Empowering the next generation of innovators — that’s the goal of the annual STEM for Girls Conference, hosted by the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools. 

In this episode of Education Matters, Fresno State’s Jessica Piffero, Senior Digital Marketing Specialist, shares how technology and math play a vital role in her career in public relations — proving that STEM is everywhere. She encourages students, especially young women, to embrace science, technology, engineering, and math as tools for creativity and problem-solving.

The CTE Expo is more than a showcase — it’s where passion meets opportunity. This year, students stepped into the spotlight as fashion, cosmetology, and barbering joined the list of Career Technical Education pathways. From transforming thrifted clothing into runway-ready designs to learning professional hair and beauty techniques, students across the Central Valley are discovering hands-on careers that fuel creativity and confidence.

At Malloch Elementary in the Fresno Unified School District, TK teacher Sherry Nobles is showing that learning math can be fun and engaging for even the youngest learners. Through the Count, Play, Explore initiative, students are discovering the joy of math, science, and computer science by grouping, counting, and exploring through play.