Welcome to a new episode of "Entrepreneur Weekly with Alan Taylor," broadcasting from the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy, Utah, during the SheTech event, which gathers around 3,000 high school girls and 1,000 mentors to inspire young women in tech.

Sydney Tetro, President of the Women's Council, emphasized the need for female role models in STEM, noting that 95% of girls lack these figures. By connecting high school girls with mentors, the initiative contributes an estimated $32 million annually in earnings for those pursuing STEM degrees in Utah.

Next, Alan welcomed Rob Rueckert from Sorenson Capital, who discussed the importance of hands-on support in nurturing a diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem. Jeremy Andrus, CEO of Traeger Grills, shared his rewarding experience with mentoring young women, emphasizing the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and addressing the underrepresentation of women in technology.

Aaron Starks, CEO of 47G, highlighted the need for early exposure to STEM fields for young talent in Utah, while praising the efforts of the Women’s Tech Council. He cautioned against waiting until college to engage students, emphasizing that self-efficacy in STEM is crucial.

Lastly, Jenifer Smith, CIO at Zions Bancorp, discussed the evolving role of technology in banking and the importance of mentoring. She highlighted that while traditional banking remains relevant, personal connections are vital to the community and the heart of Zions Bancorp.

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