Kurt M. Campbell Deputy Secretary of State | Official Website
The Department of State has initiated the "Hidden No More: Empowering Women Leaders in STEM" International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) this week. This program brings together women leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) from 46 countries to the United States.
From October 26 to November 16, 2024, participants will travel to various U.S. cities including Washington, DC; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Durham and Greensboro, NC; Huntsville, AL; Orlando, Pensacola, and St. Petersburg, FL; and Los Angeles, CA. During their visit, they will engage with STEM experts and researchers to discuss contributions by women in scientific research and strategies for expanding opportunities for women and girls in STEM fields.
Key events include meetings with representatives from the Department of State, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Vital Voices, National Geographic, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab (APL), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Northwestern University. Additionally, discussions at Walt Disney Studios will explore storytelling and next-generation science and technology.
The IVLP initiative is inspired by the 2016 film Hidden Figures which highlighted racial and gender equality issues along with significant contributions made by women in STEM. Since its inception in 2017, the program has seen participation from 235 women leaders across 119 countries who continue to promote diversity in STEM fields.
The International Visitor Leadership Program is recognized as the U.S. Department of State’s leading professional exchange initiative. For further press information contact the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at ECA-Press@state.gov.