Florida Tech students are honoring and celebrating Black excellence, innovation and representation in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields with the Black Student Union’s Black in STEM Celebration from 2-7 p.m. Feb. 28 on Panther Plaza. The event is free to attend and open to the public.
The event debuted in 2022 and has become a campus tradition. This year, it will feature a panel discussion with three distinguished STEM professionals: Ramone Hemphill Sr., ‘22 MBA, an aerospace engineer manager at Northrop Grumman; Karnetria Barnett, a software quality engineer at GE Vernova; and Elsie Adu, a software engineer at L3Harris.
Attendees can also look forward to local vendors, games and food trucks, as well.
On the menu is Smokin Coles BBQ, Soul Sushi, Hunnyz Wingz N Thingz and MK Famous Italian Ice.
There will be live music by R&B artist Goldyn and face painting, a photo booth and corn hole.
The event is organized by Black Student Union representatives Rachel Velazquez, Kiahna Taylor, Danae Butler, Richyia Hamilton and faculty advisor Rolanda Hatcher-Gallop. They believe representation matters and that celebrating Black excellence in STEM is “empowering the future,” Velazquez said.
“When Black students see professionals who look like them excelling in science, technology, engineering and math, it shows them that they belong in those spaces and that they can accomplish whatever they want,” Velazquez said. “Sometimes Black professionals have made impacts in STEM, but their achievements are often overlooked. Events like Black in STEM Day are important to create a space to honor those contributions and inspire future black professionals.”
