Girls 4 Science believes that STEM achievement and innovation is a solution.
More than ever, female youth in Chicago need to feel safe, confident, and capable of contributing to society in ways they are passionate about and have the potential to make a difference.
Alex and Ani investigated food storage and preservation, examining how different environments affect freshness and contribute to sustainability.
Haley tested optimal temperatures for 3D printing, analyzing how temperature affects strength, accuracy, and print quality.
Nationally, there are noted disparities in access to employment in STEM between women and men.
Of all engineers, only 14% are women and 5% are African American. G4S is committed to making STEM exposure and learning accessible and fun so girls can confidently pursue the advanced study of STEM and compete for opportunities in STEM fields. G4S will change the trajectory of the lives of many deserving young girls in Chicago.
In 2008, G4S Executive Director Jackie Lomax’s daughter expressed an interest in pursuing a career in science.
When she was unable to find a community-based science program to help her achieve her dreams, Jackie ambitiously set out to create one. With support from the local community, she created a plan to provide hands-on experience and professional mentorship in STEM to develop academic skills, self-esteem, and strong relationships to increase professional opportunities in STEM fields.
The first session in 2009 drew almost 40 girls.
Today, Girls 4 Science is making science a reality for her daughter and over 3,000 other young women in the city of Chicago since its 2009 inception.
How do we accomplish our mission?
Collaboration
Meaningful long-term partnerships with organizations, companies and individuals allow G4S to access premier space and resources to provide participants with the premier technology and quality instruction.
Scientific Discovery
We believe that merely talking about science is not enough—hands-on scientific exploration and discovery are crucial to increasing interest in science and building scientific literacy.
Accessibility
G4S operates as a free Saturday Science Academy. Our open-enrollment policy ensures that participation is not limited by financial status.
Community Engagement
Raising awareness about women in STEM is key to increasing community interest in girls pursuing science. We hold community events to highlight women’s achievements in math and science and break down negative stereotypes.
Mentorship
G4S creates ongoing mentorship opportunities that increase young women’s access to information while building relationships with role models who can help participants prepare for the future.
Jackie Lomax
Jackie Lomax graduated from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, IL in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications. In 2005 she completed accreditation for Early Childhood Education. In 1999, Jackie launched Lomax Leisure Tours and worked to promote African American themed itineraries for Chicago Public School students. In the past she has worked with the indigenous people of Mexico and Bolivia to help build roads, schools, and water filtration systems with the Archdiocese of Joliet, IL. Her interest in working with people from underserved communities continues with the Chicago Roseland Development Coalition. She is a board member with CRDC and serves as a Career Counselor.
Through her daughter's expressed interest in science; Girls 4 Science was founded. The lack of available science programs for minority girls under 12 years of age was a challenge she hoped to solve. Jackie surveyed the community and a plan of action was created to develop a science club exclusively for girls. The organization would work to provide hands on experience and professional mentorships to girls of minority descent. No longer would girls be left behind in the fields of science and technology due to money or resources.
Jackie has received numerous awards, most recently the Today's Chicago Woman's list of 100 Women Of Inspiration and 2013 Allstate Give Back Day Hero.
FOUNDER & Executive Director
Board Chair
Aseet Patel
Founder CEO, PatentOAResponse.com, an AI LegalTech software company
Barb Pasulka
Consultant
KSMB Accountants
Danielle Zuhlke-Smith
Manager, Global Procurement, Supply Chain Processes & Systems
Ingredion Incorporated
Anthony Williams, PhD
Assistant Professor, Division of Anatomic and Molecular Pathology
Department of Pathology and Immunology
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
Riva R. Trivedi
Vice President, Parthenon Capital Partners
Finance Committee
Susan Rogers, MD, FACP
Past President Physicians for a National Health Program
Keith Moore
Director of Technology
Harld Washington City College
Monica Gordon
5th District Commissioner Cook County Board of Commissioners
Luz del Carmen Najera Colunga
Global Government Affairs & NA Sustainability Lead
Ingredion, Incorporated
Alan Brazil, CPA
Chief Fiscal Officer Illinois
Department of Human Rights
Synim Rivers, MPH, CHES
Director, Research & Development Communications
Amgen
