Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Aerospace Engineer and STEM Champion to Deliver UB Commencement Address
#TheBahamas, May 24, 2021 – Bahamian-American aerospace engineer and entrepreneur Aisha Bowe will address more than 600 members of the Spring 2021 Commencement Class of University of The Bahamas (UB) during the university’s virtual commencement ceremony scheduled for 27th May 2021.
An enthusiastic advocate of increasing underrepresented communities in the Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) field, Ms. Bowe is the Chief Executive Officer of STEMBoard, a technology solutions company that creates smart systems and solutions for large-scale government and private-sector clients. She once served as an aerospace engineer at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the United States.
The Spring 2021 Commencement Class is UB’s second cohort of graduands completing their academic requirements since the COVID-19 pandemic, a lingering national and international crisis. Ms. Bowe will speak on the theme, “Unleashing Our Creativity: The Key to A Sustainable Future” and will impart advice and lessons to help guide graduating seniors as they embark on a new path in an era of grave uncertainty, turmoil and opportunity.
Born in the United States to a working-class family whose patriarch was born and raised in The Bahamas, Ms. Bowe was driven by a desire to achieve her dreams in spite of other people’s doubts and the challenges of navigating environments where few people looked like her. Her mantra, “You belong in any room you choose to enter” reflects the realization she gained from her academic and professional experiences, that belief and persistence are integral ingredients for achieving one’s goals.
Ms. Bowe earned both a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering (B.S.E) and a Masters in Space Systems Engineering (M. Eng.), from the University of Michigan, before beginning a high profile, prestigious, and transformative career at NASA. She joined NASA’s Ames Research Center, which is well known for its world-class research in air traffic management, conducted in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to make air travel safer, less expensive and more efficient for the flying public.
While at Ames, she worked as a Mission Engineer on Nanosatellite programs, before serving as a published researcher in the Flight Trajectory Dynamics & Controls Branch of the Aviation Systems Division. Her work focused on developing methods to maintain safe separation of air traffic and optimize fuel consumption within automated systems. Six years after serving at NASA and determined to help inspire and make space for other minorities in technology, she founded STEMBoard, an engineering solutions company, where she currently serves as CEO. A primary mandate of her organization is to ‘democratize technology’ by inspiring those from under-represented communities to pursue STEM careers. In 2020, STEMBoard ranked in the top half of Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies in America.
A thought leader, visionary and philanthropist, Ms. Bowe has worked over the years to raise the profile of STEM and encourage Bahamians to aspire towards these careers. She also created the Hack<IT> STEM camp in The Bahamas with a focus on introducing hundreds of Bahamian youth to these career options.
More recently, in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, STEMBoard launched LINGO, a self-paced, at-home coding kit, to help support educators and students in the new remote and hybrid educational structures imposed by distance learning. Today, LINGO is used by students worldwide and is the chosen academic support tool of various private and public schools across the United States, non-profit institutions, as well as programs sponsored by tech giants including Microsoft and General Electric.
Ms. Bowe is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). She has received numerous awards to her credit including: The 2020 Outstanding Alumna Award – University of Michigan Engineering; The 40 Under 40: Tech Diversity in Silicon Valley; U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce Emerging Star Award; and NASA’s Engineering Honor Award.
In addition to the virtual commencement ceremony for New Providence on 27th May, UB’s Spring 2021 Commencement events include the traditional Baccalaureate Service and Teachers Commissioning Ceremony (25th May); School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions Ceremony and Awards Ceremony (26th May) and the University of The Bahamas-North Commencement Ceremony (3rd June). The events will be live streamed and held via a virtual meeting platform. All information is available at www.ub.edu.bs
Photo Caption: Ms. Aisha Bowe, chief executive officer of STEMBoard
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor is proud to announce the launch of Monument Beverage Co., its newest 100% locally produced ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktail.
Monument, “Made to Celebrate”, perfectly encapsulates everything the brand represents. Created and distributed by CWS, Monument is
inspired by culture, crafted with excellence and bursting with innovation.
This unique beverage celebrates island living with three bold flavors, Ginger Lime, Peach Passion and Melon Fizz. All of which can be enjoyed at an ABV of five-point-two percent.
The brand’s creativity really shines through each can’s packaging. Bold colored stripes, cherished native flora and fauna and of course, national monuments can all be found on each can.
The beverage’s two year plus development is a testament to CWS’ dedication to quality and innovation. Countless hours of tastings, reformulations, focus groups and package design reviews all paid off with the creation of Monument.
Karla Wells-Lisgaris, Chief Commercial Officer of Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, shared what this authentically Bahamian made product launch means for the company.
“When we were conceptualizing Monument, we wanted to create a product that not only tasted like The Bahamas but would be an ode to the
nation as well. With those two thoughts in mind, I, along with a team of experts, created three incredible flavors we believe really connect with and celebrate the essence of island living,” she said.
“Additionally, being that Monument is the first product to be 100% manufactured by Caribbean Wines & Spirits, we really wanted to ensure that both the flavors and packaging honored our rich heritage. On each of the cans, you can find various monuments such as the Nassau Public Library in New Providence, the Garden of the Grove in Grand Bahama and the Hatchet Bay Silos in Eleuthera; all of which pay homage to our diverse Bahamian heritage.” Wells-Lisgaris concluded.”
The historic monuments found throughout our islands are more than places we pass every day; they are reminders of who we are, where we’ve come from and the stories that connect us as Bahamians.
Monument is perfectly formulated with quality ingredients, and each can celebrates a collection of these cultural icons from across The Bahamas.
Whether chilling solo beachside, gathered around a family table or backyard a grill with friends, make Monument your sip of choice. Monument is made to celebrate, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today for more details.
NASSAU, Bahamas —– Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to crown Lady
Kayla of Exuma as this year’s annual Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup winner.
CBC created the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup to further the advancement of sailing and Bahamian culture through monetary and social support. The competition judges the skipper’s performance across three regattas, The Best of the Best, the National Family Island and Long Island Regattas.
The winning sloop led by Kianno Hutchinson and Joss Knowles showcased their skillmanship in the E-Class category across each round of competition. In addition to winning the trophy, the skippers were awarded a $5,000 donation, an $8,000 stipend to the junior sailing club of their island and a limited-edition Lady Kayla Bahamas Goombay Punch commemorative can, which will be released soon.
Jonathan Thronebury, Marketing Director of CBC shared the significance behind The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.
“The Bahamas Goombay Punch is more than a beloved local brand; it’s a vibrant part of our cultural fabric. Just like sailing, our national sport, it carries a rich legacy that spans generations. Recognizing this shared history, we’re proud to support initiatives that celebrate and advance Bahamian culture,” he said.
Hutchinson and Knowles shared what this win meant for them.
“I felt super proud when I realized we won. I am grateful and thankful to God, for good coaches and Joss. It was really an honor winning the
Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup,” Hutchinson expressed.
“I am very honored to have been able to compete in the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup, I think it is a great concept and idea for a competition and really adds a new motive throughout the regattas. The whole championship was super competitive, and every single race was a fight. Alvington McKenzie was extremely competitive and had us until the Long Island regatta, which made it a very fun and tough competition. Very excited to have been the winner of a super close championship,” Knowles revealed.
Lady Kayla’s owner, Dallas Knowles, shared the team’s winning strategy.
“In sailing consistency is key and our guys in Lady Kayla are some of the best in the business at staying near the top. In the end, that was enough to secure their first Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup win. We are so proud of Joss and Kianno for what they have done in Lady Kayla. Thank you to Caribbean Bottling Company for such an amazing and forward-thinking initiative,” Knowles shared.
The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup is proud to continue its impact on sailing and community building through clean and fair competition.
For more updates on the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup and Caribbean Bottling Company visit the website www.cbcbahamas.com today.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.
Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable
Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.
The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.
Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.
Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.
“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.
Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.
“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.
CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.
For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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