Karmella Fullard works with student on acid or base
The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. has set as one of its on-going initiatives, the promotion of STEM careers. NCNW seeks to establish a more comprehensive, integrated response to the need for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education for communities of color. In recognition of the fact that economic stability and career opportunities are enhanced by familiarity with STEM, NCNW believes it is important to cooperatively plan for and implement measures that will provide greater awareness of STEM careers and greater access to the paths to those careers. This organization is committed to creating strategies to address and eliminate the barriers that artificially limit STEM opportunities in the work place and in the classroom for many hard working American families.
This national launch means that over 25,000 members will be working to introduce and encourage youth and adults to pursue careers in STEM. These areas of the workforce have not proven to capture the attention of our minority and economically disadvantaged populations. Therefore, leaving many vacancies in these fields and opportunities for career advancement.
The Darlington County Section of NCNW launched their first program on Saturday, July 21, 2018 at the Darlington County Library. The group focused on “Women In STEM” for their first activity. The program was a great success, as three African American women spoke to an audience of some 30 youth and adults women concerning their selection, pursuit, and obtaining a career in STEM. The presenters were: Karmella Fullard – Patheon API Services, INC., Scientist; France Jackson – Intel, User Experience Researcher and Designer; and Rickeisha Youman – Wells Fargo, Lead E-Business IT Analyst.
The young women presented their stories, sharing with the students the need to study hard and apply themselves to all opportunities available. Students were asked to participate in STEM activities, explain their understanding of various functions of the activities, as well as, to generate and ask questions. The two-hour session was followed by a light lunch for participants.
The program was enjoyed by all. The Darlington County Section of NCNW looks forward to hosting several on-going STEM sessions that are tentatively scheduled for October 2018, January and April 2019. Anyone interested in attending or participating in these sessions should contact Barbara Graham at 843-731-1360.
