Women Leaders in STEM Begin Exchange Program Based on Hidden Figures Film

This week, the Department of State welcomed women leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) from 46 countries to the United States for the "Hidden No More: Empowering Women Leaders in STEM" International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) initiative.

From October 26 to November 16, 2024, the participants will visit Washington, DC; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Durham and Greensboro, NC; Huntsville, AL; Orlando, Pensacola, and St. Petersburg, FL; and Los Angeles, CA, to engage with STEM experts, researchers, and STEM education champions on the contributions and advancement of women in scientific research and innovation and strategies to further expand opportunities for women and girls in STEM.

A few program highlights include meetings with interlocutors from the Department of State, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Vital Voices, National Geographic, the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab (APL), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Northwestern University, and discussions at the Walt Disney Studios with experts on the art of storytelling and next generation science and technology behind the magic of Disney.

This IVLP initiative is inspired by the award-winning 2016 film Hidden Figures, which generated worldwide discussions on racial and gender equality and the important contributions of women and girls in STEM. Since 2017, 235 women leaders from 119 countries have participated in this program and continue to advance the meaningful participation of women and girls, in all their diversity, in STEM fields.

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State's premier professional exchange program. For press inquiries, please contact the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at [email protected].

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