Purdue University Teams Up with Hello Sunshine: A New Platform to Empower the Next Generation of Bold and Curious Young Women

Sunnie is here to support Gen Z girls, helping them dream big and explore careers, especially in STEM. Officially partnered with Purdue University, Sunnie aims to empower young women through relatable stories and community-driven experiences.

Launched by Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine, Sunnie is all about amplifying female voices. The platform emphasizes creativity and relevance, offering content that resonates with Gen Z’s interests and values. Purdue’s role is crucial, as it will help design engaging curricula that meet the changing demands of the tech workforce and inspire young women to pursue their passions.

Kelly Hiller, Purdue’s Chief Marketing Officer, believes that when girls can visualize paths that reflect their dreams, their possibilities are limitless. “In a world where social media shapes self-perception, we’re excited to create a space that encourages girls to see themselves as capable and confident,” she says.

This partnership was highlighted at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, a major event in advertising and media. According to recent surveys, 70% of Gen Z girls feel that representation in media is crucial for their self-image, making initiatives like Sunnie even more important.

Moreover, industry experts stress that early exposure to STEM can spark interest in young girls. Lucy Flesch, Dean of the College of Science at Purdue, has seen firsthand how connecting STEM to girls’ passions can unlock potential. “The path to innovation begins long before college,” she notes. “Showing young girls how STEM relates to their interests is key.”

Purdue boasts the largest undergraduate STEM enrollment among the top 50-ranked universities in the U.S. This partnership aims to make Purdue the go-to destination for young women interested in STEM fields. Arvind Raman, Dean of the College of Engineering, emphasizes this goal: “Gen Z girls are growing up in a tech-driven world. We want them not just to keep up — but to lead.”

Sunnie will also create events and resources tailored for young women, including educational opportunities for their caregivers through Purdue’s online programs. Through this collaboration, both Sunnie and Purdue aim to shift focus from pressure to positivity, offering a supportive space for growth.

Overall, this initiative shows how powerful partnerships can inspire future generations. As Kelly Hiller puts it, “We’re here to empower a community that needs to be seen and heard.”

For more insights, check out Purdue’s commitment to making higher education accessible and affordable [here](https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives).

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