In partnership with Old Dominion University (ODU), the Art of Living Foundation (AOFL) is hosting the World Culture Festival (WCF) Hampton Roads (HR) Edition. The WCF HR Host Committee (https://worldculturefest.org/the-event/participate/) is composed of extraordinary leaders in the Hampton Roads region, including Provost Dr. Austin Agho. As part of the WCF HR, a series of Diversity Dialogues are planned, and an upcoming one at ODU is focused on Diversity in STEM. We have a diverse, qualified, and an exceptional panel for this event. The Center for Faculty Development (CFD) and the Office of Faculty Diversity and Retention (OFDR) along with our Provost's office will be hosting this event. Below are the details of the event:
Title: World Culture Festival Diversity Dialogue - Power of Diversity and Inclusion in STEM: Progress, Challenges and Next Steps
Sponsor/Venue: Old Dominion University—Webb Center North Café
Host: Dr. Austin Agho, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Old Dominion University
Lead Organizers:
o Dr. Sharan Asundi, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
o Dr. Annette Finley-Croswhite, Director, Center for Faculty Development; Professor of History, University Professor
o Dr. Shanda Jenkins, Director, Office of Faculty Diversity and Retention
Time: 1.5 hours
Date and Time: November 17th, 5:00 PM 7:00 PM
Event Synopsis - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields are the foundation for all new technological insights and discoveries. Innovations in STEM have positively impacted human lives, wellbeing and the economy. STEM professionals fuel our nation's economic growth and drive innovation. Though progress has been made with inclusion of diverse populations in STEM, Hispanic and Black workers are underrepresented in the STEM workforce. Women, especially women of color are still underrepresented in math, physical sciences, computing and engineering. National Academy of Sciences research reveals that a more diverse team is likely to outperform a homogeneous team. Increasing diversity in STEM is critical to our scientific, economic, and social progress, and requires attention and action.
Our esteemed panelists include:
Dr. Gail Dodge, Dean, College of Sciences, Old Dominion University
Ms. Annelies Richmond, Director at SKY Campus Happiness Program, Public Speaker, Wellness Expert and Leadership Coach, Art of Living Foundation
Mr. Clayton Turner, Director, NASA Langley Research Center
Dr. Milton Brown, Vice Dean for Research at Eastern Virginia Medical School
Mr. Charles (Chuck) English, Interim Director & CEO of the Virginia Air & Space Science Center
The speakers will present STEM diversity progress made in their institutions, and initiatives that are underway to address the challenges to improve diversity. The presentations will be followed by discussion and Q & A from the audience. This event will be an engaging and promote the benefits and broader impacts of diversity in STEM