Nearly 200 students and their families gathered at Meharry Medical College in late March for the ‘2026 Black Girls in S.T.E.A.M. Summit,’ a growing initiative aimed at encouraging young Black women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
Now in its fourth year, the summit continues to expand its reach and impact, drawing participants from across the country, including some who traveled from as far as Chicago. Organizers say this year’s event marked the largest turnout in the program’s history, reflecting both increased interest and a continued need to create pathways into fields where Black women remain underrepresented.
Hosted at Meharry’s Cal Turner Family Center for Student Education, the two-day event began with a networking reception followed by a full day of programming that included breakout sessions, hands-on learning opportunities and mentorship discussions. The summit is designed not only to expose participants to S.T.E.A.M. disciplines, but also to build confidence and reinforce a sense of belonging in those spaces.
“This summit is about more than academics,” said Majornette Jefferson, executive director of community engagement at Meharry and director of the summit. “It’s about helping young women see their potential and understand that they belong in these fields.”
Participants engaged directly with professionals, faculty and students working across various S.T.E.A.M. industries, gaining insight into potential career paths and the educational steps required to reach them. Organizers emphasized the importance of early exposure, particularly for students who may not otherwise have access to such opportunities.
A highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by Dr. Monica Williams, a Meharry alumna and co-founder/CEO of Scarlet by RedDrop. Williams shared her personal journey, offering lessons on leadership, resilience and innovation while encouraging attendees to step beyond their comfort zones.
“Her message really resonated,” Jefferson said. “It challenged attendees to think bigger about what’s possible and to pursue their goals with confidence.”
The summit is part of Meharry’s broader commitment to community engagement and addressing disparities in education and workforce representation. By creating access to mentorship, resources and real-world experiences, organizers aim to help close opportunity gaps and unlock potential in young women who might otherwise be overlooked.
Support for the event came from a range of sponsors and partners, including the United Methodist Black College Fund, the Nashville Predators Foundation, Comcast, Kimmins, the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance and the Urban League of Middle Tennessee. Their involvement underscores a shared investment in developing the next generation of diverse leaders in high-demand fields.
In addition to formal programming, the summit provided a space for students and families to connect, share experiences and build networks that extend beyond the event itself. Organizers say that sense of community is a key component of the summit’s success.
As the event concluded, participants left with more than just information—they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and possibility.
Each attendee, organizers said, was encouraged to “dream boldly, explore fearlessly and lead unapologetically,” a message that continues to define the mission of the Black Girls in S.T.E.A.M. Summit and its growing impact on the future of the field.
