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36 SMT007 MAGAZINE I MARCH 2024 Feature Article by Alicia Balonek IPC Women comprise about 47% of the work- force and are statistically underrepresented in STEM fields, yet the number of women in STEM positions has steadily increased. In 1970, women comprised 8% of STEM roles. Today, they represent 27%. is jump is an encouraging sign for aspiring women in tech, but it shows there's still a long way to go in ensuring the tech and STEM industries reflect the general workforce. In the early years of this event, we intro- duced the Women in Electronics reception to allow the very few females at this event to meet and network with each other. Since the launch of IPC APEX EXPO in 2000, we've seen an increasing number of females attend the event each year. ankfully, through the years, we have had plenty of female trailblazers paving a path for the younger women entering this industry. Each year, we look forward to helping these women build their network so they can share their journey, learn from each other's experi- ences, and support each other well beyond IPC APEX EXPO. is year's Women in Electronics Recep- tion is scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9. It will feature a panel discussion led by IPC Hall of Famer Karen McConnell, Northrop Grumman, on work-life balance. Panelists include: • Debie Vorwald, Collins Aerospace • Despina Davis, Ph.D., Boeing Defense, Space & Security • Paige Fiet, TTM Technologies • Christina (Tina) Landon, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) ey will discuss and highlight success sto- ries and lessons learned on managing a suc- cessful career and family and how it's possible for women to do it all. Anyone attending IPC APEX EXPO is invited to this event, and we look forward to seeing you there. SMT007 Alicia Balonek is the senior director of trade shows and events at IPC. Women in Electronics Reception