Ikala STEM, the most active professional association for and by Malagasy women in STEM, and Lemur Love, are partnering to hold this year's Ikala STEM Annual Workshop (IAW19) for Malagasy STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) university students and graduates. This will take place in Antananarivo, Madagascar, from June 17-19, 2019.

The workshop aims to:

• Help build the pipeline of local Malagasy conservationists - the people who are best positioned to protect threatened biodiversity, including the 110+ species of lemurs, found only in Madagascar. Currently, Malagasy people are all but excluded from science and conservation in their own country!
• Increase the number of Malagasy women involved in conservation. Ensuring women have a role in conservation leads to better results. For example, local women have unique knowledge, community connections, and motivation to research and devise solutions. Yet Malagasy women currently make up only a small minority of conservationists!
• Enable Malagasy young people to access STEM career opportunities in their own country. Frequently, Malagasy STEM graduates feel they have no choice but to seek career opportunities abroad, thus leading to brain drain. This workshop aims to provide attendees with ideas, skills, and contacts that can help them stay in Madagascar and carve their own path, thus contributing to the country’s development (and decreasing pressure on lemurs!). ​

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

You, or your organization, can play a crucial role in IAW19!

US tax-deductible contributions earmarked for IAW19 can be made to Lemur Love via the website www.lemurlove.org. Please contact Lemur Love Director, Dr. Marni LaFleur (marni.lafleur@gmail.com), for further information about IAW19 and the sponsorship opportunities below (which are tax-deductible in the US).

A donation of any amount US$250 and above will be recognized as a conference sponsor. Additional special opportunities are available at the US$500 level and above.

All sponsors will have their logo displayed on the conference signage and website.

Sunbird level ($500 USD)

Long-billed sunbird Photo credit: HBW Alive

Benefits:
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• Be the official sponsor of one networking coffee break (6 available)
  • Your name or logo will be prominently displayed during one break - perfect for selfies!

Radiated Tortoise Level ($1000 USD) 

Wild radiated tortoise Photo credit: Marni LaFleur

Benefits: 

• Be the official sponsor of one lunch break (3 available)
  • Your name or logo will be prominently displayed throughout the lunch room with plenty of time and opportunity for attendee photos and social media sharing!

Maki Level ($1500 USD)

Benefits: 

• Be the official sponsor of the closing cocktail (1 available)
  
  • Your name or logo will be featured on the backdrop during the closing cocktail. Our future conservation heroes will receive their completion certificates for the workshop and have their photos taken in front of the backdrop!