182. Celeste Warren, Founder of Destination STEM, Inc, on Representation in STEM, Virtual Access, and Building the Future Workforce

What happens when young people never see anyone who looks like them in the careers they dream about pursuing? And how can associations, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations help members build stronger, earlier, and more inclusive talent pipelines in response?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Celeste Warren, Founder of Destination STEM, Inc. Celeste discusses:How Destination STEM provides resources, educational awareness events, mentoring, tutoring, and scholarships to students of color and students in need who want to pursue STEM-related degrees and careers.Why representation matters so much, especially for middle school and high school students who are just beginning to imagine what their futures could look like.How Destination STEM uses college students and young professionals as virtual mentors for younger students, creating relatable role models who feel accessible and real.Why Celeste believes STEM pipeline work must start early, long before employers begin looking for talent in the current labor market.How Destination STEM’s family founding story, with Celeste, her daughter, and her son building the organization together, has become part of its unique appeal and authenticity.How the organization is doubling its scholarships and using its annual awards and recognition banquet as both a celebration and a major fundraising vehicle.Celeste’s big vision for Destination STEM: larger-scale conferences, stronger guidance for students, and a bigger role in building the future STEM workforce.References:Destination STEM Website