IF/THEN® Initiative - The Exhibit and Its Ambassadors
- GLAM Team
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 22
Reflecting on the past while engaging in the present helps us look toward the future. As Women’s History Month comes to a close, GLAM explores IF/THEN® Initiative and recognizes the importance of the Exhibit and its Ambassadors. IF we support a woman in STEM, THEN she can change the world! 🙌🏾
Powered by Lyda Hill Philanthropies, IF/THEN® Initiative provides critical funding and connects cross-sector partners to amplify STEM role model storytelling so girls can imagine and achieve their own STEM dreams. IF/THEN® Initiative empowers STEM innovators and drives cultural change so the next generation is inspired to solve our biggest global challenges.
IF/THEN® Exhibit includes 122 3D printed statues and celebrates contemporary women innovators in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This monumental installation features the most statues of real women ever assembled in one location! The individual stories of the women the statues represent - accessible through QR code-linked videos, images, and biographies - highlight how a more diverse and inclusive workforce will strengthen the world’s shared future.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has created the IF/THEN® Ambassadors program, bringing together women with varied STEM careers to serve as high-profile role models for middle school aged girls.
By highlighting women in STEM who are contributing in these fields, AAAS IF/THEN® Ambassadors show girls different career pathways they can pursue and how STEM impacts their lives every day. Ambassadors use their skills in many areas, including research and development, sports and recreation, finance, fashion, gaming, engineering and manufacturing, entertainment, healthcare, conservation, aerospace, and more!
One AAAS IF/THEN® Ambassador is Dr. Arlyne Simon. She is an award-winning biomedical engineer, patented inventor, children's author, entrepreneur, and STEM advocate who thrives at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and education.
Photo collage of Dr. Arlyne Simon next to her statue at IF/THEN® Exhibit
Dr. Simon works at Intel designing technology for medical imaging products like ultrasounds and CT scans. She is one of the 12% of patented women inventors and developed a blood test that detects when cancer patients reject a bone marrow transplant. What a life-saving invention!
In addition, Dr. Simon is the CEO and Founder of SeeSoar Kids - a K-12 invention education company that creates and sells inclusive books, educational games, and empowering programs that ignite curiosity, introduce STEM role models, and spark the inventor's mindset. The company name is a clever twist on the word, "seesaw". When kids SEE inventors who look like them, their dreams and aspirations SOAR to new heights! As a well known children’s book author, Dr. Simon started her series ‘Abby Invents’ in hopes that her stories will empower the next generation of female scientists and engineers. Between her company and her book series, Dr. Simon is certainly helping the next generation find their wings!
GLAM recognizes the importance of visible, positive female role models for girls and young women. We are committed to empowering girls and highlighting inspirational women through our free, online GLAM Superpowers Hub. The best way to believe in yourself and pursue your goals is by learning from other women who have achieved what you aspire to do. IF we support a woman to pursue her future in any field, THEN she can change the world! 💪🏾
To learn more about our STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) and leadership development programs, explore more content throughout our website, follow @GLAMReadyToLead on socials, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and read more of our blogs and press releases.
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