On Thursday, November 17, 2022, AAUW Greensboro in collaboration with the Nehemiah Community Empowerment Center and ApprenticeshipNC hosted the 2nd Annual Phenomenal Women in STEM event.  The event celebrated Women in Apprenticeship Day during National Apprenticeship Week. National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is a nationwide celebration where industry, workforce, education and government industries come together to showcase the value of Registered Apprenticeship.

As part of the Women in Nontraditional Careers initiative, the event focused on the enrichment and empowerment of women and minorities in STEM related career fields.

The event featured the following speakers:  Dr. Danielle Harrison, Interim Director –

GuilfordWorks, City of Greensboro Workforce Dev. Board

Dr. Holly Pore, CTE Director – Guilford County Schools

 Keynote speaker:  Dr. Sherine Obare, Dean of the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

Tiffany N. Jacobs, AAUW Greensboro – Women in Nontraditional Careers Committee Chair served as moderator.  Tiffany is the AAUW North Carolina Diversity Chair and an AAUW National Inclusion & Equity committee member.

The guest speakers shared information on topics such as:  the benefits of apprenticeship programs, the need for more diversity and equitable access to career opportunities, and how apprenticeship can be a pathway to a thriving career for both students and adults; while helping to close the skills gap and meet industry needs of employers. Each of the speakers also shared their personal stories of how being an African-American female impacted them in their career pursuits and leadership roles.

The event was a huge success!  Among the attendees was Congressional Aide, Giovanni Gerald, who attended on behalf of Representative Kathy Manning of North Carolina’s Congressional District 6.  Congresswoman, Kathy Manning sent a letter of support for the event and Gov. Roy Cooper issued a State Proclamation in recognition of National Apprenticeship Week.  Pat Ashe, AAUW NC President, issued a Proclamation in support of National Apprenticeship Week on behalf of AAUW of North Carolina.

 Submitted by:  Tiffany N. Jacobs (See proclamations attached)