Women In Science Leadership Breakfast

8:00 – 11:30

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Upper Hill, Nairobi

Hosted for the first time in 2018, the Women in Science Leadership Breakfast features a moderated panel discussion with senior women professionals sharing their experiences and insights from their careers in science. Panel discussions are followed by a Q&A and networking session. The event is limited to women participants only, providing a rare opportunity for African women in science to meet, become formally acquainted, and discuss topics of mutual interest and benefit, while growing their professional networks. In 2019, ASW-K will focus its discussion on opportunities for women in science, while engaging partners with a shared vision for improving Kenya’s science and research capabilities. As part of the breakfast, ASW-K will also feature an “Under 30: Breaking Barriers” session that invites successful, under 30 female scientists, who are part of our 2019 Faces of Kenyan Science (FOKS), to share stories of how they are using science, technology, and innovation for socio-economic development. With this 2019 campaign and the break out session, we hope to celebrate less accomplished female scientists while validating their current work. Throughout the event, ASW-K will also honor female scientist’s whose contributions have shaped Africa’s and Kenya’s scientific landscape through branding and incorporated storytelling. The Breakfast will be a free but ticketed event given venue capacity limitations.

Girls in STEM Career Day for High School Girls

9:00 – 4:30

Riara University

In an effort to encourage uptake and understanding of science among young girls, ASW-Kenya will conduct a one-day career expo highlighting women and careers in STEM for high-school aged girls considering their long term careers. As Mawazo CEO, Dr. Rose Mutiso will draw on Mawazo’s network of female scientists, community leaders, and women-led institutions working in STEM to attract female scientist mentors for the day-long career expo. To further increase the impact of the career day, ASW-Kenya will reach out to corporations working within STEM. This includes well-known companies such as Lancet laboratories, DHL, Johnson & Johnson, Unilever, Airtel, Phillips, Kenya Airways, and Agha Khan Hospital, who will be invited to share the crucial role STEM plays in the success of their businesses, while highlighting different careers options available to scientists within their companies. Specifically, ASW-K will engage female scientists working within these companies who can provide real life examples to students. The event will target up to 100 high school aged girls drawn from Nairobi and its environs and will feature informal presentations, exhibitor booths, meet-and-greets, and participatory science activities for students. Meet a Scientist will provide an opportunity for young girls to interact with local female Kenyan scientists, institutions, and corporations working in STEM, while providing practical guidance for students who may be considering careers in STEM. In this way, ASW-Kenya hopes to encourage the participation of young girls in STEM, create opportunities for mentorship within the local ecosystem, and strengthen the pipeline of African women in STEM.

Science and Tech Mixer

6:00 – 8:30

K1 Club Round House

This informal event is targeted at local scientists, academics, scholars, researchers, techpreneurs, innovators, and the general public. The event will be held at a popular Nairobi location/informal venue and will open with screening of a short African film/documentary that speaks to the importance of science in addressing the continent’s challenges. We intend to create a casual evening of cross-disciplinary conversation that will feature five-minute lightning talks with up to six local thought leaders whose field of work is re-shaping Kenyan society and culture – while providing solutions to local challenges. Lightning talks will be followed by a brief Q&A held in a panel style format that invites all our speakers to share the stage. To increase audience engagement during the event, attendees will be polled on their knowledge of topics in and asked to vote on the winning solution presented. A nominal prize will be awarded to the winner. Through this approach, we hope to show how science, technology, and innovation is changing our African identities, marrying science to Kenyan culture. The Science and Tech mixer will also be an opportunity for professionals to expand their networks, while creating room for new partnerships within Kenya’s science ecosystem. The event will be free to attend with ticketed reservations due to capacity limitations.