Insights > Webber selected as 2024 “Women in STEM” honoree

Webber selected as 2024 “Women in STEM” honoree

03/01/2024

Award recognizes leaders in the STEM field who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and made an impact across New Orleans

When Kenyon Webber, Entergy senior lead nuclear engineer, moved to the Greater New Orleans area, she wanted to continue her involvement with STEM-related programs and organizations. Webber initially worked with STEM NOLA, but more recently became involved with FIRST Robotics competitions, Girl Scouts of Louisiana, Girls in STEM at Tulane and STEM Goes Red with the American Heart Association. She also a board member with STEM Library Lab and the 1881 Institute.

For her outstanding leadership in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math across New Orleans, Webber has been selected by the American Heart Association and Entergy as one of six 2024 “Women in STEM” honorees.

“This honor means so much to me because it aligns with my personal values, and the STEM Goes Red program has allowed me the opportunity to reach so many young ladies that may not have otherwise been introduced to STEM programs,” Webber said. “STEM GOES RED gives them hands-on experiences and the opportunity for me to encourage the young ladies to pursue majors that may be outside their comfort zone.”

Webber says underrepresentation by females in engineering is a motivator for her involvement in these programs. It allows her to show young women that there are females advocating in the industry and to spark their interest in STEM careers.

“It is also important to introduce them to the many aspects of engineering available to them and to help them understand their own capabilities,” she said.

Webber will be recognized at the 2024 Go Red for Women Luncheon on Friday, March 1 with the other honorees.

“We are incredibly thankful for the work that Kenyon Webber has done to advance STEM in our community. She is the true definition of ‘Girl Power’, and we look forward to recognizing her at our luncheon,” said Jodi Williams, development director for the American Heart Association in Greater New Orleans. “The American Heart Association and Entergy are dedicated to fostering the next generation of female STEM leaders. We believe we must continue to invest in STEM with the knowledge that improvements can always be made, and transformative information can always be uncovered.”

“We are empowering young girls to take a seat at the table and dedicate their minds to advancing the STEM fields,” she continued. “We acknowledge the journey our honorees have taken to become a STEM leader and are excited to be honoring them this year.”

The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, is working to close the gender gap in STEM careers. The goal is to deepen the pipeline of women entering STEM careers by exposing middle to high school age girls, but also all students, to the innovative strides women are making in fields like health care and engineering.