Education — Chehalem Cultural Center will screen documentary on women in STEM careers

Although barriers certainly exist between women and the science, technology, engineering and math jobs traditionally dominated by men, it’s not extraordinary for young girls and women to pursue a career and succeed in a STEM field.

The documentary film “Big Dream” makes that point by telling the stories of seven girls and young women from across the world as they do just that.

It’s a message Newberg School District STEM coordinator Andy Byerley would like to share with the girls and young women in the community, which is why the district has partnered with the Chehalem Cultural Center to hold a free screening and panel discussion at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

“My biggest hope is the girls and young women of the Newberg community would find something in there that they can relate to and learn some new steps, learn to overcome any barriers and obstacles that might be in their way,” Byerley said. “The school system is one part of it, but how can we as a community increase the access to STEM experiences?”

Byerley pre-screened the film and said he was a bit surprised and impressed that it didn’t overly dramatize the barriers that its characters faced because of their gender, instead revealing how they are probably like most girls in most places.

“It was pretty much ordinary girls and young women from age 18 to mid-20s in cultures all around the world, how they made their way and what their interests were,” Byerley said. “There were quite a few scenes just showing them being girls, trying to be relatable so that girls in any walk of life can relate to them. I watched it with my wife and she said that was one of her favorite parts, just seeing the girls be girls.”

Following the movie, a panel of local women in STEM fields will share their stories and discuss the issues presented in the movies.

The panel will include Newberg High School senior Isamar Ramirez, a prospective chemical engineering student; NHS biology and chemistry teacher Laura Jelinek; George Fox University senior computer science major Elissa Shinseki; GFU math professor Nicole Enzinger and GFU chemistry professor Davida Brown.

“I thought this was such a cool way to engage our community,” Byerley said. “The way that it’s shaping up is beautiful.”

The movie is most appropriate for girls 9 years old and older, who are invited to attend with their friends and family.

For more information, call Byerley at 503-554-5000.

Written by: Seth Gordon; Newberg Graphic