A Successful African American Women’s “SisSTEMS” Symposium

A Successful African American Women’s “SisSTEMS” Symposium

They did it again! Rapidly gaining recognition as presenters of Chicago’s “Must Attend”, events, AWBC-The African American Women’s Business and Career Group, recently presented their STEM initiative, entitled “SisSTEMS”. The event, which was hosted by The John Marshall Law School, did not disappoint attendees.” It was the most professional informative and enjoyable event I have ever attended. They covered so many details and the presenters were totally professional. I felt so proud to be an African American Woman”, stated Latanya Sears, a STEM professional and educator.

The event opened with speaker Maria Curry-Nkansah-COO of Argonne National Laboratory, whose address focused upon the need for more inclusion and educational resources, for underserved communities.

Industry leader IBM’s presentation by Valinda Scarbro-Kennedy, longtime AWBC member and Egretha Awardee, was an extremely informative session, in which she shared her humble beginnings, and current career success.Kennedy has been a rising star throughout her career with IBM, and now has the title of Worldwide Skills Program Manager.She generously shared with the audience her road to global success. She was frank and honest. Audience members responded with many questions.She stressed the level of hard work and focus it takes, to acquire real success, within highly competitive organizations, such as IBM.

Gayle Ratliff, who is one of a small number of Black female Astrophysicists,was referred to by an audience member as a STEM superstar, and someone she will encourage her daughter to research and make the topic of their next science project. “I wish my girls could have been here to see this woman in person. But, I have lots to share with them”, commented Natalie Davis, a science and math teacher. Tammera Holmes,CEO of AeroStar Corp., the cover story of the event issue of AWBC Magazine, was not short of stories, regarding her continual move to becoming an entrepreneur. Her comments were reinforced by her mother, who was part of the audience, and gave a positive spin, to her successful daughter’s panel comments. Ramona Westbrook, award winning architect, rounded out the opening panel, as a person who grew up on Chicago's south side, and found her passion for architecture in an inner-city high school, proving students from Black communities have the same dreams and intelligence, which need to be reinforced.The audience was visibly pleased and excited, as each panelist was introduced. “ The important thing about this event for me, is the opportunity to actually meet women of this calibre and hear their stories. It helps me to believe, I can also be successful”, stated Clarissa Chambers, a postgraduate student, and part-time educator.

The panel presentations,which were followed by a lively Q and A, allowed attendees the opportunity to ask the tough questions, in what AWBC calls an “Embracing” atmosphere. Ask the questions they did, as well as provide positive feedback and encouragement. Attendees such as cultural icon and artist sculptor, Debra Hand, AWBC member and Egretha Awardee, who left her seat and came to the podium to emphasize her feelings about AWBC and “SisSTEMS”. “We need to understand the importance of this organization, and support it’s mission. I encourage attendees, to be a part of the organization and embrace their mission of access and inclusion.The work that AWBC and “SisSTEMS” is doing, benefits African American women and communities, as well. We need organizations such as AWBC, in order to make opportunities available, by sharing our information and resources”, Hand emphatically stated.

The workshop panels also included a passionate address from MWRD supplier Diversity representative Regina D. Barry,which actually brought several audience members to tears. She was honest and the audience appreciated her bravery, when sharing her personal and professional struggles. MWRD career opportunities were presented by Beverly Sanders, with wrap up comments from MWRD Commissioner Kari L. Steele. Also on hand, with usable business information, were The EPA, Metra, and The State of Illinois Economic Development team.

“We are thorough and understand the hopes and ambitions of our attendees, because we all share in many of the same struggles, to be heard and accepted,as professionals”, stated Carol Bates, a recent Ph.D. holder, now seeking to network with other Professional African American women.

The organization will hold a series of events during 2017, and invite you to visit their website www.awbccommunications.com for more information, or call 224 423-5139.

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