Initiative will promote careers in STEM for
young women
RENO, Nev., April 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic
Energy of North America (PENA)
recently joined forces with Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada (GSSN)
to create the "Manufacturing for Clean Energy" patch program, a
first-of-its-kind initiative. The program was held at both the GSSN
and PENA campuses on Saturday, April
20 and Saturday, April 27 for
Girl Scouts ages 9 - 18. The initiative, the first for the Girl
Scouts nationwide, is aimed to peak interest for young women in
STEM while also encouraging careers in green energy
manufacturing.
"Partnering with Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada aligns with
Panasonic's commitment to fostering a more diverse and inclusive
future in STEM and manufacturing, which builds off our foundational
principles," said Kaitlin Walsh,
Senior Community and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
Specialist at Panasonic Energy of North
America. "By providing young women with hands-on experiences
and exposure to possibilities within clean energy manufacturing,
we're not only building a more inclusive industry but also
empowering the next generation of leaders to drive positive change
in their communities. It's been amazing to collaborate with so many
incredible women at PENA with diverse backgrounds and expertise to
make this patch a reality."
"As an organization committed to changing the world for the
better, Panasonic places a strong emphasis on initiatives that
benefit society and Panasonic Energy's collaboration with the Girl
Scouts brings new opportunities to diversify the tech industry,"
said Tara Meisinger, Senior Manager,
Production Maintenance, Panasonic Energy of North America. "Our goal is to empower these
young women and provide them with knowledge about clean energy
manufacturing as well as opportunities in our organization and
larger industry. Through this partnership, we're focused on
overcoming barriers present to young women in the manufacturing
industry."
The event, which took place at GSSN headquarters and at the
Tahoe Reno Industrial Center, included videos about the diverse
roles and experiences of women in the manufacturing industry,
hands-on activities and a tour of the factory. Participants also
had the unique opportunity to meet female PENA employees featured
in the videos who shared their personal journeys and the
opportunities available for women in STEM fields.
"This patch program is the first-of-its-kind for the Girl Scouts
and we're thrilled to partner with Panasonic Energy to bring it to
life here in northern Nevada,"
said Ann Nelson, CEO of Girl Scouts
of the Sierra Nevada. "As an organization, we're focused on helping
young women find their way and make the future a brighter place for
everyone. To do that, we are excited to work collaboratively to
help women succeed in fields they may be intimidated by or have
little information about in order to provide as many opportunities
for growth as possible."
The "Manufacturing for Clean Energy" patch program represents a
significant milestone in the journey of young women toward
embracing careers in STEM. Through this patch program, participants
have been introduced to the clean energy manufacturing industry,
specifically, EV batteries and applicable careers. This program
will be offered bi-annually in alignment with Girl Scout
programming and PENA RISE Women's Group.
For more information on Panasonic Energy of North America, visit Panasonicnv.com or follow
us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
About Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd.
Panasonic Energy Co.,
Ltd., established in April 2022 as
part of the Panasonic Group's switch to an operating company
system, provides innovative battery technology-based products and
solutions globally. Through its automotive lithium-ion batteries,
storage battery systems and dry batteries, the company brings safe,
reliable, and convenient power to a broad range of business areas,
from mobility and social infrastructure to medical and consumer
products. Panasonic Energy is committed to contributing to a
society that realizes happiness and environmental sustainability,
and through its business activities the Company aims to address
societal issues while taking the lead on environmental initiatives.
For more details, please visit
https://www.panasonic.com/global/energy/
About Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada
Girl
Scouts of the Sierra Nevada supports girls through programs that
develop a strong sense of self, positive values and healthy
relationships. In a territory that includes northern Nevada and northeastern California, girls discover their strengths,
connect with their communities, and rise to meet new challenges.
Girl Scouting brings their dreams to life as they work together to
build a better world. Join us at Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada
by visiting www.gssn.org.
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/panasonic-energy-of-north-america-and-girl-scouts-of-the-sierra-nevada-unveil-first-of-its-kind-clean-energy-patch-program-302129223.html
SOURCE Panasonic Corporation of North
America