Carl Wunsche Sr. High School student Idalis Lopez and her team build a tower using only straws and tape during one of the workshops at the Ci2 Tech Conference for Girls.

HOUSTON – Feb. 22, 2016 – Inspiration, direction and opportunity were high on the agenda during the Ci2 Tech Conference for Girls, at Lone Star College – University Park. Over 300 female high school students from Spring ISD attended the event, which focused on opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math academic programs, as well as construction and nontraditional careers.

The students in attendance were able to participate in workshops, interact with industry professionals, attend topical forums and hear from successful women who work in STEM-related careers. Breakout activities included working in teams to encourage creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills.

Dorothy Ruiz is a satellite systems engineer and a ground controller for the International Space Station based at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. She spoke to the students about breaking stereotypes in the field of engineering, telling the young women that out of every seven engineers globally, only one is female. “We want to raise that number,” said Ruiz.

The conference was made possible through a grant by the North Harris County Branch of the American Association of University Women and the Spring ISD Career and Technology Advisory Board, and through sponsorships by Clunn Acoustical and Charlie’s Plumbing.