FK Architecture Inspires Young Women at American Heart Association’s STEM Goes Red Event
Fostering interest among young girls and women in the STEM fields remains one of our firm’s priorities. This year, we celebrated International Women's Day by attending the American Heart Association's STEM Goes Red Event at the Orlando Science Center. The program encourages young women to pursue STEM careers. Shelbee Bullock, our Marketing Communications Manager, participated in an in-person mentorship event with nearly two dozen middle-school students from the Orange County Public Schools (OPCS) Academic Center for Excellence. Shelbee participated in four successful breakout sessions on March 8, each focusing on one of the pillars of STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
The OCPS Academic Center for Excellence, an Orlando public school, has a 97 percent minority enrollment rate. The majority of students come from economically disadvantaged homes, and they may need more resources to pursue STEM careers. By engaging with students and demonstrating that girls and women can thrive in these fields, regardless of their economic background, Shelbee aimed to inspire the next generation to lean into what they are passionate about.
"Don't worry so much about the 'I wonder what they think of me,'" Shelbee said. "The people who value you and want to invest in you, personally or professionally, will let you know how they feel about you in a way that makes you feel confident."
It is that very level of confidence that Shelbee aimed to inspire in her young students at the Orlando Science Center event. In her work, Shelbee focuses on creating and fostering confidence internally with her team and within the network of outside professionals crucial to her success as a marketer. As part of her duties at FK Architecture, Shelbee continually raises awareness of the firm's efforts in different industry sectors. By sharing her experiences, Shelbee successfully inspired middle-school girls to contemplate the practical applications of mathematics, engineering, science, and technology related to work in the field.
Shelbee's sessions also addressed important notions of teamwork and taking charge, which are applicable across all fields and aspects of life. "It was fascinating to see which students would take leadership in their small groups and which would quietly take it all in like it was something they were hearing for the very first time," Shelbee said. "My favorite part of the day was watching the minds of these young women click for different subjects and interests."
Shelbee believes that no matter your specific background, you can apply what you know and be creative to serve a greater mission.
"The best part about my career journey is that opportunities in the STEM field presented themselves to me," she said. "My colleagues work in architecture planning and design, and while they physically plan and design projects, my role as a marketing communications manager consists of designing and planning marketing campaigns surrounding those projects."
The American Heart Association is celebrating its 100-anniversary, and FK Architecture is honored to have been selected to participate in this event during such a monumental year. Congratulations to the American Heart Association on their STEM Goes Red Event. We look forward to participating next year!