We're continuing our STEM series our focus this week is attracting girls and women in STEM career fields. As more women are represented in science, technology, engineering and math careers, they are able to achieve self-sufficiency in fields that offer not only higher salaries, but are more likely to have a smaller pay gap between men and women.

We will talk with Lauren Casteel, President and CEO of The Women's Foundation of Colorado, and Janet Yowell, Associate Director of K-12 Engineering Education in the College of Engineering & Applied Science at CU - Boulder.

Janet emphasizes the importance of encouraging young women to see that they are not only college-ready, but worthy of STEM careers. We discuss some of the perceptions that seem to limit women's pursuit of such fields. Statistically, male students are three times as likely to consider STEM careers than are female students, therefore it's important to emphasize career pathways for women. It is noted that interest in STEM subjects piques by 7th or 8th grade, and if both girls and boys interest in those subjects isn't nurtured, their interest is likely to fade. This is particularly true for girls, who may not see women in those positions as role models in those fields.

Lauren Casteel further explains the importance of role models and mentors. It's crucial to create a business culture that will receive women as employees, and continue to recruit, retain and advance women in those careers. Companies that do so find that diversity encourages their workers to think differently, and advance creative solutions for business.

Please join us for this engaging and inspirational conversation. Listen Saturday at 1:00 PM on 710 KNUS - Please let us know what you think of our program, either by commenting here or on our Colorado Business Roundtable Facebook page, or join the discussion on Twitter @ColoradoBRT