Although women make up nearly half of the U.S. workforce, they account for just under a quarter of those who hold positions in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Yet these disciplines offer women the greatest opportunity to make discoveries and further drive innovation.

This year’s Annual League for Entrepreneurial Women’s Conference—Climbing the Chromosomal Ladder: Creating Your Own Domain—brings to Main Campus female leaders who have achieved success in STEM fields. These innovators will share personal stories of turning cutting-edge ideas into practical products and services, using their drive, originality and vision.

“This event is a wonderful opportunity to get a bird's-eye view from prominent women and local business owners whose unique ideas have taken them on amazing journeys,” said Betsy Tutelman, senior vice provost of strategic communications, Office of the Provost. “When you combine an entrepreneurial mind set with hard work, perseverance and risk-taking, the results are extraordinary.”

This year’s event features keynote speaker Lori Bush, FOX ’85, a leader with more than 30 years of experience in the consumer health and beauty products industries. She helped catapult premium skincare brand Rodan + Fields to the No. 2 spot in the U.S. by launching a revolutionary direct sales model for the company, which reported more than $600 million in revenue in 2015.

Amy Goldberg, chair and professor of surgery at Temple’s Lewis Katz Medical School and Surgeon-in-Chief at Temple University Health System, will present a conversation focused on the Cradle to Grave community program she developed. The hospital-based initiative aims to show at-risk youth the harsh realities of gun violence.

Entrepreneurs Dana Donofree, founder of AnaOno, lingerie for women with mastectomies; Bethany Edwards, SMC ’06, co-founder of LIA Diagnostics, which produces a flushable, bio-friendly pregnancy detection kit; and Kriti Sehgal, co-founder and owner of Pure Fare and other healthy living restaurants, will discuss the challenges and rewards of taking an idea from concept to fruition.

“All aspiring entrepreneurs will be enlightened by the obstacles these women faced and the strategies that worked for them,” said Tutelman.

The League for Entrepreneurial Women’s Conference will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Temple University’s Alter Hall on Main Campus. The event is free and open to students, faculty and community members.

Register for the event.

—Hedy Taub Baker