The Central Exchange Women in STEMM (WiSTEMM) initiative is the Kansas City Region’s premier effort to recognize, advance and promote women working in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Medicine.

On September 23, 2021, Central Exchange celebrated the accomplishments of all women in Kansas City who are setting trends and breaking barriers in their STEMM fields at the 8th Annual STEMMy Awards Gala Luncheon. This year’s awards ceremony was a hybrid event – in-person at Fiorella’s and virtually online.

See the categories below used to recognize business and civic leaders, students and educators, entrepreneurs and advocates who work together to increase gender diversity in our business ecosystem. 

In addition to the annual awards luncheon, all ticket holders were invited to attend the Virtual Benefactor’s Roundtable on September 14, and will have the opportunity to attend four additional CX WiSTEMM programs throughout the year.

View Gala Photos
Watch Awards Ceremony
Benefactor’s Roundtable

STEMMy Award Categories + 2021 Honorees

 

WISTEMM STUDENT ACHIEVER AWARD
Ruby Rios and Rosalyn Zimmermann

The WiSTEMM Student Achiever Award recognizes a female college student currently enrolled in a Kansas or Missouri college or university who has Professional Aspirations in a STEMM field. She has demonstrated academic achievements, shows exemplary Student Involvement in the campus / community organizations and is a leader amongst her peers at her college or university.

WISTEMM EDUCATOR
Sandra Billinger and
Tanya Smith

The WiSTEMM Educator Award recognizes a full-time faculty member in a STEMM field. She is recognized by her institution/community as an Excellent Educator based upon student or faculty assessments and community accolades.

ENTERPRISING INNOVATOR
Dr. Shelley Cooper

The Enterprising Innovator Award recognizes a woman business owner in a STEMM field. She demonstrates Exemplary Leadership in her business by establishing a strong vision and achieving great success. She demonstrates Industry Excellence by influencing others in her STEMM field and is viewed as a key contributor in her industry.

Coporate Hero
Fishtech Group

The Corporate HERO Award recognizes a company (large or small) or a non-profit that promotes women in STEMM. The company/non-profit is actively Engaged in KC Metro STEMM related activities / organizations. The company/non-profit is Highly Supportive of women working in STEMM fields and provides benefits in the form of education, growth opportunities, flexibility and camaraderie.

RISING TRENDSETTER
Mariah Schroeder and
Krina Snider

The Rising Trendsetter Award recognizes a woman in STEMM who has demonstrated significant achievement early in her career. She is an Influencer of women in STEMM, showing peer recognition and peer support. She is an Emerging Leader for women in STEMM and is involved in STEMM activities in her company/the community.

GROUNDBREAKING LEADERSHIP
Jasmine Simmons

The Groundbreaking Leadership Award recognizes a woman in STEMM who has made significant contributions to the STEMM community. She is a Champion of women in STEMM, promoting gender equity in leadership roles, supporting women entering or growing STEMM careers and celebrating achievements by women in STEMM. She is a 360 Degree Leader who casts a vision, sets and attains goals, learns from other leaders, mentors others, influences peers and propels innovation and change.

WISTEMM CHAMPION
Kisa Caruthers and
Una Nowling

The WiSTEMM Champion Award recognizes a leader working in a STEMM field or in association with a STEMM field or organization. They are Bridge Builders who cast a vision for gender equality and act on that vision. They advocate for women in STEMM, supporting them as they enter or grow in their STEMM and diversity careers and promote them in their workplace or in the community.

PAST STEMMy AWARD HONOREES >>

PRESENTING SPONSORS

PREMIUM SPONSORS

ROUNDTABLE SPONSORS

TABLE SPONSORS

BioKansas
Black & Veatch
Burns & McDonnell
Cerner
Commerce Bank
CommunityAmerica
CRB
Hallmark
HNTB
Honeywell
Kansas Office of Information Technology Services
KU Medical Center/KU Edwards Campus
McCownGordon
ProActive Solutions
University of Saint Mary