The Geena Davis Institute, in partnership with Nokia Bell Labs, hosted The Hollywood Summit: Advancing Women in Tech, an event dedicated to bridging the gender gap in STEM by bringing together leaders from entertainment and technology. Held at The Ebell of Los Angeles, the summit explored how storytelling can inspire more women to enter the tech industry and showcased groundbreaking research on the portrayal of women in STEM. Through thought-provoking panels, keynotes, and engaging discussions, the event emphasized the power of representation in media and its impact on shaping a more inclusive future.
Speakers & Panelists The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including:
Welcome Remarks & Keynote Speakers:
Tech Panel:
- Moderator: Kari Byron, Founder, Producer, Director, Presenter, and Author
- Shannon Gilmartin, Director of the Stanford VMware Women’s Leadership Innovation Lab
- Savita Raj, CEO, Techbridge Girls
- Susanne Tedrick, Technical Customer Solutions Manager, Amazon Web Services
- Debbie Sterling, Founder and CEO, GoldieBlox
Hollywood Panel:
- Moderator: Madeline Di Nonno, President and CEO, Geena Davis Institute
- Sara DeWitt, SVP and General Manager, PBS Kids
- Kirsten Vangsness, Actor, Writer, and Radical Peacekeeper
- Valerie Weiss, Award-Winning Filmmaker
Event Highlights
- Opening Remarks & Research Presentation: Thierry Klein and Anne Lee presented an insightful discussion on the impact of stereotypes in the tech industry and showcased Nokia Bell Labs' efforts in advancing diversity in STEM.
- Tech Panel Discussion: Leaders from tech companies and educational organizations discussed the systemic challenges and opportunities for increasing women's participation in STEM fields.
- Hollywood Panel Discussion: Industry professionals explored the role of media in shaping public perception and inspiring young women to pursue STEM careers. Kirsten Vangsness shared her experience portraying a groundbreaking STEM character on Criminal Minds, which was cited as one of the most influential fictional STEM representations.
- Closing Remarks: Madeline Di Nonno and Thierry Klein reiterated the importance of collaboration between entertainment and tech industries to drive meaningful change.
Key Takeaways
- Representation Matters: The latest Portray Her report revealed that 71% of young women believe female STEM characters on screen influence their career aspirations.
- Early Exposure is Critical: Experts emphasized the importance of introducing STEM concepts to girls at a young age through media, games, and hands-on experiences.
- Intersection of Hollywood & Tech: Collaboration between media creators and tech innovators can drive authentic and inspiring portrayals of women in STEM.
- Structural Barriers Exist: Women in STEM still face challenges such as bias in hiring, lack of mentorship, and underrepresentation in leadership roles.
- The Role of Gaming & Emerging Technologies: PBS Kids shared insights on how interactive media can serve as an effective educational tool to introduce STEM concepts to children.
Actionable Insights
- Media Industry: Writers, producers, and directors should prioritize diverse, multidimensional STEM characters in their storytelling.
- Tech Companies: Increase partnerships with media organizations to highlight real-life role models in STEM.
- Education & Nonprofits: Expand STEM programs targeting young girls and provide mentorship opportunities.
- Policymakers & Industry Leaders: Advocate for inclusive hiring practices and equitable career advancement opportunities for women in STEM fields.
- Parents & Educators: Encourage girls to explore STEM through media, interactive games, and hands-on learning experiences.
In Person
