As my first month as an AmeriCorps member comes to a close, I’m reflecting on what I’ve already learned and my goals for the rest of this service term. If you, like many people, are wondering, “What is AmeriCorps?” here’s the best way I can explain it: It’s an opportunity to serve communities, address pressing social issues, and grow both personally and professionally.
My service focuses on capacity building, which is the process of strengthening an organization’s ability to function effectively and achieve its goals over the long term. I serve as an administrative and educational support coordinator at STEM Greenhouse, a nonprofit that fosters Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) proficiency in underserved youth. My role is to help reduce the administrative burden and work directly with students to provide a positive educational environment. This allows the organization to focus on its strategic initiatives to provide mentorship, hands-on STEM support, and career development opportunities to empower students. Together, STEM Greenhouse and I are learning how to further develop its programs and systems so they are sustainable, improve organizational efficiency, and enhance community partnerships.
AmeriCorps is an excellent stepping stone for those wanting to enter the nonprofit sector. It provides hands-on experience in areas like program management, community outreach, and marketing—all essential skills for working in nonprofits. AmeriCorps members get to engage deeply with the inner workings of their host organizations, gaining a clear understanding of how nonprofits operate, what challenges they face, and how to address those challenges. Additionally, members build a strong professional network within the nonprofit community, which can lead to job opportunities, mentorship, and career advancement after their service. The practical experience and leadership development gained through AmeriCorps make it a valuable entry point for those looking to build a career in the nonprofit world.
The Challenges of Serving in AmeriCorps
The living stipend provided to AmeriCorps members is modest, which can be a significant challenge. We are expected to cover our basic needs while living on a budget that is often below the national poverty line. This financial constraint requires careful budgeting and can sometimes feel limiting. However, this challenge can also build empathy for the communities we serve, as many of these communities face similar financial struggles.
The work can also be emotionally taxing, especially when working with underserved youth. I have already witnessed the significant challenges these students face, such as a lack of access to quality education, resources, or stable support systems. Seeing the effects of these struggles firsthand can be overwhelming, especially when progress feels slow or limited by larger systemic issues. Balancing the desire to make a meaningful impact with the realities of limited resources can lead to frustration or burnout. However, these challenges often deepen a member’s empathy, strength, and commitment to uplifting the lives of those they serve. Remember to make space for reflection, seek support from colleagues, and give yourself permission to step away when you need to recharge.
The Benefits of Serving in AmeriCorps
One of the greatest rewards of being an AmeriCorps member is the knowledge that you’re making a real, tangible impact on the lives of others. The combination of immediate (directly serving communities) and long-term support (organizational capacity building) creates real, measurable change. AmeriCorps also attracts passionate, service-oriented individuals, and the relationships you form during your service year can be one of the most fulfilling aspects. Whether it’s with your fellow members, the staff at your host organization, or the people you serve, you’ll build connections that can last a lifetime.
Another benefit is the exposure to new challenges, opportunities, and ways of doing business in the ever-evolving nonprofit landscape. You could learn new fundraising strategies, stay updated on changes in public policy, or understand emerging trends in technology for social good. Being open to learning will keep you agile in this sector, so seek out mentors, attend workshops, and read widely about both the nonprofit world and your organization’s focus area.
An advantage of AmeriCorps is the professional (and personal) development you will gain throughout your service year. Being positioned in capacity building, you will acquire a broad set of skills that would take years to develop in a more specialized role elsewhere. You will gain invaluable leadership development, problem-solving skills, and networking opportunities.
As an AmeriCorps member, you will be placed in a role where you are expected to take initiative, solve problems, and manage projects. This hands-on leadership development is a core part of the AmeriCorps experience. Whether you’re leading a team of volunteers, coordinating events, or managing logistics for service projects, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to grow as a leader. You will also have to adapt to limited resources, manage difficult situations, or navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. Through these experiences, you’ll hone your problem-solving skills and learn to thrive in environments that require adaptability and perseverance.
AmeriCorps also opens up access to networking opportunities throughout your community, state, and even nationally. Members often collaborate with professionals in nonprofits, government agencies, schools, and community organizations, building relationships with leaders and experts in their fields. These connections can lead to mentorship, job offers, or career advice, helping members transition into full-time roles in public service, education, healthcare, or nonprofit sectors after their service term. AmeriCorps also connects members with a broader alumni network, offering additional support and resources as they pursue career development.
Looking Ahead
Change can be slow in the nonprofit world, especially when you’re working on long-term societal issues. Remember to celebrate the small victories, too! Helping a student gain confidence, successfully completing a project, or a heartfelt thank-you from a client are all small wins. Recognizing these moments of progress can keep you and your team motivated on the journey because you might not see the fruits of your labor immediately, but every step forward matters.
As I look forward to the months ahead, I’m eager to dive deeper into my service project. I am confident that by the end of my service year, STEM Greenhouse will have implemented strategic organizational developments, increased STEM proficiency among students throughout the city, and strengthened its relationships with community partners. I know that every day will bring new experiences and opportunities to make a lasting difference. Starting a new position in the nonprofit sector is more than just a career move for me; it’s a commitment to making a difference.
To anyone considering AmeriCorps, I encourage you to take the leap. It’s more than just a job—it’s a chance to be part of something bigger than yourself, to serve your community, and to contribute to sustainable, long-term change. It’s an opportunity to grow in ways you never imagined and to make a real impact in critical areas like STEM education for underserved youth. AmeriCorps will leave you with lasting memories, valuable skills, and a deepened sense of purpose.
Here’s to a year of service, growth, and building stronger, more equitable communities!
In a world that is becoming increasingly digital and greener, career opportunities are endless. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) career prospects and opportunities have also never been brighter. The main reason why the STEM workforce (which encompasses a wide variety of career tracks) is so successful and lucrative is that it is adaptable to human needs, and its innovations solve a wide variety of problems. According to a 2018 report by the Pew Research Center, “Growth of employment in STEM has markedly outpaced the Growth of overall employment. Since 1990, STEM employment has grown by 79% (from 9.7 million to 17.3 million), whereas overall employment has grown by only 34%. Some STEM occupations have grown more than others.”
This will only continue years down the line. With this in mind, some STEM career fields didn’t exist years ago but are quickly shaping up the industry.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
The Growth of Artificial Intelligence, especially over the past five years, has become widespread and lucrative. According to the New York Times, this booming sector comes with an even more generous salary. This growth, controversy, and popularity are reflected in the $150 billion valuation of the sector, and its future only promises a blooming career path with fascinating opportunities ahead. Below are some popular career paths that fall under Artificial Intelligence:
AI Ethicist: AI Ethicists work to address the ethical issues surrounding artificial intelligence and ensure that the systems are developed and used responsibly. The problem of ethics in the AI industry has become an ongoing topic of discussion over the years, and this could be a robust career path for the future. According to Vault, AI Ethicists make approximately $137,000 per year.
Blockchain Developer: Analytical sectors like finance, supply chain, and healthcare lean heavily on the blockchain industry to thrive, creating a high demand within the industry. According to Zip Recruiter, the average salary for a Blockchain Developer is $111,845.
IoT Architect: As the Internet continues to grow and evolve, designing systems and networks for the Internet of Things will be necessary. IoT Architects will become invaluable in connecting devices to improve efficiency and capabilities in homes and industries.
Quantum Computing Scientist: Computers will always be a part of modern life, and in the future, Quantum Computing Scientists will be essential to this field by working to develop quantum computers and algorithms to solve complex problems faster and more efficiently. The current salary range for a Quantum Computing Scientist at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is between $61,947 and $164,102, with opportunities to earn more based on career experience.
Finding a career in AI will be a promising road map for future STEM students because the sector is actively involved in improving the workflow and decision-making process across all industries, such as healthcare, finance, automotive, and entertainment.
Renewable Energy and Sustainability
Environmental concerns have become a large part of conversations. As the world continues to be curious about climate change and its ecological and economic risks, career opportunities will also see a boom in the sector. Some careers in this niche include:
Sustainability Engineers: Sustainability Engineers are professionals who focus on creating processes and technologies that improve energy efficiency and reduce the impact of toxins on the planet. As the world invests more in improving efficiency and sustainability, this niche will also experience a boost. According to Salary, the average salary for a sustainability engineer in the United States is s $90,611.
Renewable Energy Engineer: This career subsect of engineering will focus on creating and improving technologies that harness energy from renewable and sustainable sources like solar power, wind, and geothermal energy. According to Comparably, most Renewable Energy Engineers in the United States have a median salary of $93,010.
Climate Change Analyst: Climate Analysts will play a significant role in changing the future of weather patterns to understand the underbelly of climate change and how it affects the environment and the world. Zippia estimates that the average Climate Change Analyst salaries typically range between $50,000 and $117,000 yearly, according to Zippia.
Biotechnology and Healthcare
The healthcare industry is one of STEM’s most sustainable career paths. The healthcare sector has made and continues to make life-altering technologies that are allowing the medical profession to evolve in ways unimaginable before; historically, the healthcare industry and innovations in biotechnology have led to a new, improved standard of living for humans, and with is an industry that is globally valued at $12 trillion and predicted to continue growing to more than $20 trillion by 2030, according to the World Economic Forum. Here are some career paths that are included in this niche:
Genetic Technologist: Our genes are a significant part of human functioning, and a career in Genetic Technology will enable individuals to use cutting-edge genetic sequencing technology to accurately research, diagnose, and find cures for diseases. According to Comparably, the average Genetic Technologist makes about $96,937 annually in the US.
Synthetic Biologist: A career as a Synthetic Biologist will enable professionals to work towards engineering new biological systems for medicine, manufacturing, and environmental management. Comparably reports that a Synthetic Biologist can make an average salary of $79,996, with a range that can go up to $352,062 annually.
Neuroinformatics Specialist: The healthcare industry has played a priceless role in understanding human anatomy and the factors that cause it to function correctly. A Neuroinformatics Specialist will combine neuroscience, information science, and computer science to better understand the human brain and nervous system. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a Neuroscience Specialist is $160,523.
Cybersecurity
With growing amounts of data – and new pieces of information created and stored online daily – there is a constantly increasing need for cybersecurity specialists regarding the rising risk of data breaches and systems by cyber attacks. The ongoing need for cyber security has created new jobs that intersect with strong mathematical skills. Below are some diverse career paths that employ the use of cybersecurity and mathematics:
Data Privacy Analyst: Data is a significant component of society these days, and a data privacy analyst will use their statistical techniques to protect and manage data, ensuring that companies and organizations follow privacy and compliance regulations. Glassdoor‘s salary data shows that Data Privacy Analysts make an average of $92,000 per year.
Cryptologic Mathematician: Cryptologic Mathematicians use mathematics to develop secure communication systems and solve encryption and security-related problems. These career paths will be invaluable not only in IT but also in industries like banking and finance that rely on cryptology to keep information secure. According to data from Comparably, Cryptologic Mathematicians make a national average salary of $95,943.
Health Informatics Specialist: A Health Informatics specialist will use their knowledge to integrate health sciences with mathematics and statistics to improve health outcomes and predictions through efficient data management and analysis. The average salary in the US for a Health Informatics Specialist is $126,750, according to data from Talent.
Building a Foundation in STEM
A STEM career will primarily be formed in school. It’s not enough to start educating students in STEM subjects at an early age— we need to encourage programs like those provided by the STEM Greenhouse that allow students the freedom to be curious and find solutions to problems through hands-on learning and real-world applications.
It is common knowledge that many Black students across the United States do not have equal access to quality Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education compared to their peers of other races. This disparity has created a domino effect in the workforce that is triggered by Black and brown students being underserved early on in their academic journies. Although the numbers have shown that students of color face challenges with access to quality education and, therefore, do not excel in school, new research suggests that there is more to the story. According to a collaborative report from YouScience and Black Girls Do STEM, Black students are interested in STEM careers, but the systemic barriers in place often stifle their chances of exploring or excelling in STEM, and that has become a broader issue in the education sector.
Every statistic tells a story, but for decades, the general consensus has been that Black students do not participate in STEM because of a lack of competence or perhaps an interest in only sports—or music-related careers. According to this study, Black students want to be involved, but a combination of inaccessible resources and a lack of knowledge makes this virtually impossible.
In a press release, Edson Barton, Founder, and CEO of YouScience, pointed out that the lack of exposure to quality STEM education affects Black students at higher levels, but early intervention might be the key forward.
“For decades, Black students have encountered inequities that have impacted their pathways in education and then career. It’s imperative to recognize that Black students possess the aptitude for all STEM careers, but the glaring exposure gap remains a formidable challenge due to resource deficiencies and lack of representation,” Barton said. “By bridging the exposure gaps and doing so earlier in education, society can help Black students understand all the opportunities available to them and connect them with education and career pathways and programs that can foster even more skills and understanding.”
The system is not generally designed to cater to Black students, and this is evident in the grim statistics by UNCF that specifically show that Black students are typically underprepared for college by the time they are in high school. Because of their limited exposure to STEM enrichment programs and inaccessible advanced coursework and hands-on learning experiences, there is a growing gap that only seems to be worsening with time. Organizations like The STEM Greenhouse have made it their mission to nurture STEM curiosity in minority students and while this can seem like a never-ending uphill battle, there is some hope.
The systemic issue is becoming a widespread problem.
According to a study published by UNCF, “Even when Black students do have access to honors or advanced placement courses, they are vastly underrepresented in these courses. Black and Latino students represent 38 percent of students in schools that offer AP courses, but only 29 percent of students enrolled in at least one AP course. Black and Latino students also have less access to gifted and talented education programs than white students.”
The absence of diverse role models and mentors further compounds the issue, depriving Black children of relatable figures who can guide and inspire them on their STEM journey. Without access to supportive networks and mentorship opportunities, many Black children navigate the STEM landscape alone, grappling with self-doubt and uncertainty about their place in these sectors. There are several solutions to address these barriers, but to uncover the full potential of Black children in STEM, decision-makers have to contribute to breaking down the systemic barriers that prevent Black students from nurturing their curiosity, creativity, and confidence in STEM.
Early Exposure and Engagement Is a Powerful Solution
Investing in early exposure programs that introduce Black children to STEM concepts through hands-on activities, interactive learning experiences, and engaging role models is essential. In 2021, The Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy conducted a report on The STEM Greenhouse that highlighted the advantage of early exposure to STEM for underserved students. Additionally, opportunities for exploration from an early age can be invaluable for students who have been set on a trajectory that has set them in economically disadvantaged positions.
Creating a Culturally Relevant Curriculum Can Spark Engagement
It is important for schools to develop culturally relevant STEM curriculum materials that reflect the experiences, interests, and backgrounds of Black students. The STEM Greenhouse, through its programs, has become a leader in incorporating diverse perspectives, real-world examples, and culturally responsive teaching practices through its Sankofa STEM Academy, SAGE, Kids Count, and STEM Scholars programs. Real-world examples of minority professionals thriving in STEM can serve as mentors and culturally responsive teachers can enrich the lives of students and give them a hopeful outlook for the future.
Equity in Access Can Be Empowering
In a world where every child, regardless of their background, has equal access to STEM, it is important for large corporations to join in on the call for advocacy. Companies and organizations can lend their influence for the greater good by directing their investments toward under-resourced school districts and equity-focused organizations that are focused on empowering students for the STEM future.
Empowered Communities
The adage “it takes a village to raise a child” amplifies the power of a community coming together to uplift and support its children’s dreams. The idea behind this originates from an African proverb that conveys the idea that raising children the right way requires a community effort. That idea has inspired a lot of The STEM Greenhouse’s strategic approach to keeping families and caretakers engaged and involved in their students’ academic progress. That’s the essence of empowering communities in the STEM education and equity journey. Because of this engagement, the community of students that The STEM Greenhouse serves is supported, celebrated, and inspired towards success and growing curiosity in STEM.
In an era that is largely defined by advancements in technology and lightning-speed innovation, the demand for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) talent has never been more critical. Across the board, innovative companies who understand the importance of STEM talent across industries are recognizing the STEM Talent Imperative as a driving force behind sustained innovation and progress. Even more imperative is the need for BIPOC STEM talent. According to Pew Research, while the consensus is that people from underrepresented communities need to be seen in STEM more, there is a long way to go.
STEM Careers Form The Backbone Of Society’s Innovation
The importance of STEM is especially undeniable because STEM disciplines form the backbone of modern society, contributing to groundbreaking discoveries, tech innovation, and economic growth. From developing life-saving medical technologies to designing sustainable energy solutions, STEM professionals have continued to play a pivotal role in shifting the paradigm of the world’s future.
Despite this, the shortage of skilled STEM professionals — especially those in the minority— is a challenge that businesses and educational institutions have to address. According to Pew Research, the representation disparity is evident not just in the workforce, but also in advanced STEM degrees. According to the study, “Black and Hispanic adults are also underrepresented among those earning advanced degrees in STEM, especially among those earning Ph.D. or other research doctorates. Representation of Black and Hispanic adults is lowest in math, physical sciences, and engineering degree fields.”
This Is How Companies Can Build Pathways for Innovation:
Foster Early Education and Awareness: To cultivate STEM talent, it is important to start early. Organizations like The STEM Greenhouse are leveling the playing field for Black and Brown students who are underserved. Educational initiatives like The STEM Greenhouse that promote STEM awareness in young students can spark interest and curiosity and nurture and encourage an interest in a STEM career for the future.
Make STEM Higher Education Accessible: Equitable access to higher education is important for building a diverse and skilled STEM workforce. Scholarships, mentorship programs, and partnerships between educational institutions and industry can provide financial support and guidance to aspiring STEM professionals, regardless of their background. Mentors play a big role in this process too, and programs like The STEM Greenhouse’s Sankofa Academy give students the opportunity to interact with industry professionals who are a part of the minority too.
Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity: Diversity in STEM fosters a range of perspectives and approaches, leading to more innovative solutions. Efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in STEM fields should be prioritized, including targeted recruitment, mentorship programs for underrepresented groups, and creating inclusive environments where everyone feels valued.
The STEM Talent Imperative is not merely a call to action; it is a strategic necessity for businesses and educational institutions to contribute to the ongoing conversation by investing in comprehensive pathways for underrepresented talent to enter, thrive, and lead in STEM fields in a way that lays a foundation that empowers the next generation of STEM leaders and drives positive change across industries.
We’re thrilled to spotlight the inspiring Dr. Aprille Ericsson, one of NASA’s aerospace engineers who has shattered glass ceilings throughout her remarkable career. As the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Howard University and the first African American woman to receive a Ph.D. in Engineering at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Dr. Ericsson continues to shatter the glass ceiling as a role model for all.
We reached out to Dr. Ericsson to ask her what advice most helped her succeed and what guidance she would give to young people aspiring to thrive in STEM. She shared the following:
“My mom was always saying, ‘You can do it, girl!'”
My mom has always been my #1 cheerleader. During my childhood, many girls were marginalized or forced into stereotypical roles and being told, ‘girls don’t do that.’
In contrast, my mom always encouraged me, whether it was riding a bike, playing basketball, learning karate, doing science fair projects, or excelling at math.
To this day, I absolutely still believe her empowering words, ‘You can do it, girl!’ and I remind my daughter daily that she can do whatever she sets her mind to!”
At STEM Greenhouse, we make a deliberate effort to ensure that we provide mentors and role models that represent the diversity of our student population. Our goal is to provide relatable figures who have faced similar obstacles and can serve as positive examples for our students. By featuring individuals who look like our students and have shared similar experiences, we hope to promote a sense of inclusivity and belonging within the professional world.
Additionally, we understand that leveraging advice from a network of successful individuals can be a professional game-changer. That’s why we are passionate about connecting our students with real, tangible role models. By providing diverse and relatable role models like Dr. Ericsson, we aim to create a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages our students to dream big, overcome challenges, and excel in their schooling and beyond.
As we wrap up Women’s History Month, please consider supporting our mission at STEM Greenhouse by making a donation to help us continue providing access to STEM education, diverse role models, mentorship, and resources that empower the next generation of STEM leaders.
Working in equity and social change, progress can be slow, the finish line can get obscure, and tasks can begin to feel insignificant during the day-to-day. This year for International Women’s Day (March 8, 2023), the theme is DigitaALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality. This is a perfect tie-in with our vision at STEM Greenhouse to diversify the STEM community through cultivating STEM proficiency and expanding STEM access.
In celebration of International Women’s Day this year, we’re highlighting some of the amazing accomplishments women in STEM made in 2022.
Mira Murati, Chief Technology Officer at OpenAI (DALL-E and ChatGPT)
Mira Murati joined OpenAI in June 2018, and in just under 4 years by May 2022 was promoted ot her current role. Before her rise to CTO, she previously held Vice President of Applied AI and Partnerships and Senior Vice President of Research, Product, and Partnerships roles at OpenAI. Previously she worked for Goldman Sachs, Zodiac Aerospace, Tesla, and Leap Motion.
ChatGPT and DALL-E are advanced artificial intelligence models developed by OpenAI but serve different purposes. ChatGPT focuses on language processing and generation, while DALL-E focuses on image generation from written prompts.
ChatGPT is a natural language processing model trained to understand and generate human-like responses to textual and verbal input. It can assist with various tasks, such as answering questions, providing information, and engaging in conversation.
DALL-E, on the other hand, is a generative model trained to generate images from textual descriptions. It can create highly detailed and creative images from written prompts, such as a “red shoe in the shape of a pizza slice” or “a green armchair in the shape of an avocado.”
Mariana Matus, PhD and Newsha Ghaeli, Biobot Analytics
Mariana Matus and Newsha Ghaeli are co-founders of Biobot Analytics. Biobot Analytics is a wastewater epidemiology company that analyzes sewage to provide public health analytics. “Inspired by the potential of wastewater epidemiology, Biobot is the first company in the world to commercialize data from sewage.”
In September of 2022, Biobot Analytics launched a High Risk Substance Wastewater Platform intended to address the Opioid Epidemic. The platform provides “unbiased, naturally anonymized data on community use of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and nicotine.”
Sanskriti Dawle, Chief Executive Officer, Thinkerbell Labs, Polly
Thinkerbell Labs is ‘disrupting the way the visually impaired learn across the globe. [.. Their] flagship product ‘Annie’ is the world’s first Braille literacy device. Annie is a smart, connected device that helps a visually impaired person learn to read, write, and type in Braille on their own while making it easier for other sighted stakeholders to get involved in their education.
Launching in 2023, in partnership with American Publishing House, Thinkerbell Labs designed Polly! an electronic, Wi-Fi-enabled device that will assist users in learning and reinforcing braille concepts.
Rosie Lickorish, Software Engineer – Emerging Technology, IBM
Leading the development of pioneering new approaches for gathering data about the ocean with the Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS), Rosie Lickorish is a Software Engineer and Emerging Technology Specialist at IBM Research Europe.
The crewless Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS) uses AI-powered autonomous to function and will allow researchers to gather data “from sea level height change, to microplastic pollution, and marine mammal conservation.”
On June 5, 2022 the MAS completed it’s first transatlantic voyage from Plymouth UK to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Anna Believantseva, Chief Operational Officer and Co-Founder, Esper Bionics
With a viral, trending YouTube video and presented at CES-2022, the Esper Hand is only the beginning, with Esper Bionics working on the development of a human leg.
Stella Clarke, Engineer, BMW
Stella Clarke, an Australian engineer for BMW is the project lead for the i Vision Dee prototype car. Using e-ink (found in Kindle’s) it can change into thirty-two different colors and form patterns all controlled through a phone app that “triggers the electrical signals needed.”
According to International Women’s Day data, women’s “underrepresentation in STEM education and careers remain a major barrier to their participation in tech design and governance.”
- Women make up only 22 percent of artificial intelligence workers globally.
- A global analysis of 133 AI systems across industries found that 44.2 percent demonstrate gender bias.
- A survey of women journalists from 125 countries found that 73 percent had suffered online violence in the course of their work.
“Bringing women and other marginalized groups into technology results in more creative solutions and has greater potential for innovations that meet women’s needs and promote gender equality. Their lack of inclusion, by contrast, comes with massive costs: as per UN Women’s Gender Snapshot 2022 report, women’s exclusion from the digital world has shaved $1 trillion from the gross domestic product of low- and middle-income countries in the last decade—a loss that will grow to $1.5 trillion by 2025 without action.” (UN Women Announcement)
What can YOU do today that will make a difference?
- Make a monthly donation to organizations and programs like STEM Greenhouse that are working to expand access to STEM education
- Repost this article and share with your network
- Advocate to your “governments, activists and the private sector alike to power on in their efforts to make the digital world safer, more inclusive and more equitable.”
#embraceequity #iwd2023 #stemeducation
More Resources:
- Power on: How We Can Supercharge an Equitable Digital Future – https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/explainer/2023/02/power-on-how-we-can-supercharge-an-equitable-digital-future
- Guide to the 67th Commission on the Status of Women – https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/explainer/2023/02/your-guide-to-csw67
While celebrating Black History Month, we frequently forget about the amazing Black trailblazers who ARE MAKING HISTORY right now. At STEM Greenhouse, we love to shine a light on some of the incredible Black leaders in STEM who are making waves in their fields, and we would be remiss if we didn’t shoutout Dr. Alveda Williams, a visionary leader and the Chief Inclusion Officer at Dow, Inc.
Dr. Williams earned her B.S. in Chemistry from Norfolk State University (1997) and Ph.D. in Materials Chemistry from the University of Illinois (2002). She holds three patents and authored a number of external and internal publications.
During her career, she has created the Dow’s BEST (Building Engineering & Science Talent) Symposium, which introduces under-represented minority doctoral and postdoctoral scientists to careers in industrial research. She has earned NSBE’s Golden Torch Award for Corporate Diversity Leadership (2009), the Dow Transformation in Action Award (2012), and the Council for Chemical Research Diversity Award (2013).
“Inclusion, diversity and equity is a business imperative and is not only the right thing to do, but it’s the smart thing to do. We are striving to create an environment where everyone is respected, valued and has an equal opportunity to develop, advance and be heard.”
~Alveda Williams – Chief Inclusion Officer Dow, Inc.