When Lilie Correa (CEMS '23) attended this year's StatFest on September 18-19, the double major in Statistics and Mathematics discovered a world of possibilities. "I now know what opportunities exist and what exactly people in the field do; something I had no idea before the conference," Correa said. "I also know the path to get there such as applying to graduate school and what that entails. Now I have more clarity about what I need to do from here."

StatFest, an annual American Statistical Associate (ASA) conference and initiative from the Committee on Minorities in Statistics, is "aimed at encouraging undergraduate students from historically underrepresented groups to consider careers and graduate studies in the statistical sciences."  

Featuring a keynote address from Urban Institute Vice President, ASA President, and President Biden's pick for the US director of the Census Bureau, Rob Santos, StatFest 2021 was held virtually and was sponsored by the UVM Statistics and Data Science club. The format included lightning talks and networking sessions with industry, academia, government and non-profit professionals, along with expos on internships, employers, and graduate programs. Correa appreciated "getting to talk to various companies in different industries about what they do on a daily basis. I was able to see what opportunities for jobs there are and also figured out what I would not want to do."

The entire event offered an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion -- through real people, real stories, and authentic connection. CEMS' Office of Equity, Belonging, and Student Engagement helped promote the event. Santos' story about his professional development especially resonated with Correa. "[It] was so fascinating," she said. "We were raised in the same town so I knew every place he was talking about. But I also learned that the path is not always easy but so fulfilling in the end."

The virtual conference used the Gathering Space platform in tandem with Zoom. Attendees could walk around the conference, enter rooms, sit on benches and talk with other attendees and presenters. Correa reflected that there were "very natural conversations between everyone, which was a breath of fresh air."

The sucess of the event has inspired Correa in her own life, and she wants others to know how fruitful it was. "I would definitely recommend attending," she said. "I learned so much regarding possibilities for the future."

UVM's Stat and Data Science club is a Student Chapter of the ASA. Members enjoy events like this conference and a whole host of other opportunities to connect with fellow students and professionals, enriching their college experience and preparing them to build thriving professional lives.