DARKE COUNTY, OH – The fourth annual IMPACT STEM2D Conference, hosted by Darke County Economic Development and the Darke County Chamber of Commerce, empowered 85 young women from six local high schools with an immersive experience in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, manufacturing, and design (STEM2D). The event, held on March 7, 2025, connected students with industry leaders, hands-on workshops, and a career fair, providing valuable insights into future career pathways.
Held with the support of 19 company sponsors, the conference gave students from Ansonia, Arcanum-Butler, Bradford, Greenville, Mississinawa Valley, and Versailles the opportunity to apply STEM2D principles in real-world settings. Through interactive learning experiences, they honed their professional communication skills and engaged directly with local employers, reinforcing the exciting opportunities available in Darke County.
“The IMPACT STEM2D Conference is an incredible opportunity for students to engage with real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, math, manufacturing, and design,” said Denise Elsas, Workforce Specialist at Darke County Economic Development. “By stepping beyond the classroom and interacting with industry leaders, students gain a clearer vision of what’s possible for their future. We’re excited to support their growth and grateful to our local businesses for investing in the next generation of innovators.”
The event featured a keynote address from Jami Keen, Chief Clinical Officer at Brethren Retirement Community, who has dedicated over 30 years to healthcare. Keen, a lifelong resident of Union City, Ohio, shared her inspiring journey from a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) to a Registered Nurse (RN) and a licensed Nursing Home and Residential Care Administrator. Her story underscored the resilience and dedication needed to succeed in the healthcare sector, motivating students to explore careers in STEM-related fields.
Attendees participated in three of seven interactive workshops led by Event, Lunch, and Gold Level Sponsors. These sessions included topics like the science of liquid flow, emergency medical services, dementia care, and hands-on engineering challenges. The variety of workshops ensured that students could explore multiple aspects of STEM2D careers in engaging and meaningful ways.
A highlight of the event was the Workforce Panel, featuring five female professionals from Gold Level sponsor organizations. Panelists, including experts from EverHeart Hospice, Edison State Community College, Klockner Pentaplast, and Cooper Farms, shared personal career insights and answered student questions, offering valuable advice on pathways to success.
“The IMPACT STEM2D Conference is all about opening doors for our students and showing them the amazing career opportunities that exist—not just anywhere, but right here in Darke County,” said Rachel Neal, President & CEO of the Darke County Chamber of Commerce. “By connecting them with local professionals and businesses, we’re encouraging them to stay, grow, and make a lasting impact in our community.”
Students also had the chance to network with representatives from sponsoring companies during the Career Fair. By completing their Career Fair Passport, attendees were entered into a prize drawing featuring items such as tablets, smartwatches, and Bluetooth speakers, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
The success of the IMPACT STEM2D Conference was made possible by the dedication of volunteers from the Greenville Chapter of Business & Professional Women and an engaged planning team that included Denise Elsas and Olivia Schmitmeyer from Darke County Economic Development, Rachel Neal and Kim Manalo from the Darke County Chamber of Commerce, Leigha Brown from JAFE Decorating, Maria Moore from BPW & Biller’s Stamps & Engraving, Rebecca Fortman from BASF, and Erica Wentworth from Edison State.
The event was generously supported by sponsors, including Event Sponsor BASF, Lunch Sponsor Brethren Retirement Community, and Gold Sponsors Cooper Farms, Edison State, EverHeart Hospice, Klockner Pentaplast, Midmark, Spirit Medical Transport, The Andersons, Wayne HealthCare, and Whirlpool. Career Sponsors included Classic Carriers, Crown Equipment Corporation, Darke County Health District, Darke County Job & Family Services, Family Health, GNB Banking Centers, JAFE Decorating, and Reid Health.
Opportunities like the IMPACT STEM2D Conference allow students to develop professional and verbal communication skills, engage with local employers, and learn in a fun, supportive environment. By continuing to provide these experiences, the Darke County Economic Development and Darke County Chamber of Commerce remain committed to building a strong, innovative workforce for the future.
For more information about the IMPACT STEM2D Conference or how to get involved in future workforce initiatives, please contact:
Darke County Economic Development: 937.548.3250
Darke County Chamber of Commerce: 937.548.2102
Click here for photos of the event