Introducing our fabulous patron, Lady Lorimer MBE!
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Jayne Hartley (PDMS), Lady Lorimer, Angela Van Der Berg (chair, Love Tech). Photo thanks to Dave Kneale/ Isle of Man Newspapers.
On Thursday, June 23rd (way back when it was still sunny!), Love Tech happily welcomed on board our fabulous patron, Lady Lorimer, MBE.
“I am delighted to have been invited to serve as patron of Love Tech, a local charity that recognises the importance to bring diverse perspectives to the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in order to advance scientific progress and reverse skills shortages.” Lady Lorimer.
With a background in science and technology, Lady Lorimer is ideal for the position. Since her appointment she has also been a fantastic source of support in our mission. This is to inspire and empower girls and women to explore STEM opportunities on the Isle of Man.
In particular, Lady Lorimer recently attended Sulby School as part of our STEM books in primary schools’ initiative. We’re presently rolling this PwC Isle of Man sponsored project out to all 33 of the Island’s primary schools. Its goal is to give the children insight into local STEM careers, as well as to provide STEM related books for their libraries. (Thank you so much Bridge Bookshop for helping us source appropriate titles!).
It was therefore great to have Lady Lorimer talk about her own experiences in the STEM industries. Needless to say, the children were suitably enthralled!
At a time of global skills’ shortages and when women are still hugely under-represented in these industries, Love Tech are delighted to have Lady Lorimer on our side. She’s an excellent role model and her expertise will undoubtably strengthen our work alerting young people to the exciting career opportunities these fields can offer.
As well as this, Lady Lorimer is now also one of our mentors! You can therefore find out all about her and her exciting career background by clicking here.
Initially operating as a not-for-profit, Love Tech is now an Isle of Man registered charity (no. 1293). We have a brilliant team of 20+ local female business leaders and technologists. These are all volunteering their time to support and mentor young people to explore career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). As well as this, we’re Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce Charity of Choice 22/23. To find out more about us, please visit our website, www.lovetech.im
The team is delighted to announce a full and exciting Spring and Summer event line-up for 2022.
Following 18 months of uncertainty due to Covid restrictions, the committee and mentors are incredibly excited to share our first full programme of events for two years.
From Dolphin Watching, to TikTok workshops, STEM Summer Roadshows and Graduate Fairs for varying age groups, not forgetting the amazing #TechMums Club returning for a second year, there’s lots to look forward to.
To read more about our fun and educational events or to book your tickets, visit: www.lovetech.im/whats-on
We look forward to seeing you all again very soon!
As we set out on our first Love Tech Primary School initiative in February of this year, we didn’t know quite what to expect.
Turning up at assemblies to talk about Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) and some of the incredible women (our mentors) working in these fields, we weren’t sure if the content would be inspiring enough for the children we visited!
We needn’t have worried however, as after visiting ten primary schools, meeting approximately 1800 children and donating 112 STEM related books, we have had some wonderful feedback from teachers and children alike. We have been sung to, applauded, hugged and have been asked some really challenging questions!
“It was brilliant, the kids were firing me with questions all day. The books are amazing and the kids will love them.”
“I have been sharing the box around the classes to give each class a chance to see them before they go in the library. The class I went to today was Year 5 and the girls were so excited to see that a lot were about women in STEM!”
“Many thanks for your assembly. The children were chatting about it afterwards and loved the books you left.”
“The books went to our reading corridor this morning and have caused quite a stir!”
We are pleased to say that we met our goals, which included engaging with primary school children and schools, sparking interest in STEM and encouraging diversity, however we are far from the end.
At Love Tech we are passionate about playing a part in helping to address the global and local skills shortage and to redress the balance, where women are hugely underrepresented in STEM. We are now planning our next steps in terms of how we support children in education and you can expect to see us in schools once again, later this year.
This well received initiative could not have been achieved without the generous donation received from PWC Isle of Man and the support of Bridge Bookshop.
List of book titles donated:
How to be a Maths Whizz by Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon The DNA book: Discover what makes you you by Professor Alison Woollard & Dr Sophie Gilbert Build your own website for beginners by Laura Cowan Fantastically great Women who saved the planet by Kate Pankhurst Counting on Katherine : How Katherine Johnson Put Astronauts on the Moon by Helaine Becker The everyday workings of machines by Steve Martin Ask a scientist by Robert Winston Agent Asha: Mission Shark Bytes by Sophie Dean Kay’s Anatomy: A Complete (and Completely Disgusting) Guide to the Human Body by Adam Kay How cities work by James Gullivar Hancock Fantastically great Women who change the world by Kate Pankhurst Wonder women by Sam Maggs Marie Curie Power of Persistance by Karla Velenti 50 fearless pioneers who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky
Love Tech was featured in G3 Magazine’s June 2021 edition to discuss our mission, and how inspire and empower girls and young women to explore career opportunities in STEM.
