2017 Conference

Keynote Speaker

My name is Erica Horvatin and I am a Meteorologist

I work at ABC 57 News in South Bend, Indiana. My love for weather sprouted at a young age. Unlike most people, I knew exactly what I wanted to do by the time I was in elementary school. I dreamed of being a broadcast meteorologist, so I attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and studied Atmospheric Sciences and Communication. During college I participated in a stormchasing trip, where I fell in love with weather even more and saw my first tornado! I also interned with WCIA, a local news station. After graduating, I accepted my first meteorologist position right here in Rapid City! While in Rapid City, I worked as a weekend meteorologist and reporter at NewsCenter1. (I was the only female meteorologist in South Dakota!) It was a lot of fun - I reported live, talking about blizzards, tornado damage and fire weather. I also spoke to students at the Women in Science Conference last year, because I believe it is so important for girls to overcome obstacles and follow their dreams! At the end of August, I decided to take a new weekend meteorologist position in South Bend. I love preparing people for their day by telling them the forecast, and keeping the public safe during severe weather events. One quote that has inspired me throughout my life, and has helped me get to where I am today is: "The future belongs to the those who believe in the beauty of their dreams" by Eleanor Roosevelt. I am thankful to be here today, and I hope I am able to inspire some of you to follow your dreams too!.

Schools Attending