MARCH 2021 ISSUE 18 AUM NEWSLETTER Check out what we've been up to this month |
|
|
AUM IS IN THE AIR We stand tall this month like the tulip reaching for the sun through the weeds. We are on the cusp of vaccinations, graduations, and introductions of new students. We are so proud of the progress made by our students this year even through the hurdles they endured. The students are starting to identify and unveil their true potential. All have a plan in motion for their continued education and we are excited to see them take flight soon with a new look of confidence. Two more classes to go before graduation. While difficult to prepare goodbyes to the class of 2021, it's time to say hello to the new recruits. Applications are in and the class of 2022 is being formed. Stay tuned for the announcement of next year's class. During the month of March, we give a little extra attention to all of the amazing accomplishments of strong, determined women. Since 1987, the United States has formally recognized March as National Women’s History Month. Every woman has a story to tell and gifts to share with the world. So get ready, because this month is about honoring magnificent ladies, and we are ready to celebrate it to the fullest. Wait long enough and you are sure to see some of our students make their way to the history books as their success stories emerge. |
|
|
ALUMNI CORNER LASONYA SPEARS Hello AUM Supporters! I wanted to give you an update on how things are going. I am working at the Urgent Care with Dr. Shah and Dr. Heather and things are going amazing! I’m learning so much and the staff there are so kind and helpful. I am still at Calhoun but I am transferring to UAH for the fall of 2021 and have decided to sign with the National Guard in hopes of getting into the Physician's Assistant program they offer after I graduate college. Thank you again for all that you do! Sincerely, LaSonya Spears |
|
|
AUMpalooza - an invitation to empower! The event formerly known as Women & Wine -- New name, New location, Same great cause! |
|
|
COMMUNITY SPONSOR We expand the efforts of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion organization through a developed and engaged global workforce and workplace, building leadership capability and organizational capacity. The word equity in DE&I stands for fair treatment for all, while striving to identify and eliminate inequities and barriers. We achieve superior business results in a global, equitable marketplace by leveraging a diverse and inclusive workforce. |
|
|
A special thank you to our Northrup Grumman representative, Dr. Erica Hopkins. Dr. Hopkins is a corporate citizenship professional at Northrop Grumman Corporation. In this role she is responsible for establishing corporate citizenship strategy at key sites including: Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Mississippi and St. Augustine, Florida. She works with executives to establish chartable budget plans, build community partnerships and develop civic leadership opportunities. Dr. Hopkins is also responsible for promoting community involvement amongst leaders and employees, while implementing K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) education strategy. |
|
|
Interview & Resume Writing Class As told by mentee Franscine Garcia Interviewing and resume writing are vital to professional success, so this class was highly valuable. We practiced marketing ourselves by recognizing our strengths as well as opportunities for growth. We also learned how to tailor our resumes to fit the positions to which we wanted to apply. |
|
|
The presenters focused on how to ace the interview process, from researching both the companies’ and our own online presences beforehand to dressing professionally and answering questions with confidence. This workshop was engaging and provided knowledge that we must soon implement, and I am very grateful that I could attend it. A special thank you to the following NASHRM & Women Business leaders who presented: Natalie Muller-Johnson, Director of Global People Operations at Fandom, Inc. base LaQueta Ward, Director of Diversity and Compliance at biotechnology firm Discovery Life Sciences Alethia Jordan, Human Resources Assistant at QuantiTech, LLC Riunita Martin, PHR, Human Resource Practitioner, Bevilacqua Research Corporation (BRC) Tori Lovell, HR Manager at WellStone Behavioral Health April Amos, Senior HR Generalist, Technology Service Corporation Alden Cayse, Owner, Unicorn Writer Samantha Brinkley, MA, SHRM-SCP, CEO & HR Business Advisor, Rocket City HR Becky Tipton, SHRM-SCP, HR Business Advisor, Rocket City HR |
|
|
The brilliant Alden Cayse taught our students why a LinkedIn profile is important and how to create an excellent profile. Alden Cayse is the owner of Unicorn Writer and a marketer + copywriter + editor. She helps amazing brands build trust with their target audience, establish data-based marketing and communication strategies, and achieve their business goals. She also mentors and supports new copywriters and job seekers to help them build profitable, fulfilling businesses and careers. |
|
|
Leading & Learning for an Inclusive Society As told by mentee, Brooklyn Crutcher |
|
|
On February 20th ,2021, Our class was the “Leading & Learning for an Inclusive Society”. During the class we talked about the –isms such as racism, sexism, socialism and more. We also talked about stereotypes and how to respect each other’s boundaries. We were given activities such as being put into a group with our race, and writing down things that were stereotypes about our group. At the end we all came together and presented to help each other realize how what we say can truly hurt another group and to raise awareness. During this class we also talked about problems in our community. We were put into groups to focus on an issue and my group chose the issue of food waste. This class really opened my eyes and inspired me to do more for our community and to give back. As of right now I am currently starting out small by buying little snacks and giving them to whoever I see in need. I hope that one day in the future I will be able to do more and bring the rest our community in on this idea and help out as well. I am very appreciative of not only the AUM Foundation, but this class specifically because it helped me get a better understanding of the world and how I could make a change to help those around me as well. Thank you to the following community leaders who led small group discussions about their own activism and that of our future leaders: Laura Hall, Alabama Democratic State Representative Rachel Wingfield Ballard, PhD, Director of Equity & Innovation of Madison City School Erica Hopkins, Corporate Citizenship Specialist, Northrop Grumman & Elected Council Official Melissa Morrison-Ellis, Program Director Raytheon Technologies Dexter Strong, Director of Communications at Alabama Democratic Party John Allen, CEO of Huntsville Committee of 100 A BIG THANK YOU to our seminar sponsor Northrop Grumman for making all this possible and for providing us with the opportunity to learn and grow. |
|
|
MY WHYMentors and Mentees share why they support AUM Foundation |
|
|
Erica McClain - Mentor 20-21 I joined AUM based on feedback I heard from a coworker, who had been a mentor in prior years. I realized the importance of mentorship as I went through my studies in Electrical Engineering at Tennessee State University. Completing my undergraduate degree would have been much more difficult without the support and mentorship I received in the academic environment. I knew that I would give back when afforded the same opportunity. AUM has given me that space to give back and mentor young ladies. More importantly it has allowed me to form lifetime bonds with wonderful girls who are on track to change the world! |
|
Kirsten Tigner - Mentee 20-21 I was unsure about joining the AUM foundation until I attended the informational meeting and learned of the lifetime of opportunities. Not only would I receive a scholarship, but I would also have a mentor, educational advice, a laptop, and a network of people who could benefit me in my future. The AUM foundation is not just a 1 year program but a lifetime program. From this program I have gained a better understanding of what I want to do in life and I have people right beside me to lead me on my way. |
|
|
|
|
