Meet Our Leadership

Meet Loretta

It was in the wake of my middle school science teaching experience that I realized girls that look like me were not engaged in science and ran from math. Although I saw this in previous positions as the first Black higher education director of development and a resource development director in non-profit, I remember Kelly's IMPACT on me as a middle school science educator.

A Central State University alumna, Cornell University Research Scholar, member of professional industry organizations, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., National Speakers Association and a community advocate, having a 6-grade girl, who was shy with me, at first yet lit up with me, one-on-one, was a challenge I was built for.  She struggled with applying the content, terms, and formulas.  If math was involved, she rarely raised her hand.  She was not alone and after digging deeper, I found that many of her female peers shared the same lack of confidence, not wanting to be wrong, and frankly said, science and math are for boys. We don't like taking things apart. It's boring.

I couldn't believe it. I love science and math!

Between May 2009 and May 2015, STEM occupations in the United States grew by 10.5 % compared with 5.2 % growth in non-STEM occupations, and at more than double the rate of non-STEM jobs, according to a 2017 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics with 3.8 million jobs needed in STEM workforce.  The report also found that the national average wage for STEM occupations was nearly double the national average wage for non-STEM occupations. But it is not an inclusive industry. Women of color make up only 12 % of STEM professionals. Education Week, 2019.

Furthermore, women makeup 48% of entry-level jobs compared to 51% of men but only rise to 21% of c-suite positions compared to 79% for men. This number is even less for women of color as one moves from an entry-level to a manager, senior manager, director, VP, SVP to C-suite, according to the Women in Workplace 2019 study.  Therefore, as a DEI & Nonprofit Strategist, STEM Influencer & Community Builder, I've committed my career in making sure that every girl (rising leadHER) that's in my reach, gains exposure with access to tools, tips, strategies and networks so she gains necessary self-awareness & confidence that strengthens and builds her toolkit now, like Kelly.  Kelly graduated from high school and with honors, A's in math and science, leading on her Debate Team, and now pursuing a college degree in Veterinary/Animal Science.

With your donations and partnerships, girls like Kelly become leadHERs today building a better family, business, economics and community for us all.