A group of 30 students from Florida’s Putnam and Volusia counties recently participated in a presentation by a panel of women who work at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The 11 to 13-year-old middle school scholars are part of Delta Academy and the 14 to 18-year-old high school students are part of Delta GEMS. Both are African-American women’s mentoring programs.
The group took part in a space and science demonstration program at Kennedy’s Center for Space Education followed by a panel presentation on making career choices and encouraging interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
According to Lalita Thomas, an advisor from Putnam County, young women are given the chance to hear about different career paths. It is part of the Professional African-American Women’s Tour that takes place during March each year through the Delta Academy/GEMS program.
“This is a great opportunity for the students to be exposed to different career choices,” she said.
The Delta Academy/GEMS approach focuses on helping students form a “road map” for college and career planning. One step down that path was hearing from three NASA professionals who provided insights and encouragement to the students to work hard toward whatever their career choice may be.
“I was in the 10th or 11th grade when I first started thinking about a career,” said Ledlyne Heriscar, an electrical systems engineer in the Communications and Tracking Branch of NASA Engineering and Technology. “My suggestion is to think about what you’d like to do and find out what you need to study for that kind of job.”
She explained that having a mentor — a wise and trusted teacher or counselor — was a key help in getting her ambitions pointed in the right direction.
“When I was in my sophomore year of high school, my math teacher really encouraged me,” Heriscar said. “She knew I liked the subject and suggested I consider engineering.”
Heriscar went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Central Florida and went on to the University of Miami where she received a master’s in industrial engineering. She now has worked at Kennedy for nine years, with both the Space Program Operations contractor United Space Alliance and NASA.
Kim Carter, a Business Office supervisor and program analyst in NASA Information Technology and Communications Services, agreed that mentors can play an important role in setting a direction for a career.
“You need mentors,” she said. “I knew in high school, there is no way I can make all the decisions on my own. I had to depend on others, and many of my teachers helped me along the way.”
Carter attended Tuskegee University where she received a degree in electrical engineering.
“Now, even though I’ve been with the federal government for 25 years,” she said, “I still have mentors helping me along.”
Benita Desuza, a lead program specialist in NASA Education Programs and University Research, noted that there may be times of discouragement, but she urged the young women to persevere.
“Know what you want to do and don’t let obstacles stop you,” she said. “If you are struggling in a subject (in school), get a tutor. Don’t let that define you.”
Desuza, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Jackson State University, praised the Delta GEMS program.
“GEMS does a great job encouraging interest in math and science,” she said.
Heriscar added that concentrating now on academic subjects needed to prepare for a chosen career will be worthwhile.
“Develop good study habits now and that will pay off in the future,” she said.
The Delta Academy/GEMS is affiliated with the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. The organization was founded in 1913 by students at Howard University by young women who wanted to use their collective efforts to promote academic excellence, as well as provide scholarships and support to underserved students.