Girls Urged To Create Own Opportunities In Science

Principal of the Western STEM Academy, Phelisa Ricketts-Graham, has charged girls in science to create life-changing opportunities for themselves.

Mrs. Ricketts-Graham was one of the panellists at the virtual fifth staging of the Conversations in Science Series held on Friday (February 11).

The event was hosted by the Scientific Research Council (SRC) and aimed to increase the attractiveness of science, technology, and innovation.

The educator said students should work towards creating a legacy in STEM and set the stage for future generations.

“No one has to give you any handouts. You can create that opportunity,” Mrs. Ricketts-Graham said.

“The Western STEM Academy was not given to me. It is something that I created from the ground up and you too are powerful. You can create something for yourself,” she added.

Mrs. Graham is among industry experts who have committed to increase the number of girls in science.

Across the world, females in science have gained significant achievements. However, women are still widely underrepresented in the field.

Mrs. Graham said she hopes that more girls will take their place in science and encouraged the attendees at the session to use social media as a launching pad for their career.

“It is definitely the way to go. It is the technology side of STEM, so go out and share whatever type of information that you have with the world,” she said.

Other panellists were Executive Director of the National Commission on Science and Technology (NCST), Dr. Olive-Jean Burrowes; Research Scientist of the SRC, Dr. Grace-Ann Junor; and Scientist, Shaday Vassel.