AT&T, the second-largest telecommunications company in the United States, recently sponsored three days of VIP private screenings of the Oscar nominated and critically-acclaimed movie “Hiden Figures” to local Mobile County Public schools students.
The purpose of the event was two fold:
- An educational event for local students. To make aware of the importance of Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) education. The students were exposed to an important historical event led by NASA and how three African American mathematicians played an intricate role.
- Pay It Forward. commitment to advancing women in the workforce through their Aspire program which brings together AT&T employees, nonprofits and community members to help equip students with the skills they need to lead the digital, global economy. So, students across the country was given the Hollywood treatment.
“We’ve influenced some students in a small way and as a result, see some of them are curious about a field that they weren’t necessarily thinking about. Thats what I call great impact!” Theresa Spralling, AT&T Diversity & Inclusion
LOCAL SCHOOLS
- Blount High School
- Williamson High School
- Murphy High School
- Vigor High School
- Alabama School of Mathematics & Science
- LeFlore High School
- Rain High School
[tweetthis]@ATT sponsored viewing of @HiddenFigures to hundreds of @MobilePublicSch students. @exploreFCG [/tweetthis]
WHY HIDDEN FIGURES?
“Hidden Figures” starring Taraji P Henson (Katherine G. Johnson), Octavia Spencer (Dorothy Vaughan) and Janelle Monáe (Mary Jackson), a trio of Nasa scientists who each played their part in sending astronaut John Glenn (the first American to orbit the Earth) into space in 1962. This movie was based on Margot Lee Shetterly’s non-fiction book, Hidden Figures, about African American mathematicians who worked at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) during the Space Race, a program sending astronaut John Glenn (the first American to orbit the Earth) into space in 1962.
GUEST SPEAKERS
- Glyn Agnew, Regional Director – AT&T Alabama Legislative & External Affairs
- Gigi Armbrecht – Retired AT&T
- Dr. Raoul Richardson, Research Scientist – Baheth R&D Laboratories, LTD.
- Dr. Jeremiah Newell, Chief Operating Officer – Mobile Area Education Foundation
- Chandra Scott, Director Strategic Outcomes – Mobile Area Education Foundation
- Dr. Joycelyn Finley-Hervey, Chair Department of Interdisciplinary Studies – University of South Alabama
“It was an enormous and transformative experience to share the theater with so many bright young people for the screening of “Hidden Figures”. I remain very grateful to Glyn Agnew, GiGi Armbrecht and AT&T for presenting the opportunity to share such a compelling story having both significant historical and cultural value. We organizationally are particularly committed to STEM related academic pursuits and in particular as it relates to engaging the next generation. Which is why we are so actively involved and supportive of efforts which can stimulate young people to pursue studies and perhaps ultimately carers in these fields.” Dr. Raoul Richardson, Research Scientist – Baheth R&D Laboratories, LTD
SYLVIA’S OVERVIEW
This film is a great way to introduce STEM to the classroom; a widely used cu
rriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines — science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This is an interdisciplinary and applied approach.
Some educators believe that the airing of this film could inspire young African American girls, an under represented group, to pursue careers in STEM.
I was very honored to be contacted by Brian J. Packer of Flowers Communications Group, an award-winning, Chicago-based multicultural PR & integrated marketing agency. He was looking for a local African American blogger to cover this special event and researched and found my blog.
Sylvia Browder is CEO of Specialty Home Services LLC, a Home Improvement Company; a Small Business Consultant at Browder Consulting Group, a startup consultancy firm to help women with startup assistance, marketing, website and graphic design work and other support services. In addition, she has co-authored several published books; publisher of ‘Sylvia Browder’s Blog for Women Entrepreneurs’ a lifestyle blog; and publisher of ShopSpendBlack.com Business Directory & Blog platform created to help consumers find black owned businesses in a searchable format. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 30 years; 5 adult children and 5 grandchildren; church; friends and motorcycle riding.
