Spain sites support next generation of female STEM leaders

Published : 31-Aug-2021

​Girls and young women in Spain who have their eyes on science-based careers are one step closer to fulfilling their dreams thanks to PPG's ongoing support of the STEM Talent Girl (STG) program. The program, organized by the ASTI Talent and Technology Foundation, is designed to inspire and empower teenaged girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Our community engagement program has helped fund STG since 2018. PPG recently completed its first year as a STG Strategic Partner and will retain this STG leadership position when the 2021-2022 program year begins in the fall.  

During the 2020-2021 season, STG featured several live and virtual activities to help young women build the skills they need for successful STEM careers. These included more than 500 shadowing sessions, 211 mentoring activities and 74 workshops, as well as the STG Summit, STG Conference and 12 roundtable discussions with STEM professionals. These events impacted nearly 700 girls and young women across Spain from October 2020 through May 2021.

PPG representatives were actively involved in STG activities. Olga Olivares, supply chain manager, Valencia, and procurement manager, Europe, Middle East and Africa, represented PPG at the STG Summit to kick off the year's programming. Later, Inma González Burguillo, color technologist and stylist, Automotive OEM Coatings, Valladolid, Julio Alvarez, technical director, Iberia, and Luis Miguel Alejandro, research and development color group team leader, hosted a virtual workshop that introduced STG participants to PPG and the science behind automotive color processes. A PPG community engagement program that supports lower-income engineering and business management students was also recognized as a STG Awards finalist.

“Our ongoing support of STG and its STEM for Her, Mentor Women and Real Work initiatives helps girls see STEM opportunities in new ways," said Carina Gomes, communications and community engagement specialist, Portugal and Spain. “We're #PPGProud to inspire the next generation of women scientists, engineers and researchers."

Click here to learn more about ways PPG supports women and girls in STEM and visit PPG People to read more about Burguillo's STG experience.