Unconventional Pathways to Triumph in Diversity and STEM – Ep 011

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In this episode, I talk with Jamelle H. Ellis, Ph.D., founder and CEO of Empowerment Strategies, LLC and senior scientist at Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP), about the vital role of diversity and inclusion in STEM and the unconventional pathways to success in science and engineering.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Unconventional Pathways

Unconventional Pathways

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Jamelle:

  • Can you share insights on both conventional and unconventional pathways to attaining success?
  • What motivated you to pursue a career in your field, especially with a focus on conservation?
  • How are minorities and women currently involved in science and engineering?
  • What is your greatest accomplishment and, conversely, your greatest setback?
  • Have you faced doubts or imposter syndrome, and if so, can you offer one tip on overcoming them?
  • What advice would you give young girls and women aspiring to careers in science and engineering?
  • What key message or takeaway would you like to convey to our listeners?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Unconventional Pathways to Triumph in Diversity and STEM:

  • Life isn’t a straight line from A to B — it’s more like a spaghetti noodle with twists and turns. Plan but stay flexible. Explore your purpose and mix traditional choices with a bit of unconventional thinking to tackle life’s challenges.
  • Jamelle’s upbringing, shaped by farming grandparents and a landscape design venture, ignited a passion for environmental stewardship. Now with the TRCP, they leverage a family history of hunting to advocate for conservation, especially among minorities, continuing a lifelong commitment to caring for the environment.
  • There’s a shortage of people entering STEM, especially from underrepresented communities. Women make up 25% of STEM, and African Americans and Hispanics less than 10%. Diversity in STEM is crucial for innovation, as teams with equal gender representation generate 41% of revenue from women’s ideas. Both corporations and employees must address this issue to solve a broader range of problems aligned with the country’s demographics.
  • Jamelle raised three kids while pursuing advanced degrees and a meaningful career with their spouse. Balancing personal and professional commitments, Jamelle takes pride in encouraging their children’s independence. Despite ongoing challenges with imposter syndrome, Jamelle channels these experiences into initiatives like empowering girls in STEM, aiming to guide them through self-doubt and inspire the pursuit of their dreams.
  • Being a minority in STEM means focusing on continuous self-improvement rather than comparisons. In larger institutions, finding your space is crucial, and colleges should prioritize retention programs for minority students. Seek support through societies, mentors, and personal purpose. Approach life as a continual self-improvement game, building on your own skill set.
  • Explore curiosity beyond your usual spaces, whether you’re a student or a professional. Seek mentors from diverse backgrounds and transition from mentorship to advocacy for lasting support. Embrace growth beyond your comfort zone. These steps are crucial for personal and professional development.
  • Embrace and enjoy the journey, even amid daily challenges in academics or work. Real growth happens in moments of stress and stepping out of the comfort zone. Find joy in the process, appreciating it as stepping stones toward your goals.

More Details in This Episode…

About the Guest: Jamelle H. Ellis, Ph.D.

Empowerment StrategiesDr. Jamelle H. Ellis has more than 20 years of experience in the environmental field, with engineering and science roles in academia, private, and public sectors. Her portfolio includes contaminant delineation, environmental exposures to human populations, and the conservation of natural resources. She is a dedicated environmental scientist, currently serving as the senior scientist for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP), a national conservation organization with a mission to guarantee all Americans quality places to hunt and fish by strengthening laws, policies, and funding that affect fish and wildlife conservation and access based on the best available science.

She is also the founder of Empowerment Strategies, LLC, an environmental sustainability consulting firm in operation since 2018, and The SPARK Institute, a nonprofit organization with the mission to grow a passion for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in underrepresented youth and help prepare future leaders in STEM careers.

She earned her M.S. in Environmental Engineering and Science from Clemson University, where she studied spectral evaluation of in-situ petroleum products at the Department of Energy Savannah River Site. Her Ph.D. is in Environmental Health Sciences from the University of South Carolina, where she studied exposures to methylmercury through fishing and fish consumption patterns in SC Sea Island communities. Dr. Ellis is a native of Charleston, SC. She currently resides in Blythewood, SC, with her husband and best friend. They have three amazing young adult children who make her proud daily because of their character, curiosity, and genuine caring for the people they impact.

About the Host: Tiffani Teachey

Women in EngineeringTiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z,” the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three empowerment books. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. Tiffani is the owner of Thrive Edge Publishing and owner/publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering as well as a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is currently a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

As an engineer with more than 19 years of experience, Tiffani is passionate about inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift – 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book at www.stemistheway.com.

Sources/References:

Empowerment Strategies, LLC
Empowerment Strategies for Girls
Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP)
Spark Institute
ISO 14001
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC)
Medical University of South Carolina
Connect with Jamelle H. Ellis, PhD, on LinkedIn

This Episode Is Brought to You by PS&S

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We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you can share on unconventional pathways to triumph in diversity and STEM.

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