When Maria Hernandez and Jennifer Loza, Clinical Research Coordinators in the Farmer and Wang Lab at UC Davis Health, began brainstorming ways to spotlight the work of women in science, it was rooted in a desire to build connection.

“I love working with my colleagues,” said Maria. “We’re always supportive of each other, and we wanted to celebrate that and showcase all the great work that’s being led by talented women here.”

Their idea was to create an event honoring women in science and health, one that would build community as much as visibility. Maria shared their vision with Dr. Diana Farmer, chair of the Department of Surgery at the UC Davis School of Medicine, who encouraged her and Jennifer to think even bigger. To expand the impact beyond their lab, Dr. Farmer suggested reaching out to Wexford Science & Technology, the developer of Aggie Square, to partner on an event that could bring in participants from other departments, across disciplines and career stages.

“When Maria and Jennifer came to us with their idea, it clicked immediately,” said Monique Brown, Knowledge Community Director for Connect Labs. “And with International Day of Women and Girls in Science right around the corner, we saw the perfect opportunity to embrace their vision and run with it.”

Wexford collaborated with Maria and Jennifer to shape a day-long program that would be both celebratory and substantive. Their shared goal was simple: bring people together in ways that spark conversation, reflection and future collaboration.

The day began with Coffee & Conversations, a drop-in morning gathering where people from across research, clinical practice, academia and professional roles could meet and talk in a relaxed setting. Attendees shared their current work and interests, forging new connections over hot cups of coffee and easy dialogue.

At midday, participants came together for a Live Music Lunch and “Galentine’s” Craft Hour, a playful social experience that blended community with creativity. In an activity inspired by Valentine’s Day, attendees wrote “love letters” describing what drew them to careers in STEM or what they cherish most about their work. Volunteers shared their notes aloud, including one participant who thanked Maria for articulating experiences that mirrored her own aspirations, a moment that underscored the impact of seeing one’s goals reflected in a peer.

In the afternoon, the energy shifted to thoughtful exploration with a Designing Your Life for Women mini workshop. Built on design-thinking principles, the session invited participants to examine their values, challenge assumptions and begin sketching action plans for their futures. Through guided exercises, participants gained practical tools that helped them imagine and prototype their personal and professional goals with support and shared insight from others.

The day concluded with a Happy Hour and Lightning Talks session, where accomplished women from a variety of fields presented brief talks and mini poster sessions about their research and work. Presenters included Dr. Farmer; Dr. Erin Brown, Associate Professor, Department of Surgery; Dr. Rachel Russo, Assistant Professor, Division of Trauma, Acute Care Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care; Kaitlin Clark, Postdoctoral Fellow, UC Davis Health, Center for Surgical Bioengineering, and Priya Kumar, a Project Scientist in the Farmer and Wang Lab.

Throughout the day, a unifying theme emerged: meaningful connection matters. Participants reflected that challenges facing one woman in STEM often resonate across the community, and that sharing experiences — even across different fields — strengthens everyone. The partnership between UC Davis Health and Wexford made the day possible and exemplified the collaborative spirit the event sought to cultivate.

“Hosting this event was a great way to showcase all the women-led research happening here,” said Jennifer Loza. “It was inspiring to connect and learn from others who are walking a similar path as me.”

As Aggie Square continues to grow as a hub for innovation, events like the International Day of Women and Girls in STEM highlight its role as a place where connection, collaboration and opportunity converge, advancing both science and a sense of community.

For more information about programming happening at Aggie Square, please visit our events page.

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