STEM’s key role in fostering innovation, diversity, and inclusion in our communities

STEM’s key role in fostering innovation, diversity, and inclusion in our communities MARCH 20, 2024 • Q&A • AISHA WASHINGTON, CHIEF DEI OFFICER, HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE IN THIS ARTICLE On February 9th, HPE celebrated digital inclusion through HPE STEM Discovery Day This community engagement event presented local middle school students with an HPE digital inclusion curriculum, exposure to HPE technologies, and a powerful keynote by former NASA rocket scientist, Aisha Bowe In this interview, HPE Chief DEI Officer, Aisha Washington, talks with Aisha Bowe on her background in STEM, the need for digital inclusion and STEM education, and her ongoing partnership with HPE Recently, we hosted our inaugural HPE STEM Discovery Day—an interactive experience for local youth designed to promote an interest in STEM At HPE, we believe that, together, we can be a force for good. Through access to technology and the opportunities it presents, we can create a better future for all. By increasing opportunities for students to learn about cutting edge technologies, we can help offer accessible pathways into tech. Enhancing access to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education promotes equity, spurs innovation, and develops a talented new generation ready to enter the tech world.  Last year, we launched the HPE STEM Discovery Program, a dedicated digital inclusion initiative to enable HPE team members and the public to volunteer their time to promote STEM education and digital inclusion around the globe. Our main site offers short, easy to deliver lesson plans, which all can access and are encouraged to drive community engagement through in-person or virtual classroom visits. These engagements can include STEM camps and other such opportunities to introduce learners to topics like Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, High Performance Computing, Data Analytics, Internet of Things, and Artificial Intelligence. Since the program launched, we’ve seen a strong rally of support from employees around the globe volunteering their time to promote STEM education. Our efforts to expand the program continued at our largest customer event of the year – HPE Discover 2023. We hosted the STEAM Experience with Las Vegas youth, featuring former NASA rocket scientist, Aisha Bowe. This month, I spoke with Aisha about her background in STEM, the need for digital inclusion and STEM education, and our ongoing partnership. Below I’ll share some highlights from our conversation, and her key takeaways for building STEM education opportunities in our local communities. Can you share a little bit about your background and journey in STEM? I’ve learned that self-belief is the key to making the impossible, possible! In high school, I faced a lot of uncertainty about my future. I wasn’t interested in science, technology, engineering, or math as fields. My GPA wasn’t the best, so I didn’t even apply to college! Until then, I had always believed that I wasn’t good enough. I had a story in my head that I wasn’t smart, that I didn’t come from a wealthy family, and that I wasn’t focused or driven. I didn’t think someone like me could ever be special. It wasn’t until I experienced community college that my thoughts changed. The environment inspired me to reevaluate my belief system. I found confidence, direction, and hope. What started as pre-algebra in community college ended as an undergraduate and graduate degree from the University of Michigan in aerospace engineering and space system engineering. After graduating, I had the incredible opportunity to work at NASA. This experience ignited my passion for inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders, which led me to found STEMBoard, a company dedicated to providing innovative solutions to complex challenges in STEM education and digital inclusion. Why is it important to you that underrepresented and underserved communities have access to digital inclusion and STEM education?  As someone who has experienced firsthand the transformative power of STEM education, I believe it is important that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the opportunities and resources needed to succeed. By ensuring that underrepresented and underserved communities have access to digital inclusion and STEM education, we can unlock the potential of countless individuals who may otherwise be left behind. STEM not only benefits these individuals but also strengthens our society as a whole by fostering innovation, diversity, and inclusion. How do you believe this partnership with HPE will drive our purpose to advance the way people live and work? My partnership with HPE is a testament to our shared commitment to advancing the way people live and work through technology and innovation. By combining our expertise in STEM education and digital inclusion with HPE’s leading initiatives, we can create transformative opportunities for individuals and communities around the world. Together, we can empower people to reach their full potential, drive economic growth, and build a more inclusive and equitable future for all. You have participated in several HPE engagements including our In Her Element series, STEAM Experience at HPE Discovery 2023, and now HPE STEM Discovery Day. What’s the most exciting part of this partnership for you? A common phrase in inclusion and representation lately is “You can’t be what you can’t see!” The most exciting part of my partnership with HPE is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and communities. around the world. Through initiatives like the In Her Element series, STEAM Experience at HPE Discovery 2023, and HPE STEM Discovery Day, I can help inspire and empower the next generation of STEM leaders and cultivate the emerging workforce. This partnership allows us to leverage HPE’s expertise and resources to scale our impact and create lasting change. I am excited to see who and what we’ll inspire! ————————————————————————- Join HPE as we cultivate future technology skills in the next generation and empower learners to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Ready to use resources for educators range from hands-on lesson plans to interactive games. Also, to see a recap of our HPE STEM Discovery Day, watch the video below.