In this episode, host Jim Mayer interviews Brittany Greer, the executive director and founder of Rosie Riveters, a STEM program for young girls. Brittany shares her background working with the World Association of Nuclear Operators and how she identified the gap in STEM programming for young girls. She explains how she founded Rosie Riveters and the challenges of implementing STEM education. Brittany emphasizes the importance of data and problem-solving skills in addressing the retention of women in STEM. She also discusses the role of STEM education in shaping future careers and shares success stories from the Rosie Riveters program. Brittany Greer, the Executive Director of Rosie Riveters, discusses the power of productive struggle in STEM education and how it builds confidence and empowers young girls. She emphasizes the importance of continued engagement and creating opportunities for girls to explore STEM fields. Brittany also addresses the challenges of math education and the need to change the perception of math as difficult or intimidating. She highlights the impact of public-private partnerships in expanding access to STEM education and resources. Brittany encourages individuals to get involved locally and support organizations like Rosie Riveters. Overall, Rosie Riveters aims to inspire change and inclusivity in the manufacturing industry.Takeaways

• A productive struggle is a powerful tool in STEM education as it builds confidence and empowers young girls.
• Continued engagement and creating opportunities for girls to explore STEM fields are crucial for their success.
• The perception of math as difficult or intimidating needs to be changed to encourage more girls to pursue STEM.
• Public-private partnerships play a significant role in expanding access to STEM education and resources.
• Individuals can get involved locally by supporting organizations like Rosie Riveters and promoting inclusivity in the manufacturing industry.

Chapters00:00Introduction and Sponsor Shoutout00:55Introduction of Guest: Brittany Greer03:33Brittany's Background and Work with the World Association of Nuclear Operators06:08Identifying the Gap in STEM Programming for Young Girls09:05Founding Rosie Riveters and the First Program13:36The Importance of Data and Problem Solving17:27The Role of STEM Education in Shaping Future Careers20:23Challenges in Implementing STEM Education25:39Explaining the Rosie Riveters Program31:55Educating Parents and Providing Career Pathways35:39Success Stories of the Rosie Riveters Program37:50The Power of Productive Struggle39:03Empowering Confidence and Value39:33Continued Engagement and Opportunities41:39The Challenges of Math Education43:29Changing the Perception of Math45:33Building Confidence and Innovation51:25Public-Private Partnerships58:15Getting Involved Locally01:00:03Overview of Rosie Riveters' Programs01:03:42Inspiring Change and InclusivityConnect with Brittany on LinkedIn or visit the Rosie Riveter's website.A massive thank you to our sponsor, Speroni, for not only enabling this podcast but also for fostering the education of future manufacturers!