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
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
-
Health1 week agoAstraZeneca withdraws COVID vaccines after millions took their jabs
-
Caribbean News7 days agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
TCI News6 days agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News6 days agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
TCI News4 days agoAMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS
-
Caribbean News7 days agoMagnetic Media attends Caribbean Media Summit, in focus AI in Journalism
-
world news1 week agoElectricity Access for 600 Million a goal of UN Sustainability Week
-
Bahamas News6 days agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays