Dress For STEM, an annual initiative dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, is back for its ninth year. By wearing purple on March 14 over the last decade, it is the hope that awareness of the lack of women in the STEM fields has grown.

What You Need To Know

  • Although women make up half the workforce, they only make up 27% of STEM careers

  • Only 29% of broadcast meteorologists are women

  • Out of the 29%, only 8% are in management roles, according to the American Meteorological Society

  • The Dress For STEM initiative started nine years ago when a group of female meteorologists wore purple on Pi Day as a conversation starter

Nine years ago, this initiative started with a Facebook group, an Amazon dress and several female meteorologists wanting to make a change. It was so successful in 2016 when female meteorologists from around the country decided to build on the original idea. Each year, this event has gained more notoriety and traction, even gaining the attention of chief meteorologist Ginger Zee with ABC News.

"By starting conversations and raising awareness about the importance of gender diversity in STEM, we can drive meaningful change and inspire future generations of women in these fields," Julia Leopold, organizer of Dress For STEM, said.

So let's do just that.

Did you know that women are still underrepresented in STEM fields? Did you know that although women make up half the workforce, they only make up 27% of STEM careers? Did you know that out of all the meteorologists you see on TV across the country, only 29% of them are female? Is it fear, intimidation, a lack of interest or something else getting in the way of those numbers growing?

While wearing purple one day out of the year doesn't seem like much, it's a start to something greater.

If you are reading this and have any questions about how to get involved in meteorology or television or just want to chat about all things STEM, reach out. Across upstate New York, there are many talented meteorologists, six of whom are female. Reach out to them and ask your questions and get their perspective! The team includes:

Through this grassroots effort, we can empower girls and women to pursue their passions and thrive in STEM careers. If you plan to participate or have participated in the past, share your photos wearing purple on your social media platforms using the hashtag #dressforstem.

For more on this and other weather-related topics, follow Meteorologist Kaylee Wendt on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.