The annual Women in Science & Engineering (WISE) Forum brings together high school and college students who identify as girls and who are interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math (STEAM) with accomplished women-identifying professionals in STEAM fields, ranging from academia and healthcare to design engineering and space exploration.
A Two-Part Event
The first half of the evening consists of a Networking & Mentoring Reception where attendees are invited to connect. This is an opportunity for high school students who identify as girls to talk one-on-one with and receive advice from women-identifying professionals and college students.
Following the reception is a Distinguished Leader Panel Discussion, open to all genders. We encourage everyone who allies with girls and women in STEAM to attend. The panel features four distinguished women in STEAM who share their perspectives on working in STEAM fields. Hear about the opportunities and challenges they have faced while pursuing careers dominated by men.
Past panelists: executives from DuPont Company; IBM; Mack Trucks; Mars Inc.; Merck; NASA Goddard Space Flight Center; and Sanofi.
Not Just for Women & Girls
Our WISE Initiative and Forum is not just for those who identify as women or girls. Check out some frequently asked questions below to learn why you should get involved and how to participate.
Save the Date
2025 Women in Science & Engineering Forum
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Location:
Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion
815 W. Hamilton St.
Allentown, PA 18101
Schedule of events: TBD
Registration Details:
- Coming soon
Last Year’s Panelists
Anne Baum, President, Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital (Moderator)
Anne Baum is the President of Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, where she leads strategic planning and operations for the first and largest children’s hospital in the Lehigh Valley Region.
Jovana Villanueva, President, JV Construction & Consulting LLC
Jovana Villanueva started her career in construction in 2001 as an Administrative Assistant and quickly rose through the ranks in every department. Ms. Villanueva completed her GED and enrolled in college courses at Boricua College, all while working full time and raising her daughter. Her passion and determination to succeed in all things, led to her owning her own company and breaking barriers for women-owned companies.
Karen Ruggles, Associate Professor, Computer Science; Digital Art Esports Program Director, DeSales University
Karen Ruggles is an associate professor of computer science at DeSales University and also serves DeSales University for the past 6 years as a Varsity Esports Program Director where her students compete in League of Legends, Overwatch, and VALORANT. Professor Ruggles’ teaching and research interests include virtual production, animation, digital cinema, virtual reality (VR), and 3D printing.
Karen Morris-Priester, M.D., Anesthesiologist, Lehigh Valley Health Network
Dr. Karen Morris-Priester exemplifies resilience and determination, transforming personal adversity into a remarkable medical career. As a board-certified anesthesiologist, she was featured on the Oprah Winfrey show in a segment called “Cheers to You.” During the show, Ms. Winfrey detailed Dr. Morris-Priester’s inspiring journey. Notably, the fact that she was the first grandmother to graduate from Yale University School of Medicine and proving that, with dedication and hard work, it is never too late to achieve your dreams.
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact Megan Marzella: megan.marzella@davincisciencecenter.org
