Ma’ayanot’s annual STEAM talks showcased for students the remarkable ways that Orthodox women can make a difference. Students heard from speakers who: collaborate with geneticists in France to identify a toddler’s rare condition, as genetic counselor Chana Ratner Selesny did; design and oversee a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Project rehabilitating the seawall around Montauk Point, as coastal engineer Elisheva Greenblatt does; design a headpiece for a celebrity actress to wear to the Met Gala, like Ma’ayanot parent and founder/creative director of Lelet NY, Sara Bieler Sasson did; develop web and e-book standards used in e-readers worldwide, like Tzviya Siegman does; lead a health communications company as vice-president overseeing communications, design and regulatory compliance efforts, like Ma’ayanot alumnus Eliana Rotenberg (‘05) does; or educate hundreds of dental students, create an industry podcast for Colgate, help people restore their smiles, and still have Fridays available to prepare for Shabbat, like Dr. Golda A. Erdfarb does.

STEAM Talks, held on February 14 and masterfully organized and run by biology teacher and STEAM events coordinator Esther Slomnicki, in collaboration with the student STEAM committee, is an annual event that introduces Ma’ayanot students to accomplished Orthodox women in science, technology, engineering, arts and math fields. Each panelist shared an overview of her career, and the path she took to reach her current success. They shared how even challenges such as job loss, dyslexia and unfamiliar environments helped them solve problems creatively and persevere. Freshman Sarah Krohn said, “It’s inspirational to see what Orthodox women can do with their jobs, even when not everything went as planned.” Classmate Eliora Roth added, “I just loved everything about it. I had the best time!” STEAM talks, which also included fun swag bags and engaging science activities, helped Ma’ayanot students to see that they can rise high in any STEAM career.