Nyamekye (Yah-MEH-chay) Wilson’s Post

3 Things To Dislike About Tech (and Maybe You Can Relate) The tech world is innovative and ever-evolving, but it does come with its share of quirks. Here are three things we think could use a little improvement: 1. 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫-𝐭𝐡𝐞-𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: Ever seen a job post that lists every imaginable skill as a "requirement"? It can be daunting and often, the actual job is far more straightforward. 2. 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬: Sometimes, a fancy job title doesn’t match the day-to-day responsibilities. It’s a reminder that titles are just labels; what really matters is the impact we create. 3. 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐞: While free food is nice, we’d rather be motivated by meaningful projects and genuine collaboration. (But yes, sometimes the snacks help!) What about you? Any quirks in tech that you’d add to this list? 🚨 Are you a Black woman in STEM? Apply to join the Black Sisters in STEM waitlist for access to scholarships, tailored resources, and a community that will help you achieve your dreams! 🔗 Join Sister Nation today and unleash your potential! (https://buff.ly/4dNmZY3) #blackwomeninstem #blacksistersinstem #inspiringwomen #TechLife

We're proud to honor the enduring legacy and inspiring journey of resilience and excellence of the many trailblazers during #BlackHistoryMonth. As Dr. Mae C. Jemison, the first Black woman in space, once said, "Don't let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity. It's your place in the world. It's your life." These powerful words remind us of the importance of diversity in all its forms. Despite the progress made, Black representation in STEM is still less than ten percent. At Micron, we understand the importance of diversity and inclusion in STEM. As the semiconductor industry faces an anticipated talent shortfall, we recognize we must do more to shift the narrative. Our investment in leading-edge memory manufacturing is expected to create 67,000 U.S. jobs in the next two decades, thanks to the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act. And we are keenly focused on closing the gap in representation in STEM by inspiring a new generation of talented engineers, prioritizing innovation, creating better access for underrepresented communities, and investing in more opportunities for all. This month, let's amplify voices, dismantle barriers, and champion diversity. Learn more about our commitment to increasing access to STEM education and careers in this special blog post by Micron's Executive Vice President of Global Operations and Executive Sponsor for the Black Employee Network, Manish Bhatia: https://bit.ly/4ba5eC6 #BlackHistoryMonth #DiversityandInclusion #STEM #Inspiration #Innovation

As we start a new month, I want to encourage everyone in our #STEM community to take a moment to acknowledge the small victories that often go unnoticed. In our field, we are constantly pushing boundaries, solving complex problems, and innovating to make a difference. Yet, it’s easy to overlook the “𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬” the moments when you debug a line of code, connect with a new mentor, or help a colleague with a solution that moves a project forward. Each of these steps, no matter how small, is a building block for growth. Recognizing these wins not only fuels our motivation but also strengthens our resilience as a team. Progress in #STEM isn’t always about giant leaps; it’s often the accumulation of small, consistent efforts that lead to transformative impact. So today, let’s celebrate our wins the overlooked, the unexpected, the minor yet mighty. These moments are worth recognizing, as they remind us of our collective strength and passion to make meaningful contributions. What’s one small win you’re celebrating this week? Drop it below; I’d love to hear! 🎉 🚨Are you a Black woman in STEM? Apply to join the Black Sisters in STEM waitlist to access tailored resources, scholarships, and a supportive community to help you reach new heights. 🔗 Join Sister Nation today and unlock your potential! https://buff.ly/4867Bog #STEM #blacksistersinstem #heyblacksis #blackwomen #sisterhood #stem #happynewmonth

It’s not Black that children aren’t interested in STEM. The problem is that lack of representation and access to resources is widening the racial gap in science and tech. A recent report from YouScience® and Black Girls Do STEM shows that there is a significant STEM career exposure gap for Black students due to underrepresentation. Black female workers only make up about 1.8% of the science and engineering field in the U.S. These disparities start as early as in the classroom, and that’s why our work of inclusion and diverse representation is so important to our students, especially our Black students. At Girls Who Code, we want to give our girls the resources and the confidence to know that they do anything they set their minds to, including changing the face of tech. 

This is exactly why it is so important to me to talk about equity, or the lack of equity, in the realm of STEAM. I remember learning about situations where counselors wouldn't even show their Black high school students a CS class for their electives, not even giving them the chance to try, and instead encouraging them to enroll into sports. What are a few more things WE can do to bridge this gap?

𝐈𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞... I found myself in spaces I had always dreamed of—people clapped for me, they celebrated me and praised me. On the surface, it was everything I had worked for. But despite all the accolades, I didn’t feel truly fulfilled. Why? Because everywhere I went, I was the only one that looked like me. I was the only Black woman in the room. I kept asking myself, Where are my sisters? Then it hit me—I had access to resources that many others didn’t. My journey was supported by initiatives like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which funded my education. But for many brilliant, ambitious Black women around the world, that support simply wasn’t there. So 𝐈 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 Black Sisters in STEM, for my sisters, for every Black woman across the globe to be empowered through access to scholarships, internships, job opportunities and so much more so that they can thrive in #STEM. I wanted to build a community so no #blackwoman in STEM would have to feel alone. Today, I feel fulfilled knowing that Black Sisters in STEM has empowered 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 9,000 #blackwomen across 33 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, awarded 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 $380,000 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬, and provided 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 15,000 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 of training—with much more to come. The global economy could grow by $28 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 in 2025 if women had equal opportunities, and we are ensuring that #blackwomeninstem have access to equal opportunities to support the world’s economic growth and advance the #SDG's. If you believe in the power of diversity and the untapped potential of young #blackwomen, we invite you to join us. And if you know a Black woman in STEM, tell her this: Black Sisters in STEM is where she belongs. 🚨Are you a Black woman in STEM? Apply to join Black Sisters in STEM waitlist to access tailored resources, scholarships and a supportive community to help you reach new heights. 🔗 Join Sister Nation today and unlock your potential! (https://hubs.la/Q02SXmm80) #heyblacksis #blackwomenintech #blackwomeninstem #blacksistersinstem

This article truly outlines how critical it is to redefine education for Black students through access to identity affirming informal learning environments in S.T.E.M.

💬Oh the stories I could tell about my experience with being the… “ONLY ONE” in professional and academic settings over the years. This picture was taken during a lunch outing with my co-workers during one of my stints as summer intern of a corporate engineering scholarship program. 🌱It was here that the seed was planted in me that I wanted to chart my own path and be in environments where I was not “The ONLY.” I didn’t have a direct path to this goal. Eventually, close to 20 years ago, I changed careers to the male dominated financial services industry where the room looks similar to this pic. I’ll never completely avoid being “The ONLY”, but entrepreneurship affords me the option to create a comfortable safe environment for me. According to the Harvard Business Review Article, ”When Black women work in whiter teams, they may have worse job outcomes”, a recent study proves, “…that having more Black coworkers significantly decreases the turnover of Black female employees, and no other gender and race group, and that having more similar peers (in this case, Black coworkers) can have a positive effect on retention.” according to Elizabeth Linos, the Emma Bloomberg Associate Professor for Public Policy and Management and her colleagues. It’s amazing that even though this picture was taken in the ‘90s, the late 1900s as the young folks say 😄, so many Black women professionals, including those in STEM, can relate to it today. If you are navigating the challenging terrain of being the ONLY in your workplace, here are 3 Power Moves to fuel your success on your financial independence journey: 1️⃣ Network with Purpose Connect with fellow professionals who understand and support your journey. Seek out mentors, join affinity groups, and attend networking events tailored to you and your pursuits. Surround yourself with a supportive community that celebrates your achievements and offers valuable guidance. 2️⃣ Invest in Personal Development Continuously sharpen your skills and knowledge to stay ahead in your field. Take advantage of training programs, workshops, and online courses, even, to enhance your expertise. Cultivate a growth mindset that embraces learning and adaptability, empowering you to thrive in any professional environment. 3️⃣ Advocate for Yourself Don't hesitate to speak up and advocate for your worth. Proactively seek out opportunities for advancement, negotiate for fair compensation, and highlight your contributions to your organization. Embrace your unique perspective and expertise, and let your voice be heard as you blaze trails and inspire others in the STEM community. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Together, we can: • break barriers, • shatter glass ceilings, and • pave the way for future generations of Black women in STEM to soar to new heights. Keep pushing forward, and never underestimate the power of your brilliance and resilience while being the ONLY!🦅 Thoughts?

“For decades, Black students have encountered inequities that have impacted their pathways in education and then career,” …said Edson Barton Founder and CEO of YouScience in a news release. It’s imperative to recognise 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. By bridging the exposure gaps and doing so earlier in education, society can help Black students understand all of the opportunities available to them and connect them with education and career pathways and programs that can foster even more skills and understanding, One of the most notable programs helping to bridge the gap for students is Black Girls Do STEM. This organisation and Cynthia Chapple are working diligently to provide female students with the opportunity to learn, create and build confidence in their abilities to pursue STEM careers. So how are schools and colleges meeting this challenge? I know many amazing individuals and organisations that are desperately trying to change this narrative but it has to be met with openness from our institutions. It also takes me back to the research and book by Bernard Coard, ‘How the West Indian Child is made educationally sub-normal in the British School System’, which powerfully challenged the education system in the 60’s and 70’s. Have we moved on enough, have the systemic barriers been removed? I would argue, No on both counts. These systems are woven deep into the fabric of our institutions. It will take courage, resource and a consistent intention to change this narrative. Girls In Science Lakechia Jeanne MPH Mission 44 MK Ethnic Business Community (MKEBC) Precious Zumbika MBA Professor Paul Miller Ann Palmer FCCT Jeffrey Greenidge Ellisha Soanes (She/Her) Penny Rabiger #STEM #Equity #SkillsGap Read more:

When it comes to careers, students tend to limit their opportunities based on historically-derived gender stereotypes. Our data shows a significant exposure gap for Black female students in fields like: Computers & Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, and Architecture & Construction. #BGDSTEM works to close the gap and increase early access to STEM career fields. 👉 Download the 2024 Black Students and STEM Report published by @YouScience and Black Girls Do STEM to learn more: https://bit.ly/48W8Ll6 #STEMeducation #YouScience #diversifyinnovation #Cultivatecuriosity #ElevateEquity