“Together with Toyota Connected, we’re on a mission to make Northeast Texas the best place to be a girl and address the shortage of female voices in STEM fields.”

Jennifer Bartkowski
CEO
Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas
.…on Plano-based Toyota Connected North America sponsoring the GSNET’s “E for Engineering” patch.

In March, Plano-based Toyota Connected North America announced it had joined forces with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas to sponsor the organization’s “E for Engineering” patch “to help cultivate tomorrow’s female leaders in engineering, technology and software.”

Today, TCNA welcomed Girl Scouts from the organization into its Plano HQ for career mentoring and to fulfill the requirements for the “E for Engineering” patch. The Scouts participated in a half day of activities including “how technology is implemented to make vehicles safer, how to use the scientific method in problem-solving, and mentorship from women in technology-related fields,” TCNA said.

Toyota Connected North America announced it had joined forces with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas to sponsor the organization’s “E for Engineering” patch. [Photo: TCNA]

TCNA noted that women make up more than 50% of college graduates, yet comprise just 16% of all engineering and architectural professionals, and said it aims to help increase that number through efforts like this.

Slated to appear at the event were Shravanthi Denthumdas, VP, Mobility & Emerging Technologies and Co-Founder of TC Women in Technology; Lisa Frey, Agile Services Manager and Co-Founder of TC Women in Tech; TCNA Chief People Officer Jennifer Brown; and Britney Keepes, Talent Services Leader and TC4Good philanthropic lead.

“As a tech company that values diversity within our own culture, Toyota Connected recognizes the importance of encouraging young women to explore technology, and that starts with engaging girls of all backgrounds in STEM programming at an early age,” Brown said in a statement in March.

GSNET CEO Bartkowski couldn’t agree more.

“Early exposure to STEM is crucial for developing the skills and confidence our Girl Scouts need to be at the forefront of a more diverse, empowered workforce,” she said in March.

For more of who said what about all things North Texas, check out Every Last Word.

Toyota Connected North America joined forces with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas to sponsor the organization’s “E for Engineering” patch. [Photo: TCNA]

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