Join Women Rock Science

The 2024 Women Rock Science event was a great success, and it's all thanks to YOU! Your support is already fueling high-quality STEAM outreach programs for growing scientists at Cranbrook Institute of Science, with educational initiatives in full swing.

We’ve made great strides toward our goal of $325,000 – the 2024 event has already raised almost $300,000! We extend the invitation for you to continue supporting the Women Rock Science mission by making a gift. Your contribution will help bridge the gap and ensure the greatest possible impact for the growing minds of children throughout Michigan.

If you missed our October 9 event, you can still join the excitement! Watch our new Women Rock Science initiative video and explore the program booklet for a recap.

Inspiring Exploration. Recognizing Achievement.

Women Rock Science is a women-led fundraising event that aims to celebrate women in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and ignite curiosity in children. Proceeds from the event will help bring more STEAM programming, delivered by Cranbrook Institute of Science educators, to Pre-K-12 students in underserved communities throughout Michigan, including Detroit, Pontiac, Flint, Southfield, and others.

Since 2018, Women Rock Science has raised about $1.6 million dollars towards STEAM education! These dollars directly support the Institute’s many STEAM outreach programs to students in underserved communities across Michigan.

Why Women Rock Science?

Fast Facts:

  • Women are underrepresented in STEM: they make up 48% of the workforce but only 35% of STEM roles, including 26% in Computer/Math jobs and 16% in Engineering.
  • Despite similar math and science abilities, young women earn only 24% of engineering degrees, 21% in computer science, and 24% in physics, often due to lower confidence and sense of belonging in STEM fields.

Why It Matters:

  • Diverse perspectives are essential for innovation, especially in tackling global issues like climate change, healthcare, and space exploration.
  • Including more women in STEAM strengthens problem-solving by expanding the pool of ideas and solutions.
  • The Cranbrook Institute’s Women Rock Science initiative helps bridge this gap by inspiring all children to pursue STEAM careers, with a focus on encouraging young women.

2024 Event Leadership

2024 Co-Chairs
Christy Clark
Viveka Peter
Yesenia Venegas

Honorary Co-Chairs
Adele Acheson
Kelle Ilitch
Kim Reuss
Lipsa Sheth
Pauline Stamper
Linzie Venegas

Event Emcee:
Linda Gillum, Ph.D.
Immediate Past Chair, Board of Trustees
Cranbrook Educational Community

FAQ: What does Women Rock Science look like? Check out the 2023 event video below for an inside view.

2023 Women Rock Science Recap

For more information or questions, please contact Madeline Aberle, Assistant Director of Development at MAberle@cranbrook.edu or 248.645.3576.