GREEN COVE SPRINGS — It’s never too early to know what you want to do in life.

That’s what female science, technology, engineering and mathematical (STEM) experts came together to discuss with a group of junior high students on Monday. 

Green Cove Springs Junior High School's third annual Women in STEM night was one of innovation and curiosity, in conjunction with the Village Improvement Association (VIA) and the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. 

During the two-hour event, the girls were tasked with listening to several different working professionals and gaining a new perspective on some STEM jobs they could potentially see themselves working in the future. 

"I think sometimes they've had an idea in their mind of what they want to do, but there's so many details and different skills for different careers that they might not even have thought about," VIA President Larianne Stutts said.

Statistics show that female presence in STEM isn't as prevalent. According to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, women make up only 34% of the STEM workforce, presenting a large gender disparity. 

Stutts said because of this, it was important to have an all-women panel to show the students just how much they are capable of. 

Speakers included experts in information technology, mental health, organ recovery, computer/crime science, nuclear medicine, psychology, animal science and marine biology.

With multiple tables spread out along the perimeter of the school’s cafeteria, the students visited each speaker for 20 minutes. 

Apart from explaining what they do and what makes their job special, the professionals answered students' questions.