators and professionals to spark curiosity and confidence in young minds.
From left: EMU President Jim Smith, Swoop with DTE’s Tray McGuire and Molly Luempert-Coy
“The Digital Divas event is a great way to help aspiring young women who are curious about STEM fields learn more about those careers. I enjoy speaking to the students who are not yet sure what they want to do when they grow up. We start talking about what classes they enjoy in school and how that could relate to a career in STEM,” said Brooke Thanasiu, engineer at Monroe Power Plant and Digital Divas volunteer. “Overall, this event is a comfortable forum where participants can ask questions about DTE or STEM careers, and I am happy to participate on behalf of the company.”
The DTE Foundation also sponsors the event, which aims to introduce girls to STEM careers and challenge stereotypes by highlighting relatable role models in traditionally male-dominated fields.
“Digital Divas is a meaningful opportunity to connect and encourage young women to pursue careers in STEM,” said Fatimah Al-Taae, scientist at DTE’s
FGD-Lab. “I participated for the second time because it’s a great opportunity to connect and share what I do at DTE and give students the opportunity to ask questions and communicate with real role models who look like them.”
As Digital Divas continues to grow, partnerships like these ensure that everyone feels like they can be part of the next generation of STEM professionals – and follow a career path they love.
Many thanks to all of those who volunteered for the day: Molly Luempert-Coy, Tray McGuire, Gregory Cavanaugh, Brooke Thanasiu, Fatimah Al-Taae and Paige Lovins.