The Aspire Artemis Foundation which promotes solution oriented growth opportunities that foster self-confidence, make a social impact, and enrich communities announces its next stop in the Journeys in STE(A)M: Inclusion, Innovation + Impact – A Global Symposium, April 21-23, 2022 at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, on the island of Tortola, BVI. AAF works to highlight the important achievements made by female change-makers in the STE(A)M industries who are catalysts towards inspiring future leaders from underrepresented communities in the field.
Journeys in STE(A)M: Inclusion, Innovation + Impact entails two-days of hybrid (in person/ virtual) events designed to inspire youth and drive innovation and creativity across the Latin America and Caribbean region. AAF believes it is essential to increase concrete programming, conferences, and activities that not only showcase the rich culture of women in STE(A)M, but also allow youth to envision and take advantage of opportunities available to them. Regarding the need for such a symposium, Founder & CEO, Hermina Johnny stated:
“Post COVID, students have been extremely eager to reinvigorate their passions and explore the world of possibility, especially as it concerns their future career trajectory.
Given the innovative aspirations of our young people, it’s time we move away from outdated approaches to education and career advancement and embrace future[1]focused, realistic, training opportunities that allow for real world application. At Aspire Artemis we are duly committed to practical and holistic methods that strategically expose students to the STE(A)M education/ career pipeline, ensuring that they have access to the necessary support system that will empower them to thrive. The intention of Journeys in STE(A)M: Inclusion, Innovation + Impact – A Global Symposium is to give the students of Tortola and the global south an opportunity to explore those passions through practical training and empowerment. Through this timely symposium, students will receive hands-on training that will illuminate their blossoming minds, creating a wealth of possibilities that will position them favorably on the path to success.”
The two following questions will frame discussions to be held at Journeys in STE(A)M:
Inclusion, Innovation + Impact – A Global Symposium:
● What practical aspects of changing perceptions allow for exploring talent fully, providing sustainable and rewarding career paths for women and youth?
● What specific regional policy actions will drive enhanced opportunities for women and youth to pursue STE(A)M studies and careers?
AAF will address these questions through a combination of keynote addresses, interactive workshops, group discussions, leadership simulations, a hackathon as well as an arts and science exhibition and career fair.
The symposium will include remarks from government leaders including the Hon. Andrew Fahie, the Premier of the Government of the Virgin Islands, who said that he “is proud to welcome Aspire Artemis’ Journeys in STE(A)M: Inclusion, Innovation and Impact – A Global Symposium to the Virgin Islands.” He went on to underline” the government believes that [they] can diversify [their] economy and advance [their] society by unlocking the potential of all [their] young people through inclusive, cutting edge, and well-developed educational programmes.” He closed by saying that “the investments we make in STE(A)M will pay dividends in the long term, sustainable development of our Territory for generations to come.”
The Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, added “this corresponds with our goal of refining our curriculum, sharpening our pedagogical techniques, and improving the student experience. Encouraging our students to expand beyond their boundaries, to be creative, and engage in innovation, will help prepare them for the economy of the future.”
In addition to government leaders, the symposium will include remarks from, Ministers of Education, high-level regional government representatives, policymakers, specialists in STE(A)M, and thought leaders.
When asked why they agreed to be a part of Journeys in STE(A)M, Bloomberg Broadcast correspondent and host of the Bloomberg Black Business Beat, Renita Young says, “Aspire Artemis Foundation’s three-pronged education, internship, and mentorship mission aligns with my own mission in life. Alongside what I do professionally —covering business, entrepreneurship, and personal finance through the lens of culture —it is my honor to help inform, inspire and expose people to the world outside of their neighborhoods, discover their purpose, and mentor them to become leaders in their realm of influence.”
Journeys in STE(A)M: Inclusion, Innovation + Impact – A Global Symposium, Tortola is co-chaired by the Premier of the British Virgin Islands, Honorable Andrew Fahie, the Honorable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, MHA, Deputy Premier Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, and the Honorable Sharie B. de Castro, MHA, Junior Minister for Tourism At Large, Representative of the British Virgin Islands.