The Utah STEM Action Center, in partnership with the Women’s History Initiative from the Utah Historical Society, hosted a hands-on event titled "Powered by Women: Crafting Cards with Circuits" on Mar. 18 in celebration of Women’s History Month.
Held from 6:30 to 8 p.m., the event gave attendees the chance to design and build light-up greeting cards using basic electric circuits, blending creativity with technology.
The activity was designed to be beginner-friendly and engaging, allowing participants to learn about essential electronic components like LEDs, copper tape and batteries while celebrating the contributions of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM.
The event’s activity was introduced with a presentation about Maude Adams, a Utah-born actress and inventor who, in the late 19th century, helped develop a new type of stage light bulb.
Adams’ work was the inspiration behind the event’s light-up card activity, honoring the actress’ innovative contributions to the world of theater lighting.
Innovation Hub Manager Becca Robinson introduced the STEM Action Center and its Innovation Hub, a 2,000-square-foot maker space in South Salt Lake.
The center offers hands-on, maker-focused STEM experiences for people of all ages, with classes and open Tinker Time on Fridays, Robinson said.
Eliza Carf, a Public Historian from the Utah Historical Society, explained the importance of learning about history — especially women’s history.
“We want people to know that history is fun and history doesn't just live in the textbooks and in the past,” Carf said. “History is something that deeply affects … our present and our future.”
Events like these allow the world to understand and appreciate women’s history.
“Women's stories have been long neglected, and I think it's really cool that we have the opportunity — through events like this — to be able to bring stories like Maude Adams' to light,” Carf said.
The STEM Action Center is mainly funded by grants, Robinson said.
“This space is entirely staffed by AmeriCorps members, so we have our AmeriCorps grant. We've had National Science Foundation grants before. We're just wrapping up a grant with the Department of Defense that was also focused on 3D printing,” Robinson said.
Katherine Kitterman, Women's History Initiative Manager at the Utah Historical Society, emphasized the importance of sharing the stories of women who have shaped Utah’s history.
“For our women's history initiative, the idea is amplify the stories that have been kind of left out or that are here all around us, and show people that there's this rich legacy of leadership done by women in Utah,” she explained. “We think it's important that both boys and girls have female role models to look up to.”
The staff from the Women’s History Initiative believe that combining crafting with history is a wonderful way to help the public learn more about women’s history.
“I just think that it's so inspiring to hear about the women that have come before us, and again, we carry on their legacy, whether we know it or not,” Carf said.
The Innovation Hub has been open since 2021 and welcomes the public to enjoy activities and learn more about STEM.
For more information on upcoming events or to get involved in future maker activities, visit the Utah STEM Action Center’s website here.