Advancing STEM Leadership Through Mentorship and Opportunity
Education EmpowermentThe Gatsby Showcase Foundation is committed to expanding access to education and mentorship for young women pursuing pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). By investing early in talent and leadership development, the Foundation helps cultivate the next generation of innovators and change-makers.
In March 2025, the Foundation proudly sponsored three high school students with demonstrated interest in STEM to attend the Young Enterprising Women Mentoring Forum in Nashville, Tennessee, held March 7–8. Through a $7,500 sponsorship, the Foundation supported students representing emerging leaders in STEM and entrepreneurship.
Young Enterprising Women Mentoring Forum in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 7–8, 2025
Mentorship as a Catalyst for Educational and Career Pathways
In addition to sponsoring student participation, Laura Fote, Co-Founder of the Gatsby Showcase Foundation, served as a mentor during the forum. Drawing from her experience as a global entrepreneur and humanitarian, she shared insights on leadership, resilience, and navigating pathways into STEM and business careers.
Her engagement reinforced the Foundation’s belief that mentorship particularly from women leaders serves as a powerful catalyst for confidence, ambition, and long-term success.
Building a National Pipeline for Women in STEM
The Young Enterprising Women Foundation organizes mentoring forums nationwide, connecting high school girls passionate about STEM with accomplished women entrepreneurs and leaders. These convenings provide participants with exposure, guidance, and practical tools to transform aspirations into achievable goals.
Participation in the forum also creates pathways to additional opportunities, including scholarships to attend the Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Celebration & Conference, strengthening a national pipeline of mentorship, leadership, and advancement.
Investing in the Future of Inclusive Innovation
This initiative aligns with the Gatsby Showcase Foundation’s mission to empower historically marginalized communities through education, mentorship, and access to opportunity. By supporting young women at a formative stage in their academic journeys, the Foundation contributes to more inclusive representation within STEM fields and the broader innovation economy.
The Foundation commends the impactful work of the Enterprising Women Foundation and is honored to partner in advancing educational equity and leadership development. To learn more about their work, visit www.enterprisingwomenfoundation.org.
UN SDG Alignment
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SDG 4 – Quality Education: Expanding access to STEM-focused mentorship and educational opportunities for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds.
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SDG 5 – Gender Equality: Empowering young women to pursue leadership and careers in STEM through mentorship and role modeling.
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SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Supporting early workforce readiness and innovation pathways by investing in future STEM leaders.
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SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Reducing barriers to opportunity for students from historically marginalized communities through targeted sponsorship and mentorship.
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SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Advancing impact through collaboration with national organizations such as the Enterprising Women Foundation.
Mentorship as a Catalyst for Educational and Career Pathways
In addition to sponsoring student participation, Laura Fote, Co-Founder of the Gatsby Showcase Foundation, served as a mentor during the forum. Drawing from her experience as a global entrepreneur and humanitarian, she shared insights on leadership, resilience, and navigating pathways into STEM and business careers.
Her engagement reinforced the Foundation’s belief that mentorship particularly from women leaders serves as a powerful catalyst for confidence, ambition, and long-term success.
Building a National Pipeline for Women in STEM
The Young Enterprising Women Foundation organizes mentoring forums nationwide, connecting high school girls passionate about STEM with accomplished women entrepreneurs and leaders. These convenings provide participants with exposure, guidance, and practical tools to transform aspirations into achievable goals.
Participation in the forum also creates pathways to additional opportunities, including scholarships to attend the Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Celebration & Conference, strengthening a national pipeline of mentorship, leadership, and advancement.
Investing in the Future of Inclusive Innovation
This initiative aligns with the Gatsby Showcase Foundation’s mission to empower historically marginalized communities through education, mentorship, and access to opportunity. By supporting young women at a formative stage in their academic journeys, the Foundation contributes to more inclusive representation within STEM fields and the broader innovation economy.
The Foundation commends the impactful work of the Enterprising Women Foundation and is honored to partner in advancing educational equity and leadership development. To learn more about their work, visit www.enterprisingwomenfoundation.org.
UN SDG Alignment
-
SDG 4 – Quality Education: Expanding access to STEM-focused mentorship and educational opportunities for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds.
-
SDG 5 – Gender Equality: Empowering young women to pursue leadership and careers in STEM through mentorship and role modeling.
-
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Supporting early workforce readiness and innovation pathways by investing in future STEM leaders.
-
SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Reducing barriers to opportunity for students from historically marginalized communities through targeted sponsorship and mentorship.
-
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Advancing impact through collaboration with national organizations such as the Enterprising Women Foundation.
Young Enterprising Women Mentoring Forum in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 7–8, 2025