The Walt Disney Company has partnered with the U.S. State Department for the third annual Hidden No More program that celebrates women’s achievements in science, technology, engineering, and math.
What’s happening:
- The 2016 film Hidden Figures shone a light on the brilliant, unsung heroes of the Space Race, three African-American women working at The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
- This previously untold story not only inspired viewers across the globe, it also sparked the creation of the U.S. State Department’s Hidden No More International Visitor Leadership Program.
- Hidden No More highlights and advances the important achievements of women and girls in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
- The Walt Disney Company has partnered with the U.S. State Department for this third year of the program.
- The 2019 Hidden No More program officially launched today in Washington D.C. and will conclude at The Walt Disney Studios lot on November 14.
- Hidden No More brings to the United States 50 women from around the world who have excelled in STEM careers such as:
- Spacecraft engineering
- Data solutions and data privacy
- STEM-related education
- During the three-week program, these women will meet with organizations including:
- National Geographic
- NASA
- The Smithsonian Institute
- The Geena Davis Institute
- Additionally, these women will travel in groups across the U.S. where they’ll have the opportunity to meet with other professionals to discuss ways to encourage and advance the achievements of women in STEM.
- Among the location they’ll visit are:
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Chicago, Illinois
- Greensboro, North Carolina
- Huntsville, Alabama
- Orlando, Florida
- Pensacola, Florida
- St. Petersburg, Florida
Special Programing:
- Hidden No More will offer exclusive programming that includes:
- A visit to National Geographic headquarters for a day of executive presentations
- Networking opportunities
- A visit to the National Geographic Museum’s newest exhibit, “Women: A Century of Change”
- To conclude their program, the participants will get a rare, behind-the-scenes look into how Disney storytelling, technology and innovation come together. They’ll enjoy a look at content created by employees and cast members at Walt Disney Animation Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering and more at Disney’s Burbank Studio lot.
UN Foundation’s Girl Up Initiative:
- The participants also will have the opportunity to mentor members of the UN Foundation’s Girl Up initiative.
- Local Girl Up members will spend time with the Hidden No More women and interview them about their career journeys and contributions to the international STEM community.
- These interviews and portions of the Hidden No More program will be featured in short-form videos to be created by the production company Summerjax as part of a new initiative this year, which the participants will be able to use to further leverage their stories after they return to their inspiring work at home.
What they’re saying:
- Latondra Newton, senior vice president and chief diversity officer, The Walt Disney Company: “Disney is proud to partner with the U.S. State Department on this exceptional program that champions women in STEM and the indispensable contributions they’re making around the globe. By raising awareness of the incredible talent that exists among these women and helping them amplify their powerful stories, we are helping to create a brighter future for them and for the next generation.”