As a high school junior discovering her passion for science, Barbara Lockwood never imagined that doing what she loved would lead her to many firsts — including becoming the first woman to chair the Arizona Science Center board of directors. It was during high school that through caring teachers and timely connections, Lockwood became aware of opportunities that exist in the world of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). For Lockwood, there was no going back — she knew what she was meant to do. As she continued on to college and into her professional career, she became aware that her path into engineering was not all that common among women. According to the US Department of Commerce, women hold fewer than 25 percent of jobs in STEM. This prompted Lockwood to take action in nurturing a pipeline of future female leaders in science and technology. “It’s all about seeing a real-life example of what’s possible, as well as having mentors who will encourage young women to step out and have confidence in their ability to make a difference in the world through science,” Lockwood said. After working in chemical engineering and management roles for more than 10 years, Lockwood accepted a role at Arizona Public Service. In keeping with the company’s strong community Adam Rabinowitz | Contributing Writer Vice president of regulation for Arizona Public Service and past board chairwoman of Arizona Science Center BARBARA LOCKWOOD OFFICE DOORS {valley changemakers} 10 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | MAY 2019

involvement and nonprofit support, Lockwood became an active supporter of the Arizona Science Center, viewing it as a way for her to give back to the community and encourage more young girls to explore science. Since opening its doors in the early 1980s, the Arizona Science Center has focused on its mission to inspire, educate and engage communities through science, offering programming for schoolchildren, teachers and families in every county in Arizona. This includes the half million people who visit the center every year, the 300,000 individuals who participate in outreach programs in schools and community centers across the state, and more than 5,000 educators that participate in professional development. Lockwood joined the center’s board of directors in 2010, and with the support of APS and the APS Foundation, has helped expand the center’s Girls in STEM events, its teacher professional development in rural Arizona, and science education programs for underserved youth throughout the state. Reflecting on her tenure, she is particularly proud of how the center’s Girls in STEM initiative has grown in such a short period of time. Beginning in 2013, Arizona Science Center launched its mission- critical Girls in STEM programming focused on students from grades 4-8, the age range when interest in STEM traditionally drops off. Through this program, young, aspiring female scientists from across the Valley and Arizona now have the opportunity to engage in a variety of hands-on programs and connect with female mentors who can serve as role models. The program has seen no shortage of interest. In fact, attendance has nearly tripled since it was introduced. Lockwood also supported the expansion of Arizona Science Center’s Rural Communities Expansion project, which since 2012 has provided teachers and administrators with the knowledge and training to inspire their students to engage in Arizona Science Center plays an important role in fostering a community of learners interested in pursuing science inside and outside of the classroom. MAY 2019 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 11