Making 2010 SEM Link's best year ever

The close of one year and the start of another one is the time for reflection for many people. We determine and make lists of the goals and plans we have for the new year with the intentions of completing them all in the upcoming year. I know I do that annually and most years I accomplish those things and some that weren't on the list, but I also fall short on completing some of them. So as 2010 approaches I want to share some of the things that we as an organization will focus on and the things I want to ask you to do in 2010.

Since our inception in 2005, SEM Link has exposed over 1000 Metro Atlanta youth to hands on activities and career exploration in math and science. We are very proud of our work, but in order to increase our impact as an organization we can't just focus on Metropolitan Atlanta. We have some initiatives that are going to focus on expanding our programs nationally and possibly internationally. In addition, we are going to look for ways to incorporate instructional technology and multimedia in our programming. In addition, we are working on building relationships with other organizations that have complementary mission to increase the impact we have on the students we serve. In addition, we are working on increase our corporate partnership and community relations so that we can have the resources that we need to achieve our mission. In addition, we want to expand our online community through our social media outlets such as this blog and our facebook page.

In order for all these goals and plans for 2010 and beyond to happen, we need everyone who supports and believes in SEM Link mission to put our organization in their goal and plans for 2010. Determine what you are going to do to support the organization or increase your level of support. Will you promote the organization by encouraging others to visit our website to find out more, follow our blog and became a fan of our Facebook page? Will you start making or increase your financial contribution to our "Donate Your Lunch Money" Individual Donor Campaign? If you are a business owner will you become a corporate partner? If work for a small, medium or large corporation, will you encourage your company to become a corporate partner and/or encourage your colleagues to donate or volunteer their time. It takes a village to educate a child and SEM Link needs to make that village larger in 2010. We have to make strides to create the pipeline for the future STEM workforce. Happy New Year. Make 2010 your best year ever. We are certainly expecting 2010 to be SEM Link's best year ever.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics on Television

My schedule doesn't always permit me to watch television. However, I do have a few shows that I enjoy when I want to wind down that I watch on hulu.com or on the website of the network that show airs on. As I think about the shows that I do like to catch up on the internet, most of them involve some real world application of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. I think that in what I feel is the decline of the quality of TV shows, we have an large amount of shows that showcase real world applications of STEM disciplines.

Two of my favorite are Better of Ted on ABC and Bones on Fox. Better of Ted is a comedy that features a food company that is constantly engaged in food science research doing some cutting edge research in genetic engineering. Bones is a show about a forensic anthropologist with her team of scientists that solve murders. There are the medical dramas that showcase breaking technology in biomedical research and medical treatment such as House, Private Practice, Trauma, Grey's Anatomy and Hawthorne. I was amazed a few weeks ago on Grey's Anatomy, when two doctors spend months creating a surgical instrument to treat child's medical condition because no instrument was available for them to perform a surgery to save this child's life. Then they are the CSI's, NCIS, the Closer and Criminal Minds which uses science and technology to solve crimes. One of the shows that has the most probably underrepresented STEM discipline although it connects all disciplines is NUMBERS on CBS in which a mathematics, who has his PHD in mathematics, who uses several mathematics theories and models to help the FBI solve crimes.

Although some of these shows aren't age appropriate for children. Those who are you should watch them with your children. Those that aren't let them see the commercial and discuss the careers and their impact on society with your children. We can't create the future STEM workforce, if our kids don't see STEM professionals they won't know these career exist. So since kids are watching TV anyway, use it as a career exploration tool.

The Interdisciplinary Nature of Science

Yesterday was the celebration of World AIDS's Day. I attended a wonderful and informative symposium at a local college and university. I was reminded about some facts that I already knew about the disease as well as learned some knew facts. I can tell you that we've come a long way since the disease was first discovered in 1981. One of the interesting things about this symposium is that it was an interdisciplinary symposium about the disease. It had a mixed of biomedical researchers, scientists, medical doctors, epidemiologists, behavioral scientists and film makers giving presentations about the detection, prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

This symposium made me think of the future of science and engineering. Once upon a time, scientists and engineers were isolated in their research lab or plant and only talked to other scientist, their funders and occasionally when things in the lab went well a patent attorney. However, in the information age, scientist and engineers can no longer live in the isolation of their lab or plant. Not only do they have to talk to other scientists or engineers that may not be in their discipline; they are going to have to interact and collaborate with non scientist in order to have a successful career. In this symposium, I recognize that it is the scientists and engineers that lead the way in innovation. However, especially in the disease research and product development scientist and non scientist have to work together to improve our society and to prevent and treat diseases. As far as HIV/AIDS is concerned all the breakthrough in the lab concerning prevention, detection and treatment would have not gone beyond the lab if it wasn't for public health professionals, filmmakers, journalist, politicians and businessmen didn't get involved in getting the word out to the general public. I have a friend who works for corporation that produces consumers good and her job is to serve as an intermediate between research and development and marketing. Her company has the foresight to know that they can't produce quality good unless these two sides of the business collaborate.

So as we create the future STEM workforce, we must let them know that the workforce isn't just a collaboration between other scientists and engineers; but a collaboration between professional of all disciplines. So as they chart their path to pursue a STEM career, be sure to keep people in their network that aren't STEM professional. For that person may be the key to their ability to impact the world.

World AIDS Day on Tuesday December 1st

This Tuesday, December 1st is World AIDS Day (for more information visit the official website http://www.worldaidsday.org). I reflect upon first hearing about this disease when I was a child and when the thought that it was just a disease that just affected homosexual males. But when I think about the progression that science and engineering has had on the detection, prevention and treatment of this disease, I am amazed what great work biomedical researchers have made with this disease.

As far and detection and treatment, science has taught us that this disease has the potential to affect us all and is transmitted through several ways and how we can protect ourselves from getting the disease. I also remember when you first had to test for this disease only by blood and it took several days to get the test results. Now you can get tested for this disease with a rapid test from a mouth swab. We have truly come a long way.

Although, we have not yet to find a cure, we have made great strides in the treatment of this disease. I remember when getting HIV was a death sentence because there was no way to prevent it from progressing to full blown AIDS. Once you got full blown AIDS you were dead within a few years. However, breakthroughs in biomedical and pharmaceutical research have created drugs that not only prevent individual with HIV from getting full blown AIDS, but both those individuals with HIV and AIDS are living long healthy lives. Although Magic Johnson is a great example of this, I am sure that if you go to the world aids day website, you can find examples of everyday people who are living long lives with these disease.

But we have more research to conduct to improve treatment and find cures for this disease and other diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Cancer, Stroke, etc. I want to ensure that we have a future pipeline for biomedical research, so use this day to encourage K-12 and undergraduates to pursue careers in these fields. Let them know what a difference that science makes in our everyday lives because I am sure that even if no one in your family or network has been affected by this disease; they have been affected by another disease.

Thankful for the Opportunity to Make a Difference In the Lives of Youth

As I reflect upon all that I am thankful; SEM Link is one of those things I'm so thankful for. When I graduated from FAMU almost a decade ago, I knew that my career had to be bigger than what a career as a chemical engineer would allow me to contribute to this world. I wanted to have a career that was meaningful and make an impact on the lives of others. Of course I want to make a good living for myself, put I wanted to have a passion and purpose for earning income that was bigger than how much money I could make. Maybe it was because I was so blessed to have so many people who had no reason to do sol make an impact on my life and I thought that it was important for me to do the same for those coming behind me. I'm so happy with the career choices that I made and I wouldn't change my path for anything.

In the almost 6 years, since I have started to devote my time and talents to improving the math and science educational experiences for youth by creating and developing SEM Link I've been blessed beyond measure. Who would have thought that my desire to make a difference in the lives of children would allow me an opportunity to grow both personally and professional. It has also allowed other professionals, undergraduate and graduate students to grow personally and professionally. It has provided an unique opportunity for STEM professionals and students to volunteer in the area of their passion and expertise. But most importantly, I'm excited about us achieving our vision in the community of "unveiling potential through exposure". When we engage students in the activities hands on activities through our programs, we are truly enhancing their educational experience. I know that not all of the students that we touch through our programs will end up being a part of the future STEM workforce, but at least there are being exposed to STEM careers. They all may not get A's in math and science, but at least there are walking away understanding on more concept in math or science. I'm glad that we can provide that for our youth.

I'm also thankful to the SEM Link volunteers, board members, staff, corporate partners and individual donors. For without you, I wouldn't be able to make a difference in the lives of youth.

How Science, Engineering and Technology Enhance the Enjoyment of Our Holiday Season

I love the holidays, not that I don't have the opportunity to connect with family and friends throughout the year, but there is something special about having the freedom for even if it is Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day or New Year's Eve, only enjoying good times and good food with your loved ones. As a science educator, I am always looking for ways to teach people that math and science is connected to our everyday lives, so as I am making my own preparations for the holidays, I am thinking how various innovations in science and technology improved our ability to enjoy the holidays.

1. Transportation- Over the centuries we have had advancements through engineering, physics and material science that have made it easier to see our loved ones. Could you imagine having to walk across the country to see your relatives, going in horse and buggy or traveling the creeks and streams by boats to see your relatives. With the advancement in technology the automobile replaced walking and the horse and buggy. So know we can get in our hopefully fuel efficient vehicles on the Interstate System that civil engineers and architects created. If you prefer not to drive like me, thank to innovations in aviation we can get almost anywhere within the world through a direct flight within 24 hours.

2. Food Science, Genetic Engineering, Agriculture and Organic Chemistry, etc- Could you imagine the very first Thanksgiving where they grew and raised everything that they ate for that feast. Although, it would probably be a lot healthier for us if we were able to grow and raise our own food. So many innovations in all the disciplines of science and engineering has allowed us the opportunity and convenience to make our list, get in the car and buy what we need to make our holiday meals or in my case the dish that we will take to the meal from the local grocery store.

3. Electrical and Mechanical Engineering- I can't even imagine what they used to cook the first Thanksgiving meal. But today we have an host of appliances, small and large to prepare our feast. From the food processor to chop our veggies, the stoves that we will use, the deep fryer and roaster we will use to cook our turkeys and the fridge that will hold the cold items and the leftovers.

4. Computer Engineering- The invention of the internet has truly improved our society from the emails and e-cards that we can see to those we love that we won't be able to spend the holidays with. To using the internet to find directions to our destinations or purchase our holiday travel and/or gifts (Be sure to use www.Goodshop.com to purchase those items and make sure that SEM LInk is your designated charity). Or to find that new recipe that you want to try out or to find the missing ingredient from the recipe that someone shared with you.

As we prepare for this holiday season, I want everyone to be thankful for how science, engineering and technology has improve our quality of life and the celebration of this holiday season. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

Getting Kids Interested in Hands on Math and Science Activities

A few weeks ago, I was having a conversation with a fellow science educator that works in the San Francisco Bay Area. We were having a conversation about the lack of interest of students to engage in hands on science activities, let alone the ability to spend the time to conduct an experiment and put in the work to successfully complete a math or science fair project. There are various theories on why kids don't find math or science fun which include:
1. Lack of opportunities to engage in hands on math and science activities in the classroom
2. Lack of opportunities to be exposed to hands on math and science activities at home and in the community
3. With the age of technology, most kids are utilizing computers and other electronic devices for entertainment and learning, that it is hard to get kids to play outside let alone engage in hands on math or science activities
There are probably more than these three reasons, but no matter what the reasons are, we have to find solutions to this problem.

We are in a age where the United States is falling behind in science, engineering and technology. Other countries are leading the way in advancing in technology, biomedical research, manufacturing, environmental research and etc. The globalization of the world or in the words of Thomas Friedman, making it "flat" has flatten our economy in the math and science related sectors. The only way that we can make it better is making a targeted effort to ensure that we have a future science, technology and engineering workforce for the next generations to come. So how do we do that, getting K-12 students interested in hands on science activities. Since this is a technology age, we must introduce them to website where they can play math and science educational games, read online articles about innovation in science and technology and use www.goodsearch.com to find any information about math and science. But most importantly, get them engaged in hands on math and science activities by taking them to your local science museum, aquarium, state or national park or doing some math and science experiments at home. The start to ensuring that we have a future STEM workforce is ensuring that some of our kids think that science and math are cool and fun. Then the next step is exposing them to the career options in those fields.

The Global Connection Between People

Today, I had a wonderful conversation with two natives of Moline Bay, Papua New Guinea. They educated me on the wonderful customs and traditions of the people here and we discussed the differences and similarities in our cultures. I am really enjoying this culture of people for there are in a beautiful place and have beautiful spirits.

As I think about preparing our future generation to become scientists, engineers and mathematicians, we always think about the technical skills that students need to learn; but we ignore teaching them basic communication skills. In a world where the internet and improvement in transportation and telecommunications have made the world more flat, we have to ability to connect with individuals all over the world. However, in our society we don’t embrace differences of have enough dialogue with people who have different opinions from us, let alone with people of different cultures. However, technology is connecting us all inspite of what part of the world we live in so we must have the ability to reach out and get to know someone of another culture. Although scientists and engineers aren’t known for their communication skills, in order to advance science the future scientist and engineers are going to need good communications skills. As I think about the major challenges that face our society today, climate change, the environment, pollution, HIV/AIDS, cancer, all of them are global issues. There are major breakthroughs in biomedical research and climate change in other parts of the world and with limited research dollars, it is no need for scientist in the United States to reinvent the wheel. Collaborations between scientific disciplines and nations is necessary for our survival and continued progress as a world.

So while we are teaching our kids to excel and achieve academically. Let's teach them how to excel in their communication and collaboration skills, so they can not only achieve in doing science, but communicating science to there colleagues around the world.

Protecting and Perserving the Wonderful Planet Called Earth

This weekend, I started a much needed vacation and one of the things I love to do on vacation is connect with nature. This weekend, I took a scenic drive with a friend up the San Francisco Bay Area, from the South Bay to the East Bay. During this drive, we saw all the wonderful scenery from mountains to beaches, rivers and bays and vegetation such as plants, fruit and vegetables. But was so awesome was the sense of peace and tranquility that we got from taking that drive. It was more fun that I had in awhile and didn't cost too much money, but the $3.50 a gallon gas in Northern California, but the scenary was priceless.

Currently, I am in Australia in the tropical Rain Forrest in a rental house, that is powered by solar energy and gets most of its water from rainwater. In this Rainforest, you can here the creators in the natural habitat from birds to insects. In addition, you see the calming water of the sea which is about a 10 minute walk away.

As I am enjoying this time in nature, I think about who will be the next generation of scientists and engineers to ensure that the beautiful scene that I am currently enjoying are still here for generations to come to enjoy. Who will the next environmental scientists, environmental biologists, geologists, botanists, entomologists and other scientists that make sure that we preserve and protect our planet? In a culture where most of us live, work and play in urban jungles, how do we expose our children let alone get them interested in these disciplines. But we can start by exposing our children to more of this wonderful planet. If they can see it, they can learn to appreciate it and possibly want to pursue a career preserving and protecting our planet.

Celebrating Chemisty: National Chemistry Week

As a chemical engineer and a person who gets very excited about chemistry, I'm very excited that this week is National Chemistry Week. This week which is sponsored by the American Chemical Society celebrate the contributions that the field of chemistry and chemical professionals have contributed to society. It also gets kids excited and exposed to chemistry; for more information you can visit the American Chemistry's website at www.acs.org.

Chemistry has an impact on our everyday lives more than we realize. It encompasses such field as food science, which creates ways for us to produce and preserve our food. It encompasses biochemistry which is responsible for many of our advances in medicine and medical research. It encompasses material science which allows us to know which materials are best for us to make durable goods that we consume daily. It contains atmospheric and environmental chemistry which allows us to know more about our learn if we are being good stewards of our planet and if not, how do we correct the damage that we made.

Chemistry is the science of life because it connects all of the sciences and engineering disciplines. So celebrate this chemistry week and how the field of chemistry has improved your quality of life.

Math and Science Fair Project Season is Here

Whoo hoo, math and science fair project season is here. I know that most schools math and science fairs aren't until late November/early December, but if you want to produce a quality project the time has come for you to begin the work. You must start weeks in advance because it takes a lot of time to produce a quality math and science fair projects; therefore you don't want to wait until the last minute and neglect your homework the weeks right before the math or science fair.

Completing a project for the math or science fair is a wonderful opportunity for students to explore their interest in math or science and learn skills that are transferable to other subject areas. It is one of the rare opportunities that a student will have to chose the topic they want to learn more about. A quality math or science fair project involves the student utilizing the scientific method to answer a question in their area of interest i.e. Does anti-bacterial soap kills germs? During the process the student should develop their science literacy, data collection and analysis and oral and written presentation skills. In becoming an expert on their topic they will learn how to conduct scholarly research, set up an experiment, collect data and utilize experimental results and background data to form conclusions. When math and science fair arrives they will have become an expert on their topic and will wow their peers and teachers with their quality work as well as get an A on their project.


So I encourage those of you that have children by blood or those who have claimed you as a another mother or father, encourage them to not wait to get started on their math or science fair project. For more tips on math and science fair projects, download our "Experimental Design Handbook at the http://www.semsuccess.org/semlinkincexperimentaldesignhandbook.pdf

Current and Future Noble Prize Winners in Physiology and Medicine

This morning, I came across the following article through Facebook on CNN
http://cnnwire.blogs.cnn.com/, that three U.S. researchers were awarded the Noble Prize for their work on how chromosome are protected against degradation. I was excited for two major reasons, one it is very excited to see that the United States is being innovative and be recognized for their research. Due to lack of support for research, we have been lagging behind Europe for many years.It gives me hope again that the United States will be able to compete globally in research and other scientific innovation. Secondly, two of the three researchers were women; so it is a great example to our girls that want to pursue research careers. Yes, you can be a scientist or engineer and do well enough to be recognize for your work with prestigious awards if you work hard and become an expert in your field.

News like this is exciting to me and I am always encouraged to share it with children the impact that science, engineering and mathematics has on our society. The Nobel Prize is a 1.4 million dollar award; which means that these scientists work has huge impacts on our society. So many children can't connect science, engineering and mathematics to every day life. They just see it as boring or hard subjects that they have to do in class. But science and technology improves our quality of life and solves the various problems in society. Secondly, by highlighting scientists and engineers that are rewarded and recognized for their work, it teaches students that you don't have to be an entertainer or a business person to be recognized or famous. You pursuit of a STEM career and doing well, will allow you many opportunities to be recognized by your peers and society. There are world famous scientists and engineers such as these Nobel Prize winners and others who have made improvements in our society through their work.

Improving the Science Education Infastructure Nationwide

Over the past few weeks, I have been really thinking about the bigger picture concerning science education. Although SEM Link has done great work over the years in science education and impacting Metro Atlanta youth, we have to think about how can we increase our impact beyond the kids that we can physically touch.

I have been conducting research and having conversations with educators and parents across the country. What I've found is that there are many school districts, even in large Metropolitan areas, don't have the infrastructure to provide quality science education for its students, especially in elementary school where students get their fundamentals in all subject areas. How can our students achieve academically in science or even pursue those careers if there is not quality instruction going on? They won't be adequately prepared for post-secondary education to major in the science, engineering and mathematics field, let alone garner enough interest to pursue those fields.

We can't place all the blame on the school districts, for it can't be the responsibility of the school system alone to educate our children. I realized that schools work best when they have community partners that provide additional resources to the schools to help them educate their students. It is especially critical now, when many school districts are seeing their budgets drastically reduced due to many of our states having extreme budget deficits due to the recession. There are even districts that have to lay off teachers, so you know they are in bad shape if that have to do that.

There are many community organizations that are getting funding for various educational resources to help teachers. However, although they are developing them somehow not all of the resources are getting to the teachers. I'm not quite sure what the reason for disconnect, but these resources need to get to the teachers. In addition, many organization have grant funding available for teachers to obtain resources but what good teacher has time to write a grant. What teachers are available to attend professional conferences.

We have to do something about the science infrastructure for the survival of our society; for this problem is bigger than test scores. It is the current K-12 students that are our future workforce. What I have noticed about the recession is that we are transitioning from a economy that is heavy on skilled labor to one that requires an educated workforce. Therefore it is important for our children to be educated for their survival as individuals and our survival as a society. It is important for us to have the future science, engineering and mathematics in our society because those fields are what create innovation for improvement of society as a whole. Who will be available to solve the issues that we have with climate change? Who will create the next generation of technological innovations that help improve the quality of our lives? Who will be available to be the next generation of public health professionals and biomedical researchers to cure and treat the disease that plague our society?

Who Can Help and How We Can Help the Generation Behind Us

Over the past few weeks, I've been meaning to blog, but no subject would come to me when I was in a time and a space to blog. Maybe if I can figure out how to blog on my cell phone or get one of those netbook laptops that can fit into my pocket, I can stop and blog at the grocery store, in the doctor's office or when I am sitting in rush hour traffic. These past few days, I have been in conversation with many students at various educational levels as well as researching non profits in various Metropolitan areas around the nation. The conversations I have had with students this week were teachable moments for both me and them because events occurred in their lives, that made them reach out to me or forced me to reach out to them to get them back on the right path. As I was researching non profits, mostly those who serve "inner city" or "at risk" youth, I realized the lack of diversity in their staff. The question that came to my mind was who is most qualified to help the next generation and what is the best way to help them.

One of the things that I loved about growing up in Miami was the diversity. I grew up with classmates, teachers, neighbors and friends that were from various parts of the country and the world. That experience made me who I am today, because being exposed to the various cultures and people who were different from my background allowed me to be the person I am today and be so willing and open to try new things and meet new people. Although, I know that several of my teachers had an impact on my educational experiences, I realize that the two teachers that shaped the decision of choosing my major in college, chemical engineering, because in high school two teachers who allowed me to see the possibilities in me to achieve in math and science as a female student. Mrs. Shy, my 10th grade chemistry teacher an African American woman and Mrs. Schpiliberg, my 11th and 12th grade teacher an Columbian-American Women. These women not only provided a environment for me to develop my academic skills in these subjects, but gave me the confidence and encouragement to know that girls can do science and math and I did it so well by receiving no less than a B in both their classes.

As I look at these non profits that are doing great work to help our youth, I wonder how can they truly help these kids learn more, do more and accomplish more if they never see enough people that look like them accomplishing more. I believe that it takes a village to raise a child and that village has to be diverse,it can't exclude people of your own tribe. In order for us to accomplish what we think we can in life, we have to see people who look like us to help us achieve more. When in school, although I had a lot of great mentors, it wasn't until I meet an African American female chemical engineer, that allowed me to explore all the challenges and rewards of being a chemical engineer.

Tomorrow, we start our work with the Cool Girls after-school program and it isn't any coincidence that I am sending volunteers to work with these girls that look like them to engage them in hands on activities in math and science. Although, I will also send people of difference races and nationalities because children who needs to be exposed to people with different backgrounds, religions and cultures than themselves.

So let me rephrase that old African proverb to say" It takes a diverse village to raise a child" and how can we help them be open to share who we are with them and where we have been. But most importantly provide them with the confidence and skills set to be able to not only make all their dreams come true, but be able to be a part of a child's village that comes behind them.

What labor are you willing to do to make a difference in your community

As we celebrate this labor day holiday, we as a society individuals think about what we will do to take advantage of our three day weekend. We make plans to hang out, get some rest, catch up on some projects around the house and eat some good food. Then after we go back to work, get back in the hustle and bustle of our lives; focusing on what we need or want to do for ourselves and our immediate network.

As I look at the number of donors and volunteers the organization has, the level of engagement of SEM Link's board and the number of sponsors, i do a lot of reflection and inspection. So many people are supposedly too "busy" or "broke" to make an consistent adjustment in their schedules to make a difference in their community. I believe that is why most people love to volunteer for adopt a road programs and Hosea Feed the Hungry or Habitat, because it requires a one time commitment instead of a long term investment in the organization.

So what would make you willing to make a long term investment in a non profit organization? What will cause you to decide, I'm going to make a decision based on the economic principle of opportunity costs because I realize that we all have to make choices based on our limited resources and time to give some of your time and/or money to a non profit organization. Will you say that I make a commitment to make a monthly or annual contribution to an non profit organization. Instead of eating that $10 daily lunch, you will take your lunch or by a $5 lunch and donate your savings to our "Donate Your Lunch Money". Would you go into work a little earlier or go to the gym before work, so you can still get your work out on, but volunteer for our after-school programs. Would you be willing to talk and encourage people in your network to make the same choices that you make to devote their time and talent to a non profit.

Thinking Beyond Yourself

As I reflect upon the conversations and Facebook updates of people in my network; everyone says how busy they are. I don't doubt that your PDA is full of the obligations to your employer, things on your to do list, places to be and people to see. We are constantly "busy" building and maintaining our networks, getting on the grind to make that money and enjoy life. There is nothing wrong with those things because it is what we must do to accomplish our goals and enjoy life.

My question that I pose is what are you doing to accomplish anything beyond what satisfies your need to enjoy life and accomplish your personal and professional goals? Is anything that you are doing going to make a difference in anyone's life beyond your network and leave a lasting impact in your community and the world. Instead of dropping $100 on an evening with friends, have you every thought about donating that $100 to a local non profit? Have you and your friends every thought about putting some time to volunteer in your PDA, whether it be in direct services to a non profit or donating your expertise to help them complete a project? As a business owner have you every thought about putting in your company's marketing and advertising budget to make a financial contribution to a non profit organization? Most non profits will acknowledge company's that make a contribution on its website and other promotional positions; so it is a good use of your advertising dollars.

In society, we have become so selfish and thinking about our own needs that at times we need to reflect and see what our we doing to make a differences in the lives of others and leave a lasting legacy.

Why Volunteers and Corporate Partnership Are So Important

As the Executive Director and Founder of the organization, I realize that I set the vision for the organization as well as determine the direction that SEM Link will go. I am very clear about what direction I would like the organization to go, how the programs will run and what goals I have for the immediate future and long term. I also believe that it is the responsibility of myself and the boards to ensure that we stay true to our mission and vision as an organization. However, in order to achieve our mission and grow as an organization, we have to be open to engaging others in a dialogue about the best way to do this.

Within the past 24 hours, I was engaged in great conversations with a volunteer and a corporate partner about how we should solicit resources and implement our programs. What I realized by being open to the ideas from these individuals, we will be able to do things better and in ways that I would have never imagined. Although some of their ideas took us to far away from our niche as an organization or was beyond the resources that we have available to us right now. Individuals and organizations that believe in the mission of the organization and want to devote their time and mission to help us achieve it are so invaluable. They provide fresh ideas and eyes to allow us to continue to find innovative ways to implement our programs and obtain resources for them. I'm very thankful to these individuals for their fresh perspective and energy, which allow us to "unveil potential through exposure".

SEM Link: Improving the Quality of Math and Science Fairs One Project at a Time

Our Experimental Design Program teaches students how to design and conduct experiments for math and science fair projects utilizing research, laboratory and scientific literacy skills gained through individual and group learning opportunities as well as mentoring. This program improves the quantity and quality of math and science fair projects for students by providing schools with undergraduate students, graduate students and professional mentors with science, engineering and math (SEM) backgrounds to provide support for math and science fairs. It was a program that I started in the 2005-06 Program year, after spending time working in K-12 schools and getting tired of seeing reports on poster boards at science fairs. I wanted to teach students how to conduct a project on their academic level thinking like a research scientist; how I am going to answer a question in an area of my interest. So I created the Experimental Design Program Handbook for students which is currently on our website and started working with the inaugural students in this program.

The Experimental Design Individual Mentoring Program was born in October 2005, with 6 students at Sylvan Hills Middle School in the Atlanta Public School System. At the time of the school science fair, I had 5 science fair projects. I was so proud of all the hard work these students had put into developing their projects.They met diligently with their mentors weekly and put in the work between the meetings. They expressed frustration when their experiment didn't go right the first time and they had to do it over. But their hard work paid off because 3 of these students won the school fair and became eligible to compete in the district fair. Those students diligently worked to improve their projects from feedback from the science fair judges and ideas they had thought about while engaging in the trail and error of research. Once again, their hard work paid off and two of the projects won awards at the district fair. One of the two students that won awards at the district fair, was eligible to compete at the state fair. I was so proud of that inaugural class of the mentoring program, I'm not sure if that they chose to be scientist but they definitely got a chance to be exposed to what scientist do.

We are now accepting applications for its 2009-10 Experimental Design Individual Mentoring Program. This program provides a small monetary award to purchase supplies to conduct an experiment and a mentor for successful completion of a math or science fair project. SEM Link will support the student to his or her highest level of competition. Students who are eligible to apply for this program must be in grades 3-10, have a project title or subject area, a sponsoring math or science teacher and parental consent. The online application for this program, which consists of the student application and a teacher recommendation, must be completed by Friday, September 25, 2009.

The Individual Mentoring Program is one of the three programs in SEM Link’s Experimental Design Program. The other two other components of the Experimental Design Program provide support to public, private and charter schools. The Experimental Design Group Mentoring Program allows K-12 educators to request support for their classes to receive math and science fair project mentors. The Math and Science Fair Judging Program allows individual schools and school districts request judges for math and science fair projects. Both programs require schools to make their request online to SEM Link at least four weeks prior to their event. For more information about the Experimental Design Program and to find the online applications for each program visit http://www.semsuccess.org/SO_Expdesign.html.

The Experimental Design Program can not be a success without the support of the community. Anyone with a SEM background that is interested in serving as a project mentor or judge should sign up to volunteer now by visiting http://www.semsuccess.org/volunteer.html. Anyone who believes in what we are doing int his program should "Donate Your Lunch Money, to we can help more students by visiting our Individual Donor page at http://www.semsuccess.org/donation.html.

Random Connections Brings About Creativity and New Partnerships

In the 2009-10 fiscal year, the major action item in which most of our activities revolve around is promoting the SEM Link brand. SEM Link is a wonderful organization, that has a sound organizational structure and quality programs; but not enough people know who we are and what we do. As Executive Director, I am always telling people about SEM Link, who we are and what we do. However, because we have been taking promoting the organization up a notch, I find myself talking about the organization in places that I normally wouldn't. As I result, I have gained some additional resources for the organization as well as told more people about our great organization and the great work we do to "unveil potential through exposure".

While I was enjoying a wonderful jazz concert last weekend; I made two connections that will help out with provide support with our marketing and fundraising efforts. I didn't have my business card with me because I was going to have a good time, I wasn't going to this event as SEM Link's Executive Director. But since the connections were made, I took the advice of the best networker I know, Ms. ChiChi Okezie of Simple Networking LLC took advantage of the technology by getting their email addresses and emailing them at the event. I'm glad I followed Ms. Okezie's advance because I am already developing relationship that are bringing resources to the organization and promoting the brand.

In the past few days, I have meet a jewelry maker and a exercise physiologist who is in training to be a registered dietitian. I recruited them to become volunteers for our programs to teach the girls in the after-school program of our community partner Cool Girls concepts related to real world applications of science. I'm not going to give away my lesson plan until I get it copyrighted, but I can tell you that these connections made me think of a more creative way to engage students in hands on science activities. No child will learn about material science, earth science, anatomy and physiology and biology in a more "out of the box" way than these young ladies.

So I am sharing this story because this push to promote the SEM Link brand, tells me that I must always be ready and open for the resources that will come as a result and make sure that my cell phone is charged so I can take advantage of the opportunities when they present themselves.

The Importance of Honoring The Commitments You Make to a Nonprofit Organization

This afternoon, I had to make an executive decision to cancel an event, which was a truly sad moment for me and the first time that I have had to cancel an event in my entire professional career and definitely in the history of SEM Link. This week, when we sent an email to reconfirm our speaker for the event, they were no longer available and couldn't find a replacement speaker. With the event being a little over a month away, i thought it was a better use of my time and resources, to focus on other programs and operations projects. This fiscal year, we have implemented a brand new marketing and communications plan that includes starting a heavy marketing campaign for our events no later than a month out. Although, I am sad, I know that it was the right thing to do in the bigger picture of what we are trying to do as an organization.

I tell this story to stress how important it is for individuals and corporations to honor the commitments they make to non profit organizations. We all are busy people with many commitments and responsibilities and it is hard to manage it all. Nonprofit organizations achieve their mission with limited resources and are so reliant on the community to provide resources to achieve their mission in the community. Therefore, when you don't honor your commitment to volunteer, make a financial contribution or donate in-kind good, it is not like canceling a lunch or dinner with a friend or colleague. It can truly be detrimental for the nonprofit because the resource that you committed to the organization, could be only option for the non profit to achieve its mission and to do that particular task or project. I encourage you as you evaluate your priorities and review your calendar, make sure that the commitments that you have made to the nonprofit that you have committed your time, talent and resources to, don't fall through cracks and get put on the backburner.

What are your results of your relationships?

This evening as I am winding down from a wonderful day, I was journaling with such a attitude of gratitude for all the friends and colleagues, old and new that have either giving me the confidence or by direct support by giving of their time and talent to help me accomplish the goals that I have both personally and professional. In addition to being grateful for my relationships with three of my mentees that are close to my heart and make me beam with pride with not only the great people I've seen them grow and develop into but them making strides toward achieving their goals. One who just graduated from high school in May 2nd in his class and preparing to go to college at my alma mater FAMU on this Saturday. One who graduated from Spelman College in May, who is on her way to graduate school to pursue what will probably be considered a non traditional career path in public health via computational chemistry. The final one who graduated from Spelman in May as well, who I'm very proud of the fact that she is constantly doing things to pour into the lives of the generation that is coming behind her. As well as her wisdom being able to realize that delay is not denial and at times working a plan B will help you get where you want to go in life as well. I would like to say that I've helped these young people accomplish their goals and grow as a person, just like my mentors have done for me.

As the beginning of the school year just started for many school districts and SEM Link programs start next month. What are you doing to make the goals of a person or organization come to pass? What relationships are you going to develop and maintain with individuals or organizations that will allow you to make a difference in the lives of others. I have a favorite quote that states the "Leaders Get Result Through People". As I paraphrase this quote in the context of mentoring and making a difference, my new quote is " What Results Will You Get Through Your Relationships". What results do you want to see from your relationship with SEM Link Will you see the results of sharing your expertise and passion with a child by volunteering for our programs? Will you see the results of sharing your time and expertise to help with our operations? Will you see the results of how you can help us achieve our programming goals for this program year by making a financial contribution to our "Donate Your Lunch Money" individual donor campaign? Will you the results of how your business, government agencies or professional society will produce by becoming one of our Corporate Partners? Visit our website and find out more information about what relationship you will develop and maintain with SEM Link in the 2009-10. Do just search our website, but make use of the online application that we made it an easy process for you to sign up to start your relationship with SEM Link in a way that is authentic to who you are and the resources that are available to you. The staff and board of SEM Link are looking forward to you become a part of the SEM Link family.

Donating Your Lunch Money to SEM Link to Provide Resources to Help Us Achieve Our Mission

Any non profit organization that wants to be sustainable has to have a diversified revenue stream; SEM Link is no different. The diversity in revenue streams is necessary because in age where resources are limited grantors don't have enough resources to fund every organization that applies for funding. In addition your organization may have a great grant proposal, but your organization project may not line up with the mission of the funding organization.

Two years ago, my advisory board member Dr. LaToya Myles and I were talking about the organization's revenue that came from individuals donors. Research of philanthropic giving shows that approximately 60-80% of the funds that non-profits receive that provide the resources necessary to achieve their mission comes from financial contributions made by individuals. Therefore it was imperative for us to formalize our individual donor campaign as a part of our diverse revenue stream. We needed to provide an opportunity for any individual that was interested in supporting the organization to make a financial contribution. However, we realized that many people don't give to non profit organization's because they feel that the little bit of money they have to give isn't enough to help out a non profit. We wanted people to know that a small amount of money such as your daily lunch money (approximately $5) can truly make a difference in supporting the mission of a nonprofit organization such as SEM Link. Hence, our "Donate Your Lunch Money" Individual Donor Campaign was born.



So I invite you now to donate your lunch money to SEM Link this year. Any financial contribution you make to the organization is tax deductible. We accept donations on a year-round basis and have an easy process to donate your lunch money to SEM Link! by visiting the donate page on our website http://www.semsuccess.org/donation.html. Thank you for helping us "unveil potential through exposure".

SEM Link Redesigned Website Defining Our Who We are and What We Do

Science, Engineering and Mathematics Link Inc. redesigned Website, www.semsuccess.org, on launched tonight. The new Web site was designed by Ms. Radhika Gadiyaram of Two Penny Creations in Detroit, Michigan. This interactive Website not only clearly communicates SEM Link’s niche as an organization in math and science education but also its messages for each of its target markets (K-12 students, parents and educators, volunteers, individual donors, and corporate partners).

A new and exciting feature of the Website is the online applications for Experimental Design and Math and Science Career Academy Programs. Individuals and corporations that are interested in volunteering for programs or operations or making a financial contribution to the organization can do that through an online application. The use of online applications, developed by Mrs. Chandra McCrary of MJS Plus Automation, shows that the organization is going green by reducing its paper waste while also increasing operational efficiency by automatically creating a database of program participants, volunteers, donors, and corporate partners. The new homepage has a message from the Executive Director and Founder, as well as links to the organization’s Facebook group, blog, and www.GoodSearch.com (powered by Yahoo) where individuals can raise money for SEM Link’s programs by searching the Internet or shopping online.

Students can use the Educational and Professional Development pages to find tools to develop their basic skills in math and science as well as learn critical study strategies and test preparation skills to promote academic achievement. The career exploration page will introduce students to a science, engineering and mathematics professionals and careers. These two pages allow us to promote student achievement and career exploration in math and science for the students we can't touch with our programs.

Our new website is definitely a great marketing tool to promote the SEM Link Brand and attract new resources and relationships for our organization.

Great Intentions, Wrong Methods

As a non profit organization, we truly appreciate the support of our volunteers. Without our volunteers we wouldn't be able to achieve our mission because it is the volunteers that implement our programs and assist with various tasks related to operations. However, as a volunteer there are certain things you have to be careful about when you represent the organization to make sure that you properly represent the organization and don't put the organization in harms way.

A few days ago, I was googling SEM Link, which I periodically to do see if I our efforts to increase our webpresence is working. I came across a volunteer who had posted pictures and videos from one of our events on their website. I was horrified at this huge liability this person put our organization in. However, I realized that this person probability didn't even realize the huge liability and risk they were putting SEM Link in by posting picture of minors on their site. They probably didn't even think they had to ask permission to take pictures or videos of this event, let alone obtain permission from SEM Link before they posted it on the website.

So as volunteers to be sure that you are always representing the organization be sure you do the following things.
1. Always be sure that you know the mission and vision of the organization you are serving; people will ask you why you volunteer and knowing this information about the organization promote the organization and encourages others to be involved as well.
2. Before you take pictures of your own, please ask the organization representative if you can take pictures. If they don't allow you to please be ask permission to obtain the photos that will be taken of the event. This will allow the organization to go through the proper channels to release permission to your organization to utilize their photos.
3. If are a business owner or community organization that is serious about serving your community, please consider becoming one of the organizations corporate partners and financially support the organization.

SEM Link Appreciating the Unsung Hero of Volunteers- The Skilled Volunteer

In most non profit organization's volunteers are a critical component to the organization being able to achieve it mission. When we think about the volunteers, we always think about those who are in direct services or directly involved in the programs. However, there is another group of volunteers that does a lot of the behind the scences work for programs and operations called the skilled volunteers.

A skilled volunteer is an individual that donates their time and expertise to the organization. These volunteers usually help with projects that deal with operations or indirect service related to programs. These are usually the people who assist with organization fundraising, coordinate special events, web design, graphic artist, marketing projects, public relations, etc. These volunteers are so invaluable because they usually provide a service that the non profit organization could not afford to have without this professional believing enough in the mission of the organization to use their expertise to help the organization achieve its mission. They also save the staff and huge amount of time by provide a person in which tasks that are critical to programs or operations can be delegated to an individual who has the skill set to complete it; sometimes they have a better expertise than the organization's staff.

So I just want to spend a few minutes, saying thank you to some of the skilled volunteers that support SEM Link. First of all, I would like to thank Mrs. Mardell Artis and her Community Consulting Team (CCT) that spent months developing a marketing and communications plans for the Science Cafes and our Annual Career Fair and Exhibition. We are implementing that plan in the 2009-10 fiscal year and beyond. I would like to thank Mrs. Radhika Gadiyaram of Two Penny Creations of Detriot, MI who has donated her time and expertise to redesign and maintain our website. I would like to thank Ms. Wanda Clouston of Eiram Creative, who donates her time to meet our graphic design needs. I would also like to thank our newest skilled volunteer Ms. Tanya Montgomery who is donating her time and expertise to help us with public relations efforts.

I truly appreciate every volunteer that has makes time in their busy schedule to serve and help us "unveil potentional through exposure". I realize there are many non profits that you could have donated your time to and I am so honored you have chosing SEM Link.

Great Community Partnerships

In the 2009-10 Academic Year Science, Engineering and Mathematics Link Inc (SEM Link) and Cool Girls will continue their community partnership which was first established in the 2008-09 Program year. Through its Math and Science Career Academy, (MSCA) SEM Link will provide hands on activities in math and science for the Cool Girls Cool Club after-school program. In the Cool Scholars portion of the program students will engage in activities designed to enhance the classroom learning experience. Some of the sites will participate in four week modules that engage students in hands on math and science activities that teaching concepts in math and science. Other sites will engage in weekly academic enrichment activities which focus on developing basic math and science skills through a tutorial program. These activities will begin in mid-September 2009 and end in April 2010.

One of the reasons both organizations continued this partnership because it was a win-win for us both because it allowed us both to achieve our missions; that is what great partnerships are all about. SEM Link was able to achieve its mission of promoting student achievement and career exploration in math and science by having a group of engaged young minds having fun learning math and science concepts through hands on activities. Our staff and volunteers loved working with these elementary and middle school girls. Cool Girls was able to achieve its mission for the Cool Girls Club which is to have an after school program comprised of academic support and life skills development. Cool Scholars provides academic support to girls in all core subject areas; SEM Link covered the subject areas of math and science.

I am so looking forward to engaging the Cool Scholars, in our Math and Science Career Academy and "unveiling potential through exposure". Each year, we find one or two young ladies that are interested in pursuing STEM career and many realize that math and science can be fun to learning. Thank you Cool Girls for a wonderful partnership.

Ensuring A Child's Academic Achievement in Math and Science for the 2009-10 Academic Year and Beyond

A component of SEM Link's mission is promote student achievement in math and science; therefore as the start of school is approaching I thought is was appropriate to talk about how student can do well in these subjects. I believe that any child has the ability to achieve academically in math and science, however at times their are many barriers to one's success.

One of the major barriers is a child's perception of math and science and their ability to achieve. Math and science are subjects that many students say is "hard" and once you determine in your mind that someone is hard, you automatically put a negative association with that thing. So the first step in changing students mindset about math and science is for them to believe they are capable of achieving well in math and science. It isn't hard, but you must work hard to excel in this subjects; so don't be afraid of hard work.

The next thing is to realize that in math and science, concepts usually build upon one another or are connected. Therefore it is important that students take good notes in class, read their textbook and devote plenty of study time at home to these subjects. Also if you are stuck on a concept don't be afraid to get help from a classmate, a teacher or a tutor. There is nothing wrong with asking for help because getting a little help will ensure that you achieve academically in challenging subjects. Everyone needs a little help from time to time.

Finally, if you interested in math and science find extra activities to develop your skills and explore your interests. There are plenty of websites where you can find hands on activities to practice your skills. You can do a math or science fair project, where you get an opportunity to study a topic in math or science that you are interested in. Join the math or science club or participate in math or science competitions such as quiz bowls and outreach programs at your local colleges or university or community organization. Their is so much to learn about math and science that you can't possibly learn it all in your classroom.

The first day of the 2009-10 Program Year is here- Whoo hoo

I am very excited because today is the start of the new program year. This is the year that we are going to create an SEM Link community of our that consists of our community partners, corporate sponsors, donors, supporters, volunteers and most importantly the students that we serve.

I just want to update you on a few new things that are coming up on the horizon in the month of August. We will launch our new interactive website that explains who we are and what we do, makes it easier for individuals to donate and volunteer, makes it easier for parents and students to gain access to our services. We also showcase our niche in the promotion of academic achievement and career exploration in Math and Science with our new resources and career exploration pages.

I know that is a recession, but everyone has a little lunch money they can spare. So if you haven't done so already make the 2009-10 the year you donate some of your lunch money to support SEM Link. You can donate through paypal our email address is donate@semsuccess.org. When our website launches you can easily donate them.

As far as programs, we are truly excited we will continue to serve as a Community Partner for Cool Girls. Through our Math and Science Career Academy we will provide hands on activities and academic support in math and science for the Cool Scholars portion of the Cool Club after-school program. Also as a part of the Math and Science Career Academy, we will expand our Science Cafe' to include a monthly science cafe our first cafe will take place on September 17th and the topic will be Alternative Energy Sources.

We are expanding our Experimental Design Program, we will continue to accept applications for our Experimental Design Mentoring Program and provide judges for math and science fair. However now math and science teachers can request a mentor to provide support for their entire classrooms.

In addition, we are expanded our web presence and communication with our stakeholders. We will send out a monthly e-newsletter as well as press releases to media outlets. Today is day one of "unveiling potential through exposure". I'm excited and ready and look forward to your support.

Building the SEM Link Team

I am a huge football fan and I'm awaiting for the season to start. As the 2009-10 fiscal year is approaching on August 1, I am thinking about all the goals we have set for the 2009-10 program year and how we will successfully accomplish it all. In thinking about football and the successful franchises, what makes them successful is everyone affiliated with the team not only knows their roles, but works hard to achieve common goals. The team is more than the coaches and players that you see on the fields, it includes the executives that run the operations, obtain resources and market the team, the physicians and other medical staff that ensure the players stay healthy.

My point in all of this is just because myself and my assistant Angela are the face of the organization and are the most visible we alone can't be responsible for nor have the ability for achieving all our goals as a organization just like those players on the field can't be responsible. We need all the other members of the team (the front office support and the medical staff), both boards, volunteers, individual donors, corporate partners and friends of the organization to do their part in making the organization a successful and sustainable organization that is able to touch the lives of children and create future scientist, engineers and mathematicians by "unveiling potential through exposure". So in the next 4 days before the next fiscal year starts, reflect about how you will play your part to make the organization a success and then get busy with doing it. Are you going to increase your financial contribution to the organization and encourage others in your network to do so, are you going to make more time in your schedule to volunteer are you doing to encourage your company and business owners in your network to become a corporate partner are you going to encourage people in your network to attend events. Come on team, let's get ready for the season and make it a winning one.

Making the Most of the Web to Promote Our Mission and Obtain Resources for SEM Link

One of the reasons that the world has become global is because the internet has removed the geographical divide that did not allow us to connect with one another. No matter what part of the world you live in, you can connect with people in other parts of your city, your state, your country and the world. But have we really made the best use of the internet to achieve both our personal and professional goals. I'll admit that I haven't truly tapped into all the web can provide for me as a social entrepreneur to promote the mission of SEM Link and obtain the resources that we need to achieve our mission.

An advisory board member and I were discussing ways that we can increase our web presence as an organization. Our first steps were to reevaluate our website, which is our number one web tool for promoting the mission of the organization and obtaining resource, it is defining who we are as an organization and obtaining the resources that you need. In reevaluating our website, we discovered that it wasn't the best representation of our organization; therefore we have been on a website development project. Our new website will launch next month and I'm so excited because we have created a interactive website that not only describe who we are and what we do, but has a special tailored message for all of our target markets (K-12 students, parents and educators, volunteers, individual donors, corporate partners) as well as shows what our niche is as an organization in math and science education. The other part of our website was creating a facebook group for the organization. We have been posting pictures and events on this group and the size of our group is growing everyday. But we really do need to kick it up a notch and maximize how we utilize this free marketing and advertising tool to build an online community for the organization. Finally, this blog how to I get myself to blog on a more consistent and regular basis and increase the number of followers that we have.

So these next few months I am going to be on a mission to make the most of the use of the internet to promote the organization and obtain resources for the organization. My goal is to utilizing social networking and other online tools to increase the number of people that know who we are and what we do. Using a tool that a friend told me about www.prlog.com, which is a free online resource for distributing press releases online. Writing more articles on online magazines both in the educational field and outside of it. Promoting SEM Link more on the social networking groups that I am on through facebook.

I know that these last two blogs haven't necessarily been directly related to the mission of SEM Link. However, SEM Link is a business even though it is a non profit organization. Therefore I run it like business and divide my efforts to creating and developing quality programs that help us achieve our business; but we can't do that if we don't handle our business and do what we need to do to allow the SEM Link to become a sustainable organization "promotes student achievement and career in math and science for K-12 students" for years to come.

Creating A New Image and Defining a Brand for New Opportunities

At some point in order to get ensure its sustainability and growth as an organization, every business has to create a new image and define its brand. This goes for non profit organizations as well because your image and brand determines if you will obtain the resources needed to achieve your mission. SEM Link is currently in the process of creating a new image and defining our brand, doing that doesn't change who you are and what you do as an organization, but how you communicate the message of who you are and what you do.

We are creating a new image, by first creating a website that clearly communicates to all of our different audiences each having a crafting message based on their role or potential role within the organization. Secondly, we are showing that we are a green and an operational efficient organization by making all of our application and donation process online and automated. The use of automated online application not only reduces the waste from paper, but creates an automatic database for us to keep records of our clients, donors and volunteers.

Finally, the whole purpose and goal of creating a new image and defining our brand is to create new opportunities for SEM Link and the students that we serve. When you clearly communicate who you are and what you do, it provides new opportunities to attract donors, volunteers and partnerships. Which will ultimate lead to more resources to create new opportunities to impact more children and "unveil potential through exposure".

The importance of being a part of a child's village

This past few weeks, I have attended several college and high school graduation ceremonies. There was one in particular that made me realize how important it is for adults to be involved in children's lives that aren't your own. I was at a graduation and unfortunately because not everyone followed the proper etiquette and decorum for a graduation ceremony; several parents didn't get to see their child graduate because they were escorted out of the ceremony by the police for their inappropriate behavior. In addition, those of us who observed the etiquette and decorum for the ceremony, didn't fully get to enjoy the celebration of the huge milestone in the child's live we were there to celebrate because of those individuals.

This incident made me realize that although many of us where blessed to have wonderful parents that instilled in us for the lack of a better term good home training, so we don't act a fool in public; not everyone was blessed with that. So I know that I normally talk about preparing children for stem careers; but we can't always do that if we don't do some basic mentoring to the individual. We don't invest in a child's live because we assume that their parent's are doing something wrong, because just like every parent does when raising a child they are doing the best they know how. It is about exposing children to different experiences, different behaviors and mindsets and teaching them different skills sets that will give them an opportunity to be all they can be in life and do all that they want to do. That is truly "unveiling potential through exposure" at its most basic level.

Partnerships that create synergy and a win-win situation

Our career fair that took place on May 1st was the end of our 2008-09 program year and our 2009-10 program year begins again after Labor Day. During this time of transition as I reflect on the old and prepare for the new, I am always thinking about what went well, what needs to be improved and what we need to not do anymore. I'm always constantly trying to make sure that those thoughts are centered around the mission, vision and goals of the organization.

No organization can achieve its mission without partnerships; we are living in an interdependent world with limited resources. Partnerships allow us to share resources, so that we all can accomplish our organizational goals. However, how do we chose partnerships that are mutually beneficial and ensure that all parties involved stay authentic to who they are as an organization? Some of the lessons learned in the principles of leadership can be applied to selecting partners. Stephen Convey, has teaches the concepts of win-win and synergy; which I believe are great concepts and things that should be considered in selecting partners. Everyone organization has something to bring to the table that collaboration with another organization can help both organization's advance.

So as I look to the next few months, years and beyond for SEM Link to ensure our continued growth and sustainability, I'm going to have to put just as much effort into selecting our partners as I do in planning quality programs. As the saying goes, all that glitters isn't gold, not every organization is a good fit for a partnership. The exact criteria for what organizations are a best fit, that is something that my board and I, lead by our Strategic Partnership chair will have to determine. The most important thing for me to make sure if that I have the courage to stay committed to building partnerships that create synergy and are win-win for all parties involved and not be afraid to walk away from opportunities that don't. For me it is not important who we partner with, but that our partnership allow us to stay authentic to who we are and what we do as an organization, which is "unveil potential through exposure". We have to be associated with the "right" fit, not necessarily the "right" name.

Operating on a Shoestring Budget

In preparing for our board meeting on Saturday and reviewing this year organizational finances, I realized that we only raised 49% of the funds needed for our organization's programs and operations. I realized that we are probably not the only non profit organization that did not raised 100% of the funds it needed for the year. However, when we don't raise all of the funds needed for operations and programs, some difficult choices have to be made about what programs will be cut and what operational needs we will do without.

As SEM Link's founder, my priority is to ensure that we provide quality programs each year. Therefore at times, I am willing to absorb some of the operational costs in order to ensure that as much as the money we get from grants, individual and corporate contributions goes towards programs. In addition, some of the professionals that volunteer for our programs were able to bring their own resources for the volunteer activities, which save money on our supply budget. However, we weren't able to help as many students that we wanted to through our Experimental Design Program and Math and Science Career Academy. It truly breaks my heart because I truly desire to impact as many students as I can, but I just have to be thankful that we were able to reach the students that we did reach through our 2008-09 programs.

Just like we all have to make adjustments to our personal budget, SEM Link has to make adjustments and prioritize our organizational budget. However, I truly believe that we can do a better job of generating revenue for the organization; even if we can't raise 100% we can do better than 49%. So internally, the board and staff of the organization is going to increase what we personally contribute to the organization and encourage more individuals and corporations in our network to make financial contribution to the organization. We will find ways to increase the financial contributions from our volunteers and the general public. The main reason that our individual donor campaign is called "Donate Your Lunch Money" because we want individuals to realize that even a small amount of money like what you spend on lunch daily, weekly or monthly can truly help our organization operates in programs. We have also restructured our corporate sponsorship plan so organizations including small businesses and professional societies, just like individuals can recognize that a small contribution to our organization can help as well. In addition, because we are in the days when less and less grant funds are available, we are finding other sources funding for our organization. Therefore we are listed as a charity on websites like www.Goodsearch.com, where you can contribute to the organization by doing things you do on a regular basis such as conducting online searches or online shopping.

Just like it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to ensure that a nonprofit organization has the resources needed to achieve its mission in the community it serves. That is one of the reasons that we renamed our fundraising plan to our resource development plan. We realize that although we do need finances to achieve our mission, that an in kind donation of supplies can help or an professional donating their expertise to the organization that saves us from having to pay for the service will help. So whether you donate your lunch money to help us, a small business owner that becomes our corporate sponsor or begin using www.Goodsearch.com to help us raise funds, you are a part of our village that helps us "increase potential through exposure" and we appreciate your support.

The story of two little girls

On yesterday we had our 2nd Annual Science, Engineering and Mathematics Career Fair and Exhibition at Georgia State University. Each year, I am always amazed to see the parents and K-12 students that are interested or at least want to be exposed to STEM Careers. This year children as young as 4 and as old as 15 meet forensic scientists, chemists, biologists, biomedical researchers, engineers and public health professionals. Each year, there are always some students that capture my attention while they are enjoying their experience at the career fair. There were two young girls 7 and 8, that I watched enthusiastically bounce from table to table during the fair. Both of these young ladies have the potential of being future scientists, engineers or mathematicians that are women of color. Like several of our exhibitors and board members are.

The 7 year old bounced from table to table asking questions of each exhibitor, taking their goodies and was an active participant in the hands on activities that some of the exhibitors provided. This inquisitive 7 year old took her time going from table to table seeing what each had to teach her about STEM fields. The young lady had so much enthusiasm and energy, I don't think her parents could keep up with her they just watched from a distance to ensure that she was still in the ballroom. When I asked her what she learned and enjoyed from the fair, she had something to say about what she learned from each of the tables she visited. Being 7 she definitely enjoyed the tables that engaged her in hands on a demonstrations of science; but even for the table that she quite didn't get a grasp of the career path, she said with a smile " he gave me some candy".

The second little girl, who was 8 years old, walked in to the room and said "I'm in heaven". This little girl who in elementary school already has a passion and enthusiasm for science. I asked her why she thought she was in heaven and she stated she had the opportunity to meet so many scientists and engineers in one room. Her mother mentioned to me that the she works at a local university and has been trying to nurture her daughter's passion for science as much as she could through various activities. I watched this young lady as she went from table to table. As she was leaving the fair, I asked her did she still feel like she had been to heaven by attending the fair. She said yes and being the future scientist that she is, shared that the table she enjoyed the most was the Georgia Tech Women in Chemistry table, where she got an opportunity to do several chemistry and physics experiments.

If our fair doesn't touch any more than these two young ladies, we would have done our job as an organization. Although, I believe that when we get the data from our evaluator from the surveys that the attendees and exhibitors completed, we will find out that more than these two families were happy that they attended our career fair. Which is why we are already looking forward to next year's fair and the Experimental Design and Math and Science Career Academy activities we have planned for the 2009-10 Academic Year.


We are so very appreciative to the graduate students and professionals that took the time out of their busy schedule to showcase their careers to students. Most importantly we are also thankful to our event sponsors, Centers for Disease Control Career Paths to Public Health Program, Eiram Creative, Georgia Institute of Technology School of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the American Chemical Society who provide the resources for this event to take place. In addition, we are thankful to the individuals that support our mission and programs through their contributions to our "Donate Your Money" Individual Donor Campaign and Malcolm Pirnie our corporate sponsor for the 2008-09 program year. I would also like to thank SEM Link's Board of Directors and Advisory Board for their support of the organization. Last by not least, I would like to thank our Programs Assistant, Ms. Angela Hardin and volunteers Shenia Patterson and Derrick Standifer for all their help with the logistics the fair take place before and during the event; I couldn't have pulled it off with out your help. You all help us achieve our vision in the "unveiling potential through exposure"

Our career fair is meeting a need in the community

I'm so excited because in 2 days, we will expose Metro Atlanta youth to the breadth and depth of careers in science, engineering and mathematics at our 2nd Annual Science, Engineering and Mathematics Career Fair and Exhibition. We have over 30 professionals that will be showcasing about 10 or 15 different career paths. Graduate students and professionals from GBI, CDC, Morehouse School of Medicine, Georgia Tech and many more are giving a few hours out of there busy schedule to expose K-12 students to career paths that achieve by doing well in high school, going to college and possible graduate school.

As excited as I am about the professionals, I'm looking forward to the attendees that will be coming to the fair. Today as my program assistant and another college student she recruited to volunteer, both graduating seniors with science degreers, for the event were preparing for the fair we had a conversation about the event. Both of the students said what a great idea they thought the career fair was and how it was good that SEM Link was having this event. They expressed that they wished an event like this took place in their community when they were in elementary, middle or high school because it would have been great to meet people pursuing stem career before they came to college. Their sentiments and those of STEM professionals in my network is why I created SEM Link. Based on the response we are getting for the career fair, there are parents, educators and other people that work with K-12 students that feel the same way. As of today over 50 parents, church and youth groups have RSVP'd youth for the fair. We really believe that we will have a great turnout for the event because most of the attendees for the event, don't RSVP.

I know that this event is going to be successful and give us another opportunity to serve Metro Atlanta youth by "unveiling potential through exposure".

Defining Who Scientists, Engineers and Mathematicians

On yesterday, I was at an urban film festival that closed with a series of short films that were a part of a project called "The Black Masculinity Project". As I reflect upon the film and the discussion that took place afterward about how do we define black masculinity and who controls how the image of black males are portrayed in the media. How does this impact how society views black men?

Although, how the media portrays different ethnic groups in society is a never ending discussion and something that we can't control; i will focus on what I can control defining who scientists, engineers and mathematicians are to our children. Many children don't pursue STEM careers because they don't see those careers as something that they can pursue nor have they meet someone who looks like them in those fields. Through media and television, many kids see STEM professionals as geeky, nerdy, weird people and mostly white males. Even if they see or hear about African American scientists, engineers or mathematics, they hear about those that are no longer with us such as Dr. George Washington Carver, Dr. Percy Julian, Garrett Morgan or those that are still alive like Dr. Neil Tyson, a brilliant astrophysicist, who has several Ivy League Degrees. Although,I believe that Dr. Tyson is a brilliant scientist, how many of our kids are interested in astrophysics. Dr. Carver, Dr. Julian and Garrett Morgan were brilliant scientist and engineers, but we still have scientists and engineers that are still alive that are making contributions to society. But how do we introduce them to innovative engineers like Dr. Lonnie Johnson, who invented not only the supersoaker, but is still creating innovative products to enhance our quality of life. We need to introduce them to the scientists and engineers that are working for academic institutions, corporations and government agencies, that aren't geeky, aren't white males and if you didn't ask them, you wouldn't know that they were scientist and engineers.

We define who scientist, engineers and mathematics are by introducing as many STEM professionals to K-12 students as possible. But most importantly, by telling them that if you are good math and science and want to pursue a career in the fields. You create the new definition of who next generation of scientists, engineers and mathematicians will be.

Teaching our kids that bumps in the road doesn't mean that is the road you should travel

Last night, I got a frantic voice mail from one of my mentees. They were having an issue with a college, which was a pretty major issue, but wasn't one that couldn't be resolved; however the student felt that it couldn't and wouldn't be. As I was talking to him and providing solutions to him to resolve this issue, I wondered, how many people don't pursue STEM careers because of bumps in the road in there pursuit of that career path. For those of us who have STEM degrees or career paths, we have experience bumps in the road while getting our degrees and on our jobs may you say maybe I should be an English major or give my boss my two weeks notice. But the key to us staying on the path is we didn't see that set back or bump as a sign that we should not get our degree and graduate or keep our job, but as sign that we may need to ask for help or do something differently than what we were currently doing to achieve our desired results.

So as we as STEM professionals, reflect on the bumps in our career path and how we were able to overcome the obstacles, problems and times where we felt that life would be easier if I wasn't a stem major or professional. Let's teach those behind us the lessons that we have learned from experience and/or our mentors. Just like when we are walking or driving down a street that has cracks and/or potholes and we either trip or feel the wear and tear on our car, but we keep walking or driving on the road. We tell the students behind us, just because you may fail a test, mess up an experiment or feel like on your internship you aren't producing at the level your mentor expects, doesn't mean that you aren't meant to be a stem major and professional. It means that you need to try a little harder, do something different or seek help from someone that is a few stages ahead of you in the game.

The technology that connect us

I hope that I am not dating myself, but when I was in high school, the internet was just being introduced to the world and we were still figuring out how to use this new technology. I remember a few years ago, an adopted younger brother on mine, asked me "way back when you were in high school did you use the internet?". Yes, I used the internet and technology, but not to the extent that is used today and I am still learning all the different ways to incorporate technology into my life and business.

I consider myself a person that takes advantage of technology, I email using my computer and my PDA( the post office has definitely lost a lot of revenue because of email) and pay 90% of my bills online. I'm on facebook, linked in and just getting us to the blog thing. I am still overwhelmed by how this technology, a history lesson for you that was developed by an African-American male engineer, has truly changed how the world operates. I have a facebook friend who hasn't been in the United States in weeks, but yet we know how he is doing, back in the day you would have had to wait until he mailed you a postcard or got back in the country. There are newspapers and magazines that are going out of business because instead of buying a newspaper or magazine, we get our news online. Internet radio and podcasts expands our options for radio programming, i know everyday I listen to NPR from a NY radio station. Not to mention if you need to know anything at all you can simply look it up on www.GoodSearch.com (state that the charity you are supporting SEM Link) and find the answers to your questions. I'm wondering when team of engineers and computer scientists developed the internet or world wide web (www.) did they envision how it would connect us and create a global community.

As the executive director of an organization whose vision in the community is to "unveil potential through exposure", have I and my colleagues really exposed ourselves to all the technology that can connect us to the global community. Have I used all the possible methods of social networking to connect with those individuals that believe in our mission and may be willing to support us? Have I investigated all the possible methods of incorporating technology in our program curriculum? Have I investigated using technology to promote academic achievement and career exploration in math and science to K-12 students all over the world, not the ones we can gain access to here in Atlanta? How many technology professionals, computer scientists and engineers are in our volunteer pool; because we can't expose our kids to careers in those fields if they aren't a part of the SEM Link network?

There are so many questions to answers and many of them I have to get from the internet, my program assistant, board of directors, advisory board, younger cousins and others in my network. I just want to ensure that my vision for promoting student achievement and career exploration in math and science isn't too small.

The Mentoring Cycle

This morning, I received a text message from one of my mentors and had a phone conversation with another. I'm blessed to have several mentors, but these two particular men where instrumental in helping me become who I am as a professional, a person with a engineering degree that has devoted her career creating educational programs to help train and develop future scientists and engineers. In training future scientist and engineers, I developed a presentation on using mentoring to achieve your career goals and the presentation was based on my relationship with these two men and my strong desire and believe that if you should pour into others what has poured into you.
As I being mentored by these two men and several other mentors, I currently have a few mentees a received a text message from one and a phone call from another. In both conversations, I realized that the relationship these students have built with me over the years, have help shaped their career choices, just like my relationships with my mentors have shaped mine. I am very pleased to say that both of these students are pursuing stem careers and about 90% of the mentees I have picked up are doing so as well.

Dr. Dimandja, a world renowed scientist at Spelman, has a quote in which he says, "you are never too old to be mentored nor too young to mentor". That is the mentoring cycle as people a few steps ahead of you are teaching you what you need to know, connecting you with people you need to know and supporting you along the process; you are doing the same thing for those a few steps behind you.

Creating a Future STEM Pipeline through Exposure and Mentoring

These past few days, I spend time at a conference whose purpose was to expose high school and college students to biomedical and health professions. While at this conference I meet many bright young students that had an advantage over their peers, they were in an environment where they were learning about and meeting professionals in career paths of their interest.
As I was having conversations with some of my peers and colleagues who are stem professionals or have stem backgrounds and most of us realized that we had little or no exposure to people that were doing things that we were working in the fields we were interested in nor what a scientists, engineering, technology professional or mathematician really did. Although none of us regret our chosen career path, we realize that we may have made different decisions and how beneficial meeting and interacting with someone in our desired career path would have been.

Each day, we have an opportunity to meet and interact with K-12 students and college students. As you are having conversations with them about the things they are interested in, why don't you spend a few minutes talking about what you do and how you ended up doing it. Who knows, you may be having a conversation with a child that has an interest in pursuing a stem career. Or you may get a transform a child's mindset from pursuing a career in sports or entertainment to one that they can pursue by going to college and graduate school. When you meet those students, go ahead and give them your business card and tell them to feel free to contact you.

For those students who take you up on your offer to contact you after your initial conversation. Make time in your schedule to interact with them, listen to them and share your life experience. Many students need mentors, but aren't sure how to ask a person to be a mentor to them. So let the relationship form naturally over time and be a consistent older person in their life, that is vested in helping them grow , develop and succeed over time. If you thinking about it, we all are were we are today, because people who didn't have to invested and poured into our lives by being our mentors; so we owe it to those coming behind us to do the same thing for them.

The importance of worker bees for the survival of non profits

On yesterday, I was having a wonderful breakfast meeting with a talented and brilliant professional just a few years my senior. As we were discussing the status of SEM Link and other non profits, we decided that in order for non profits to survive and achieve its mission, it is important that staff have worker bees to do the work that will help them achieve their mission. Ever non profit organization has support from two groups of people, doer and donors, both are equally important. The donors provide the resources that the organization needs for its program and operations. But it is the worker bees that do the work for the organization such as serving on the board, being an active and committed volunteers to provide program and administrative support. As you are determining how to serve your community and what organizations you will devote your time and talents to, please do some serious evaluation of your motives for making a commitment to the organization. Not profits can't afford people to serve so they can add a section to their resume or be a conversation topic for people in your network. For our survival, non profits needs donors and doers (worker bees). No matter what your commitment to the organization besure that if you decide to be a donor, honor your pledge commitments and be sure to mail that check as well as encourage people in your network that have the resources to be donors to make a contribution as well. If you are a doer (worker bee), it is important that every task that you sign up to complete that you follow through and complete it. Don't use life or a busy schedule as an excuse not to complete the task because we all have life issues and have busy schedules. When you make a commitment, follow through on it because more than likely the non profit can't complete the task with out your support. So that you can increase the amount of worker bees on the organization team, encourage people in your network to volunteer to help the organization achieve it mission.

The achievement of any organization's mission is based on its support team of volunteers and board members that are committed to doing whatever they can to help the organization achieve its mission.

Using your talents and expertise to make a difference in the lives of a child

In the past few days, I have been in conversation with a few wonderful individuals that are volunteering their time and expertise to help SEM Link achieve our mission. What was so wonderful was these individual were not our typical volunteers, which are science, engineering and mathematics professionals. These individuals were graphic designers, web developers and a team of MBA's that are marketing experts. Although these professional don't have the expertise to provide direct assistance with our programs, these individuals are just as valuable in helping us achieving our mission.

As a non profit organization, we can't just worry about the programs, but we have to be concerned with the operations of our organization. It is these takes that allow us to be able to support our programs, which is the bread of butter of who we are as organizations. These graphic designer, web developer and the team of MBA's help us promote our programs to the community as well as to other individuals and corporations that will be willing to make a financial contribution to the organization or donate their time and expertise to the organization.

So I encourage you if you are a person that is interested in volunteering, think about the behind the scenes things you can do to help an organization achieve its mission.