Jeni Elkins, CEO of Valparaiso-based Discoveries Unlimited, has been invited to deliver a presentation on October 1, 2010 at a national conference entitled Women as Intercultural Leaders: Imagination, Innovation, Integrity. 
Hosted in Notre Dame, Indiana at Saint Mary’s College, Elkins’ presentation will focus on Discoveries Unlimited’s progress in mentoring Porter County middle-school girls. Founded in 2008, Discoveries Unlimited encourages girls to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields through mentoring.
Although women comprise 45% of the U.S. workforce, labor statistics show they hold only 12% of the science and engineering jobs. Discoveries Unlimited aims to improve that statistic on the local employment landscape. As its Mentees successfully complete their educations, optimally they will stay in or return to Northwest Indiana as STEM professionals, equipped with an array of much-needed technology skills for local employers. Currently, Elkins says the organization has matched local adult STEM Mentors with more than 30 middle school girls. Discoveries Unlimited plans to replicate its local success nationally as funding and support develops.
More information about Discoveries Unlimited projects, visit http://www.discoveriesunlimited.org or contact Cathie Dull at 219.508.5606 or at discoveriesunlimited@gmail.com .