Northport, NY - February 23rd, 2015 - On February 19, 2015, Girls Inc. of Long Island brought a group of 24 middle school girls to National Grid’s Northport Power Plant in Northport, NY.   The girls came from the school districts of  William Floyd, Patchogue and Central Islip. Plant Manager, Bob Allen gave the girls a quick study in the history, layout and function of the power plant to give them an orientation to the breadth and impact of the utility’s services. Girls toured the plant with hard hats, and got a first-hand look at some of the operations, and were given an in-depth look at the control rooms.

A number of women from various disciplines at National Grid, served on a career panel and fielded a barrage of questions from the girls during lunch. Topics included career paths, college studies, gender bias, opportunities for advancement, and a strong emphasis on the lack of women in the STEM industries.

Nathalia asked “We always hear about the struggles women have in the field of engineering.  What is the experience like here at National Grid?”  With a mix of Chemical, Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, the panel answered from various perspectives and experiences.

National Grid Community and Customer Manager and Girls Inc. of Long Island Board Member, Kathy Wisnewski commented, “The girls were so engaged – it was great to see them really taking it all in and getting excited.”  Executive Director, Neela Lockel stated, “National Grid did such an incredible job introducing our girls to the industry. I am so happy they got to meet these incredible women, who shared such great stories of their own journeys in STEM.”

About Girls Incorporated® of Long Island
The mission of Girls Incorporated® of Long Island is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold. They provide school and community based programming that serves the unique needs of girls, ages 5-18, living in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Through community partnerships, Girls Inc. helps girls to achieve their full potential making their future brighter.

Girls Incorporated® of Long Island is dedicated to the advocacy of gender equity for all girls in all areas of their lives. Through participation in our programs, girls learn the skills to become leaders in their communities, leading to exponential change.

For More Information on Girls Inc. of Long Island, Please Contact:
Neela M. Lockel, Executive Director
516-428-7028
nmlockel@girlsinclongisland.org

For More Information on National Grid, Please Contact:
Wendy Ladd
516-545-5052
Wendy.Ladd@nationalgrid.com