Black EXCELLENT Women in STEAMM 2025
SOLUTIONS FOR THE 30th CENTURY
Join us for an intimate and transformative experience at #BEWIn2025: Building a Legacy for the Final Eon, April 15–17, 2025, in Chicago.
This revolutionary gathering will unite the brightest minds in STEAMM to tackle today’s critical challenges and chart a bold path forward for our communities.
IN-PERSON registration includes meals, entertainment, and access to groundbreaking sessions designed to inspire action and collaboration.
LIVE-STREAMING registration includes access to all dynamic panel discussions and synergistic ideation.
Spaces are limited, and Regular Pricing is open now—secure your spot before late prices take effect on March 31!
This exclusive conference offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect, learn, and lead. With attendance capped to ensure meaningful interactions, spaces are expected to fill quickly.
A waitlist may apply once capacity is reached. While hotel reservations are separate, we’ve secured a block of rooms at exceptional rates to make your stay more enjoyable. Don’t miss this chance to be part of history — REGISTER TODAY and help shape the BLACK EXCELLENT EON.
BLACK WOMEN IN STEAMM 2025 CONFERENCE:
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BLACK WOMEN IN STEAMM 2025 CONFERENCE: *
WHY BEWIn STEAMM 2025?
Vanessa A. Harris, P.E., Initiative Founder
The Black Excellent Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math, & Medicine (BEWIn STEAMM) initiative addresses a pressing infrastructure crisis intertwined with the stark underrepresentation of Black women in STEAMM, who comprise only 0.5% of the STEAMM workforce, despite Black women making up 13.5% of the U.S. population.
According to the National Science Foundation, Black women earn only 1% of engineering bachelor's degrees, underscoring a crucial need for initiatives supporting retention and advancement.
BEWIn STEAMM leverages Black women in STEAMM's distinct insights and lived experiences to shape equitable STEAMM practices directly impacting historically underserved communities.
#BEWin2025 Agenda
Join us for an inspiring three-day journey celebrating Black excellence in STEAMM with sessions tailored to empower the Black Community.
Here's a sneak peek at what awaits:
Tuesday, April 15
Afternoon
The conference kicks off exclusively for Black Excellent Women with a luncheon, welcome, and a panel exploring Black women’s health and resilience. Breakout sessions and collective discussions will focus on actionable solutions to attendees' challenges.
Evening
Black artistry is more than expression—it’s revolution. Join visionary creatives as they explore how Black art shapes culture, fuels movements, and builds a future where we all thrive.
Wednesday, April 16
Morning
Black Excellent Women dive into strategies for crushing the "concrete ceiling" and addressing attrition in senior-level roles with panels, breakout sessions, and collective brainstorming over a delicious breakfast and lunch.
Afternoon & Evening
Black Excellent Men join the conversation. Highlights include a panel on guerrilla tactics for economic growth in Black communities, breakout sessions, and action-driven discussions.
Celebrate with a soul-food dinner and live entertainment by Chicago’s Own Chris Greene Jazz Quartet—a perfect blend of reflection and joy.
Thursday, April 17
Morning
The panel, “Vision and Voice: Black Women Shaping the Future of Politics,” will explore the pathways US and local Black Women government leaders have taken to develop their policy priorities, particularly in addressing the needs of marginalized communities.
Afternoon
Conclude with a synthesis of ideas, collaborative breakout sessions, and actionable next steps over meals designed to fuel connections. Wrap up this transformative experience by defining roles and paths for future impact.
The power to engage, inspire, and transform—still lies within us.
And together, we are unstoppable. BLACK Excellent Women are on the MOVE.
We cannot afford to wait. Let’s stop dreaming in isolation and start building together.
Join us for the first convening in Chicago on April 15–17, 2025.
It’s where we will begin to chart a bold new path for the future.
Featured Panelists
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Dr. Aprille Joy Ericsson
Former Assistant Secretary for the US Dept of Defense
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Dr. Wilsa Charles Malveaux
Distinguished Psychiatrist and Former Elite Athlete
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Ernest Crim III
Emmy Award Winning Producer, Author, and Black Historian
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Dr. Valerie McCray
US Senate Nominee, D Indiana, Clinical Psychologist & Podcaster
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John Lewis
Documentary Film Producer/Director
BEWIn STEAMM 2025 Convention Host Hotel
Style blends flawlessly with sustainability at Chicago’s first Silver LEED certified boutique hotel. Nestled in vibrant River North, just steps from Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile, step in through our vintage façade and feel worlds apart from the urban bustle.
111 West Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60654
Hotel Felix
**Booking for 4/15 through 4/17/2025 is recommended, but you can also book the previous day, 4/14, or even check out on 4/18 at the same nightly discounted rate.