FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

ATHENA of the Triangle to Bring 300 High School Girls Together for 2nd Annual ATHENA in STEM Girls Conference

 

Students from 22 schools across Wake and Durham school districts will spend the day exploring STEM careers, leadership, and pathways to their futures

 

RALEIGH, N.C. | October 23, 2026 — Three hundred young women from Wake County will come together at NC State University on October 23 for a day designed to show them something powerful: there is a place for them in the future of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

ATHENA of the Triangle will host its 2nd Annual ATHENA in STEM Girls Conference on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the McKimmon Center at NC State University in Raleigh.

The conference will welcome approximately 300 high school students from schools across Wake and Durham school districts for an immersive experience connecting them with STEM careers, educational opportunities and women who are helping shape the industries of tomorrow.

The conference is part of ATHENA of the Triangle’s broader commitment to developing and supporting women leaders at every stage, including creating opportunities for young women to envision themselves as future scientists, engineers, technologists, innovators and leaders.

 

Helping Girls See What Is Possible

For many students, deciding what comes after high school begins long before they fill out a college application. It begins when they are exposed to a career they did not know existed, meet someone whose story resonates with them or discover that an interest they already have could become a meaningful profession.

The ATHENA in STEM Girls Conference is designed to create those moments.

Throughout the day, students will participate in interactive experiences centered around STEM career exploration, college preparation, wellness and leadership development. They will also have opportunities to connect with professionals and learn about both established and emerging career paths across STEM industries.

Rather than simply telling students that STEM careers are available to them, ATHENA of the Triangle aims to give girls the opportunity to explore those possibilities firsthand.

The conference has three primary goals:

• Inspire girls to pursue STEM careers by helping bridge the gap between their interests and future opportunities.
• Expose students to the breadth of STEM careers available across industries and disciplines.
• Increase the visibility of women in STEM so young women can see examples of leadership and success in fields where women continue to be underrepresented.

 

A Community Coming Together for the Next Generation

The 2nd Annual ATHENA in STEM Girls Conference is made possible through the support of organizations that recognize the importance of investing in the next generation of women leaders.

2026 conference sponsors and supporters include Merck, Lenovo, Limitless Leader, NC State College of Education, the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, 4imprint, Wegmans, Dress for Success Triangle NC and Burt’s Bees.

Their involvement represents more than support for a single event. It demonstrates what is possible when businesses, universities, nonprofit organizations and community leaders work together to expand opportunities for young women.

By bringing education and industry into the same room, ATHENA of the Triangle hopes students leave with a clearer understanding of the many paths available to them and greater confidence in their ability to pursue those paths.

 

Building a Pipeline of Future Women Leaders

ATHENA of the Triangle’s investment in girls is part of its larger mission to support women through leadership development, mentorship and meaningful connections.

The ATHENA in STEM initiative extends that work to the next generation.

Through programming and experiences such as the Girls Conference, ATHENA seeks to introduce students to professional role models, provide opportunities to explore careers and build the confidence and leadership skills that can influence their educational and professional choices.

The goal is to encourage more girls to study STEM and help them recognize themselves as people who can lead, innovate, solve problems and shape the future of STEM.

The conference also reflects the power of collaboration within the Triangle. Schools, universities, corporations, nonprofits and community partners are collectively creating an environment where students can learn about opportunities that may otherwise feel distant or inaccessible.

For the 300 students attending this year’s conference, October 23 will be an opportunity to ask questions, explore possibilities and begin imagining what their own futures could look like.

And for the Triangle community, it is an opportunity to invest in the people who may one day become the region’s scientists, engineers, researchers, entrepreneurs, technology leaders and innovators.

 

Event Details

2nd Annual ATHENA in STEM Girls Conference
Date: Friday, October 23, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: McKimmon Center, NC State University
1101 Gorman Street
Raleigh, NC

Participating Schools:
22 schools across Wake and Durham school districts

Expected Attendance: Approximately 300 students

 

Media Invitation

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the 2nd Annual ATHENA in STEM Girls Conference.

The conference offers opportunities to capture students participating in STEM activities, speak with educators and community partners, and learn more about how Triangle organizations are working together to introduce young women to STEM careers and leadership opportunities.

Interview opportunities may be available with ATHENA of the Triangle leadership, participating educators, sponsors, STEM professionals and conference organizers.

Media interested in attending or arranging interviews are encouraged to contact ATHENA of the Triangle in advance.

 

About ATHENA of the Triangle

ATHENA of the Triangle is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and developing women leaders throughout the Triangle region of North Carolina. Through leadership development, mentoring, education, community engagement and programs including ATHENA in STEM, the organization works to create opportunities for women and girls to develop their leadership potential and build meaningful connections.

 

ATHENA of the Triangle’s programming is grounded in the ATHENA Leadership Model®, which emphasizes principles of authentic, collaborative and courageous leadership.

 

For more information about the ATHENA in STEM Girls Conference, visit athenatriangle.org/girls-conference.

 

Media Contact

ATHENA of the Triangle
Dr. Tiamesha Walker-Smith
Email: director@athenaofthetriangle.org
Website: athenatriangle.org