York College Engineering Prof Organizes First Eicher Women in STEM Symposium

York College Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Ashley Earle is organizing a Women in STEM Symposium on campus to provide women college students the benefits of attending a conference without the associated costs.

York College alumni are also invited to participate in the symposium. The Nov. 4 daylong event is funded through a recurring gift to the College from Board of Trustee Secretary Carol Eicher MBA ’90 to support women in STEM. 

“Being able to go discover new ideas, share experiences and network with other women was invaluable to me as a student,” said Earle. “I’m organizing this symposium for Central PA college students to create that experience without the barriers of registration costs, travel, lodging, etc.” 

Earle has carefully selected topics that aren’t already covered by Career Development. Session topics include: 

• Imposter syndrome, with a panel including Miss Pennsylvania Miranda Moore, an environmental engineer
• Managing commitments: aligning your time with your priorities by Kristin Pucci ’16 
• Financial literacy 
• How to network confidently 
• Finding support after college, moderated by Eicher

“These are some of the things people don’t talk about, and many of these topics either disproportionately affect women or just simply affect a lot of women,” Earle said. 

She is enjoying planning this first symposium alongside Kelly Arcieri, Director, Engineering Co-op and Computer Science Internship Programs, with Eicher consulting. “Carol is wonderful to work with and such a great resource, from her years in the chemical engineering industry and mentoring women through both her corporate and board roles,” said Earle. “She’s both insightful and passionate about this project, and it’s great for me to have her voice and her mentorship in this process."

Earle’s plan is to offer a student a fellowship to organize future events, which may also include special sessions for high school students.

“It’s about building a network and broader community,” she said. “We want this symposium to send a positive, but realistic message about challenges that exist while providing a toolbox of strategies to overcome them. Sometimes we women are our own worst enemy. This event is about empowerment and learning to advocate for yourself to others, and maybe even to yourself.”