High School STEM Scholar Recognition 2023
Seattle Branch AAUW April 25, 2023
Our annual High School STEM Scholar Recognition event was a warm and joyful celebration at the Urban Horticultural Center on April 19. More than 80 parents, family and friends were present cheering on more than 30 scholars recognized for their excellence in math, science and technology. The cheering sections raised loud and excited voices when their students received their certificates and $500 checks.
We have been recognizing and honoring high school females identifying as women or non-binary for their talents in math, science and technology since 2001. We feel it’s critical to honor and encourage them to continue their studies in STEM fields.
We worked with eleven Seattle area high schools, an academy, and Making Connections at the University of Washington Women’s Center. All awardees were nominated by their teachers or counselors. Our members engage with the schools, facilitate the selections, and answer any questions.
Tonna Kutner gave a genial talk on AAUW Seattle, our mission and the programs and services we offer. She also focused on the many talents of the scholars being honored. Beyond math, science and technology excellence the scholars are also athletes, artists, volunteers, role models and so much more.
Dr. Kiran Dhillon, well known for her cancer research, was our keynote speaker. She shared her life story focusing on the issues and questions the students were likely to face and the applause demonstrated she’d reached the students and their parents. She told not only of her career choices and changes, but also about her personal struggle with breast cancer.
Dr. Dhillon received a Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of Washington, and then completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Fred Hutch Cancer Center. She then joined the Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer as Director of Scientific Programs. Currently, she is the Executive Director of the Cancer Vaccine Institute at the University of Washington. Read more details about Dr. Dhillon’s fascinating career here.
Arista Catering, a woman-owned company, provided delicious and imaginative food everyone could eat, even those requiring gluten-free.
Thanks particularly to Dani Dinlocker-Santiago and Liz Ebersole, front women for the event, and to everyone else who helped.
