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HEIDI CRESSMAN UNIVERSITY OF AKRON'S DIRECTOR INSPIRES MORE WOMEN INTO ENGINEERING CLEVELAND TAKES OVER THE LITERARY SCENE DURING BOOK WEEK
MARY LOBO CHIEF OF THE TEST FACILITY MANAGEMENT BRANCH NASA GLENN RESEARCH CENTER
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Founder / Publisher ™
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Shelley M. Shockley
Managing Editor Writers Shelley M. Shockley Kimberly Smith-Woodford Marsha Walker Eastwood Brittany Garrett
www.phenomenalwoman.me Creative Bele’ Wondwossen
Cover Story: PWM TEAM Photo: Jason Garrett
Contributing Writers Marianna Marron Letitia Nall Rhonda Crowder Michelle Phillips Fay Stephanie Phelps
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Inspiring Women To Reach Their Highest Potential!
Phenomenal Woman Magazine A subsidiary of Atlantic Creative Productions 5247 Wilson Mills Road #141 Cleveland, OH 44143
©2018 Phenomenal Woman Magazine. All rights reserved ISSN 2330-2534 (Print) ISSN 2330-2550 (Online)
Material may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form of this publication without prior permission from the publisher. Produced and printed in OHIO, USA.
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From the Editor: Shelley M. Shockley LET'S RENEW OUR COMMITMENT TO STEM
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o be an analytical problem solver is the basis of many of the careers associated with STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) yet women and minorities are lagging behind others in choosing careers in these areas. The disparities that exist are caused by many things yet the primary reason can be traced to the lack of diversity in these jobs. We have discussed diversity on these pages many times and at its core the lack of diversity deals with difference. While this country was built on the principle of being open to all and a melting pot; the welcome mat has been flawed since inception. In the features we have gathered for you, women have made it through the door and they are seeking to knock down barriers and serve as mentors, cheerleaders and sounding-boards for those that come after them. As women we must be advocates for one another in all careers, but in the areas of STEM it tends to be even more important and part of that is because there is a belief that women do not have the prerequisite brain power that men have. If you take a glance at businesses with in-house engineers, you will find that the percentage of women holding these positions is negligible. As you traverse through hospitals the ratio of female doctors to male is still lagging. I could go on and on, but you get the point – we have to commit to telling our little girls that the path to a job in STEM can and should include them. Locally, the University of Akron has shown they understand the disparities and are seeking to be a change agent through its “Women in Engineering” program led by Heidi Cressman. Cressman is an example of the student who worked hard to prove that she could do it and today she holds degrees in Applied 4 ▒ SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2018
Mathematics and mechanical engineering and leads a great program. The tenacity she brought to her own studies continues as she seeks to guide young women into similar careers. Our cover story features Mary Lobo of the NASA Glenn Research Center. Lobo leads the Test Facility Management Branch and as a young girl growing up in East Cleveland she looked up to pioneering astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison. The resolve of Jemison is part of the force behind Lobo's resolve to push herself, mirroring her own path in the same manner. She overcame many obstacles to achieve her goals in life and she is committed to pulling others up with her. To counter the experience she had as a young girl, Lobo is committed to being the light for those coming after her and to that end she regularly speaks to groups so that a name and face can be associated with the possibility of a career in STEM. I encourage you to read about these women as well as our other features. We offer insight on planning a financial disaster plan. We're all familiar with paying yourself first yet we often fall short of that so Marsha Eastwood's plan serves as a guide to being prepared when major obstacles arise. We also offer you a glimpse into Cleveland Book Week, and as book geek I promise it was a fantastic week full of great readings, discussions and workshops geared toward diversifying the publishing industry. As with each edition we hope you find something inside these pages that stimulates your mind, offers a solution to a dilemma you are experiencing or just opens your eyes to the greatness we each have within us. We are all capable of creating change in our communities so today take a chance and do something that not only makes you smile, but will garner the same from someone else. Until next time,
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CONTENTS
HOW TO CREATE A PERSONAL 6 FINANCIAL DISASTER PLAN
on the
COVER
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ANNUAL “STOP THE HATE” SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM 8 LAUNCHES CLEVELAND TAKES OVER THE LITERARY SCENE DURING BOOK WEEK 10 UNIVERSITY OF AKRON'S DIRECTOR HEIDI CRESSMAN INSPIRES MORE WOMEN INTO ENGINEERING 14
FALL IN LOVE WITH FALL BY BRITTANY “BLUSHING BRIT” GARRETT
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MARY LOBO CHIEF OF THE TEST FACILITY MANAGEMENT BRANCH NASA GLENN RESEARCH CENTER
FAIRYTALES DO COME TRUE!
22 MEET THE 'AMERICAN ROYAL' COUPLE KING 26& QUEEN MORTON
DELICIOUS
RECIPES
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How to Create A Personal Financial Disaster Plan By: Marsha Walker Eastwood, B.S.Ed, MSHSVC PWM Contributing Writer
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e have all heard of the importance of a rainy-day fund, aka sock money or candy to handle life's small nuisance emergencies, but what about the importance of an all-out gulley washer fund, aka personal financial disaster plan? Sock money is usually a few dollars put away here and there and left untouched until a need arises, but funding your financial disaster plan involves introspection, work and sacrifice. When the average person thinks of disasters they think of natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, forest fires, floods and even burial expenses for an uninsured loved one. The reality is any unplanned event that significantly disrupts your life can create a financial disaster. Typically, this type of event can include an emergency visit to the dentist, car repairs, emergency home repairs, food lost during a power failure and even something as simple as a prescription for new medication. Although you may have insurance to cover a portion of the expense, there is almost always an out-of-pocketdeductible to be paid up front. Many times, some of these events can occur at the same time and the question becomes where is the money going to come from. You can't rob Peter to pay Paul if Peter is broke. So how then do you create a financial disaster plan that does not include borrowing or the use of credit cards to meet these needs. It all begins with a goal, paper and pencil, revisiting your budget, introspection, sacrifice and due diligence. First things first. Realistically a goal of 1500.00 is a great ballpark figure to shoot for. If that sounds like a lot of extra money, it is easier to achieve the goal with a few lifechanging decisions. You can start by making a list of all monthly expenditures in order of priority, necessities first rent or mortgage payment, food, utilities, medications, if any are taken, and vehicle maintenance expenses. Next list the secondary expenditures – clothing, credit cards, entertainment expenses, and finally personal indulgences. While some amounts are fixed, others can be adjusted with minimal effort, so let's begin with food. When it comes to creating a food budget forget the statistics. You know how much money you must spend on food. The problem is the amount of food that is wasted adds up to wasted dollars as well. Every Wednesday the grocery sales circulars arrive in the mailbox. You see a few 6 ▒ SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2018
that seem just perfect based on cost. But what is the real cost of the items and are they all at one store or multiple stores. Grapes that are on sale for 99 cents a pound, and chicken leg quarters that are on sale for 69 cents a pound sound like real bargains, but that only holds true if the store is near you or in between your workplace and home. Otherwise you will find yourself using more gas which negates any sale prices. The same holds true with couponing. If you clip for things you don't need, you are on the fast track to reaching your budget threshold without getting the items you really need. Just think, if a family of four can save just 10 cents off the cost of each meal by drinking water instead of fruit drinks or carbonated beverages, the savings could add up to about $270.00 a year, money that can help fund your personal disaster fund. Your vehicle is an investment and as with any other investment it needs routine maintenance. By getting routine oil changes averaging $60.00 to $120.00 a year you can increase the life of the engine and overall performance that could add up to thousands of dollars depending on the needed repair. For many mechanics, oil changes give the green light for up selling, but you can avoid these charges by checking with national repair chains such as Goodyear and other tire dealerships that offer deep discounts on oil changes that include a complete free inspection of the belts, brakes, fluid levels, battery and alternator. Once again, the additional savings frees up more money for your financial disaster plan. Secondary expenditures are where the introspection and sacrifice begin. While clothing is a necessity and just like all other necessities, a budgeted amount for each family member is the best way not to overspend. Forget about trying to keep up with current fashion trends, co-workers and friends and consider instead more practical costsavingoptions. Don't purchase items on a whim, or for a one time wearing, or for some future use because it is costly and impractical. Shop for multi-seasonal items that are on sale at various times of the year. Where you shop can also make or break a budget. If you are a brand loyalist, chances are your favorite brick and mortar store will have the same items on sale online at a significantly reduced price. The same holds true for various mail order catalogs but stay away from high-end specialty clothing catalogs. Other options include consignment shops and thrift stores, many of which have up to 50% off shopping days. Many a name brand label can be also found at Savers, a national chain run by Easter Seals. You can take items you don't wear and donate them in exchange for a 20% off coupon on your next purchase. Add that to the daily 30%-50% discounts through the store and you can get twice as much for your money.
Next on the list is credit cards. Interest rates aside, let's look at how they are being used. If you are paying the minimum amount on a card and then using that amount to purchase food, toiletry items or gasoline, it is time to cut the card and the cord. You don't have to close the account, just continue to pay the minimum balance until you can either afford to pay it off entirely or the balance is paid in full.This protects not only your credit rating but your budget as well. The money you save on clothing can be used to purchase the itemsyou were putting on a credit card.It is also important to remember that when it comes to credit cards less is more- fewer cards, less payments, more money for your financial disaster fund. In 2018 very few people can imagine life without cable, internet, or some sort of streaming website, and yet the cost can quickly become prohibitive making it anything but entertaining. While the cost of smart TV's has come down significantly, the cost of cable/satellite continues to rise, but there are ways to reduce those cost. The first and least expensive one is purchasing your Cable/Wi-Fi Modem. Most cable companies don't tell their subscribers that they can purchase their own modems instead of paying the average monthly rental fee of $10. This one change can add another 120.00 to your financial disaster plan. Additional ways to save include skipping the bundles of joy and upgrades. In addition to the added cost of programming, they often include tethering you to a twoyear contract, so even if the service is not up to par, cancellation is not an option. Another way to reduce your monthly bill is to simply call your provider, tell them you
NEED to reduce your bill and ask if there are any specials. Many networks such as Showtime and Cinemax, offer three to four-month discounted rates and some providers offer a three-month good customer reduction. These interim reductions can add up to an additional $200in savings and $200 more toward your personal financial disaster plan goal. The last area that creates an opportunity to make a significant infusion of cash towards your goal are your personal indulgences – a rigid schedule of eating out one day of the weekend, expensive birthday gifts, and party favors, personal care products, make-up and colognes, bed linens, towels, wash cloths, dishes, and flatware. Most national restaurant chains have monthly specials, many that include great menu selections for $25.00 or less for two people. Gift-giving is a sign of thoughtfulness. You don't have to break the bank to show you care. Set a limit of $25.00 and when you buy the gift, make a $20contribution to your personal financial disaster fund. Party favors, balloons, and brand greeting cards can all be had for $1.00 or less at dollar stores. Creating a personal disaster plan can be funded much easier than you give it some thought, and it will surely ease the angst associated with a major financial emergency. If you continue to fund your personal financial disaster fund at a rate of 1500.00 a year in an interestbearing savings account, it will continue to grow and increase your ability to weather a major financial storm.
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ANNUAL “STOP THE HATE” SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM LAUNCHES
Essay Contest for Students Grades 6–12 Promotes Diversity & Tolerance
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scholarships, awards and anti-bias education in recognition of 6-12th grade upstanders in Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Trumbull and Wayne counties.
The Stop the Hate Launch Event welcomes 6 – 12th graders, educators, and parents interested in learning more about the contest which annually awards $100,000 in scholarships and anti-bias education grants. Past winners will read their essays and give tips for writing and presenting followed by Q&A plus Museum open house.
ABOUT THIS YEAR'S THEME Each year, a new theme is selected for students to consider. This year, the Museum honors the memory and influence of one of the most widely known young writers in history, Anne Frank. As a Jewish teenager living in hiding during the holocaust, Anne Frank wrote:
altz Museum of Jewish Heritage has began accepting applications for its annual Stop the Hate® Youth Speak Out essay writing contest.
The contest, focused on students speaking out in support of diversity and inclusion, has engaged an estimated 30,000 student participants across 12 Northeast Ohio counties and awarded $1 million to students and schools in scholarships and anti-bias education grants over the last ten years. This milestone year kicks off the second decade of the Stop the Hate, and it is as timely as ever. Last year's $40,000 grand prize winner was Hannah Shuffer of Orange High School, who wrote of her brother Nathan who has cerebral palsy, saying:
Hannah Shuffer
It is inexpressibly hard to watch people treat my brother like he has no feelings, like he is lesser than, like he is not human. I soon began to realize that like most forms of discrimination, people's preconceived notions had blinded them from truth.
Hannah's full essay reading is available on the Maltz Museum's YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.co m/watch?v=SIqiCZlbl9E) along with the other remarkable top ten finalists (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXC7moDXKS0i_ lidGW73liA?view_as=subscriber).
ABOUT STOP THE HATE® Stop the Hate® Youth Speak Out celebrates the voices of young people in Northeast Ohio standing up and speaking out against hate. By reflecting on real life situations and sharing ways to create a more inclusive community, students can win big for themselves and their schools. Each year, through the generosity of a donor, the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage gives out $100,000 in
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How lovely to think that no one need wait a moment, we can start now, start slowly changing the world! How lovely that everyone, great and small, can make their contribution toward introducing justice straight away! The application asks students to consider, “Over 75 years later, what can be learned from Anne's perspective on human nature? Can everyday, average people change the world? Think about your own life. Have you witnessed or experienced acts of injustice, racism, bigotry, or discrimination? How were you impacted by what you experienced, saw, or heard? What did you do, or what will you do, in response to these circumstances in order to create justice and positive change in your community?” In 500 words or less, students are encouraged to share their experiences and submit their essay by the deadline based on grade category. Grades 6-10 ESSAYS DUE: Wednesday, January 9, 2019; 11:59pm Grades 11 & 12 ESSAYS DUE: Wednesday, January 16, 2019; 11:59pm For more information on participation, contact Manger of Public Programs, Stop the Hate, Ben Becker at 216593-0577, bbecker@mmjh.org, or visit the Maltz Museum online at www.maltzmusuem.org/stop-thehate. ~~~~~~~ Stop the Hate® is generously sponsored by Presenting Sponsor: Dworken & Bernstein; Signature Sponsors: AB Bernstein Private Wealth Management, Nordson Corporation Foundation, and Dealer Tire. MALTZ MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE celebrates culture and identity to encourage connection and promote a greater appreciation of Jewish heritage and the diversity of the human experience. For more information, visit maltzmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter @maltzmuseum.
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Dr. Leah Lewis welcomes the audience to the Great Lakes Black Authors Expo & Writers Conference
Baba Jubal performs the "Call to Gather”
NY Times Best-selling author Tayari Jones delivers the Langston Hughes Keynote Address
CLEVELAND TAKES OVER THE LITERARY SCENE DURING BOOK WEEK By Shelley Shockley PWM Managing Editor
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he love of quality poetry, fiction and non-fiction brought hundreds of northeast Ohioans together in the city of Cleveland last month for the 3rd Annual “Cleveland Book Week” presented by The Cleveland Foundation as part of the annual AnisfieldWolf Book Awards. The week described by one attendee as “literary nirvana” gives Clevelanders an opportunity to hear from some of the best literary minds in the country in intimate settings. The Foundation marketed the event as a way to celebrate past and present Anisfield-Wolf Book winners. The winners of this prestigious award are writers whose work has made important contributions to our understanding of racism and human diversity. For 83 years, the award has been bestowed in the areas of poetry, fiction and non-fiction. The recipients include Gwendolyn Brooks, Pulitzer Prize winner Toni Morrison, Langston Hughes, Zora Neal Hurston, Zadie Smith, 10 ▒ SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2018
Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Junot Diaz. This year's recipients were Shane McCrae, for poetry; Jessmyn Ward, fiction; Kevin Young, nonfiction; and N. Scott Momaday, lifetime achievement. The awards ceremony is a free event and each year features the poetry of a student poet, emphasizing the Cleveland Foundation's commitment to youth in Cleveland and the city as a whole. This year's young poet was 10-year-old Eloise Xiang-Yu Peckham, a fifth grader at Campus International, part of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. The authors were humble in their acceptance as well as entertaining. McCrae in thanking those who have supported him during his career recited a beautiful poem for his wife, while Ward spoke of the doubts she has when writing, yet her perseverance results in award-winning books. Young added levity to the night as he recounted many of the myths and hoaxes featured in his award-winning title “Bunk, The Rise of Hoaxes, Humbug, Plagiarists, Phonies, Post-Facts, and Fake News.”
Dr. Gillian Johns, associate professor of English and Africana Studies, Oberlin College and Dr. Marilyn Sanders Mobley, professor of English at Case Western Reserve University discuss Fiction vs. Non-fiction.
At the conclusion of the awards ceremony, guests were treated to a reception and had the opportunity to purchase books and meet the authors up close during book signings. Also on hand to sign books were Anisfield-Wolf Jury Chair Henry Louis Gates Jr., and jurors former poet laureate Rita Dove and Steven Pinker. The awards were sandwiched between literary events held at local libraries, Brew Pubs, universities and cultural centers. All but two of the events were free to the public giving lovers of literature and students the opportunity to hear from and meet some of the country's most prolific writers. Karamu House hosted an evening with Shane McCrae as he read from In the Language of My Captors, his award-winning collection of poems that exams the connections between love and racism. The evening was presented with the support 12 Literary Arts a local organization bringing performance poetry to public spaces, while supporting poets and writers of all ages with youth programming, adult professional development, and brave spaces to dream, write, and teach into reality a world of social justice and equity. His presentation was moderated by local poet R.A. Washington, local poet and A Guide to Kulchur executive director. After reading from his poetry, McCrae and Washington sat down to talk with the audience in a very relaxed setting with students fielding the most questions. During a response to one of the
students seeking advice, McCrae advised that they not take his path including dropping out of high school. That one revelation allowed the listener to see this accomplished Columbia University professor and award-winning poet as just another guy who despite past mistakes has found success. Another highlight of the week was the Inaugural Great Lakes Black Authors Expo and Writers Conference. Presented by local authors Rev. Dr. Leah Lewis and Robyn Hill, the day and a half event sought to aid in creating more diversity in the publishing community. The conference featured the presentation of the Alice Dunbar Nelson Award to former poet laureate and nationally-recognized poet Rita Dove, an Akron native. The reception honoring Dove was an intimate gathering held on the campus of Case Western Reserve University and featured the poetry of Dove and Ohio Poet Laureate David Lucas. Guests were afforded the opportunity to meet and mingle with Dove, Case President Barbara Snyder, and Dr. Marilyn Mobley, vice president for Inclusion, Diversity and Equal Opportunity. The expo and conference concluded with a day of workshops and speakers supporting the overall goal to “fan the flames of the literary torch and increase the number of books written by and about African American people, specifically in Cuyahoga County to foster a culture of literacy.” Continued on next page... www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 11
The day of workshops began with a keynote address and reading by NY Times bestselling author Tayari Jones, whose most recent novel An American Marriage was chosen as an Oprah Winfrey Book Club selection. During her talk, Jones recalled taking her third book to her publisher and learning they didn't want her book because she was no longer profitable for them. This posed a serious dilemma because as a professor she needed to publish as a term of employment and even worse it could mean the end of her writing career – something she genuinely loved doing. The heartwarming part of this story was Jones recounting how her father sent copies of her book to the bookstore where she would be reading so that she would have books on hand. There were only four copies and her dad told her, “You sign those four copies and if anyone else comes up you tell them, oh my it seems I've sold out.” This was an example of others supporting her dream and her perseverance in the face of adversity. The afternoon continued with local authors and writers offering advice on everything from hiring an agent to developing a social media presence. The conference also featured a marketplace for authors and other vendors to sell their books/wares.
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East Cleveland Public Library Director Sheba Marcus-Bey and former poet laureate and Alice Dunbar Nelson Award recipient Rita Dove.
Honoree Rita Dove is joined by Yvonka Hall. executive director, NEO Black Health Coalition and Honey Bell-Bey, motivational poet, author and community advocate.
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Heidi Cressman:
University of Akron's Director -Inspires more women into engineering More women in engineering, Something That Actually Worked.... Kellan Elliot-McCrea Data from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) shows that while women comprise about 47 percent of our workforce, they hold just 24 percent of STEM occupations. The situation is even bleaker with engineering where only 16.2 percent of engineers are women. Over the last few years, innovative approaches have been made by concerned institutions like The University of Akron, to increase the number of women going into engineering, accomplishing successful results. The University of Akron (UA) which has about 22,000 students representing 45 states and 92 foreign countries, offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including many that are recognized nationally. The University, known for developing unique approaches to higher education has put in place special programs to meet its core objectives. UA should be commended for establishing a dedicated program, 'Women in Engineering' and is a clear testament to the university's commitment to inspire and get more women into engineering fields. Leading the charge is no 14 â–’ SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2018
other than Heidi Cressman, holder of degrees in applied mathematics and mechanical engineering, a combination of fields that require tremendous analytical skills. Cressman recently took some time out of her busy schedule to share with us the program she is leading and her phenomenal journey to success. Heidi's parents were German immigrants who decided to immigrate to the US some time after World War II. Her dad came here at 21, trained as a Tool and Die Maker and her mom came over at the age of 13 because there was no work for her father, also a Tool and Die Maker. Having served in the Korean War and earning his citizenship, her dad pursued an engineering degree with the G.I. Bill. Neither parent knew much about higher education until someone in their lives persuaded them that they should go to college. Her mom worked for a year to earn enough money to go to college and became a microbiologist. She worked briefly in her field but soon discovered that she was pregnant and had to leave her career. Growing up, Heidi witnessed how her mechanical engineer father constantly tinkered on gadgets to fix little problems that he would encounter at home and thought that was cool and wanted to follow in his footsteps. Although math was not her strongest subject in school, she liked it even
when it was challenging. She said “I knew that with a stable job in engineering, I would never have to rely on another person to support myself and I also appreciated the freedom that would give me.” With both fields challenging, she put herself to the task to see if she was up to it, and she successfully made it with flying colors! Cressman is deeply grateful to her parents who raised her to work hard, to do well in school, to read, and to value the gift of free education. “My parents were great examples, provided a loving home and never wavered in encouraging us to attend college. It was always the end goal.” She asserted. Following graduation, Cressman held various engineering positions and while she enjoyed her work, she was puzzled by the fact that she was the only female in her department or at engineering meetings. She said “I knew that it was crucial to get more women seated at the table for important engineering decisions because they could provide more innovative solutions and diverse perspectives thereby generating better engineering designs.” This experience pushed the engineer to do more and to ask herself the tough question, “How could I inspire more women and girls to get into engineering and how could I make a difference?” The search for a solution pointed her to the direction of The University of Akron. Cressman started mentoring at The University of Akron’s Women in Engineering program, and saw for herself the positive impact made by the program. When a part-time position was made available, she decided to go for it. The first time she was not successful and four years later when the position became available again, she was pregnant with her third child and had to forgo the application process. At that point, she also decided to leave her job as a Project Manager/Engineer to stay at home with her children while they were small. But, after eight years, she was ready to return to the workforce. The job that Cressman wanted all along was again open and it was an upgraded position. It was full-time and fully supported by The University of Akron-Women in Engineering program. The position also involved both recruiting and outreach while also focusing on retaining women in engineering. As engineers usually know the right moment, she knew that it was a perfect fit for her this time. As director of the 'Women in Engineering' program at UA, Cressman's responsibilities include helping in both the recruitment and retention of women in engineering. This includes running many outreach events in the surrounding communities and at UA that encourage girls from K-12 to pursue STEM fields but particularly engineering. She also advises female engineering students about their career choices and help them remove barriers that could hinder the journey through their academic career. She frequently speaks to teachers, parents and people in the community to help them learn how to ignite and maintain the passion in young girls who want to pursue STEM. Additionally, she takes the time to research best practices for encouraging girls to pursue STEM and puts strong effort to change the
societal stereotypes that threaten the success of women in STEM. The Women in Engineering program continues to serve as a catalyst for increasing the number of women in engineering and On Oct. 4, 2018, its 25th anniversary will be celebrated. The event will be held at Incision stadium (https://www.uakron.edu/wie25) and is going to celebrate all that has been accomplished for women at The College of Engineering throughout the past 25 years at The University of Akron. Cressman enjoys her work in that she puts extraordinary efforts to transform the lives of countless women and girls. She is pleased to see the number of women enrolled in the engineering program grew from only 287 when she arrived in 2007 to 700 this year. She also gets appreciation from those who were inspired by her program's efforts. She said “once I got a call from a teacher who heard me speak in Columbus and asked me to speak to his daughter who despite earning a high-grade point in engineering started to lose her confidence and leave her career.” Cressman took the time to discuss options with her and gave her a pep talk. Very pleased with the outcome, she said “I heard from both her and her father, and they both thanked me because she ended up graduating in engineering and had been working for a whole year in a job that she loved.” Continued on next page... www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 15
Such stories resonate with so many young women who are used to getting high marks in high school and worry that they can't be good engineers just because they get their first B. The director said “I work hard to help them see that you can still do engineering even if you are not number 1. After all, there is only one person at the top and all the rest fall below that.” Cressman concedes that many things influence a young woman's success. “Something as simple as a harsh word or a poor piece of advice can discourage a woman from completing her journey through engineering.” She said,” my work involves building trust with the engineering students so that they feel like they can talk things out with me. If that happens, then sometimes I can help and can hold on to some women who might otherwise leave.” According to Cressman, getting more women in STEM is not just about women supporting women but men supporting women too. She explained, “Parts of what affects us is societal. People have implicit biases that they are not even aware of. Like someone yelling “You run like a girl!” to a boy on the soccer field which undermines all the girls who are running fast and are on the field.” Once when Cressman's daughter was in high school, the family was invited to a dinner for being named Outstanding Teen of the Month by a local newspaper. At the dinner, they sat by a mom who had twins who had also received the award. When asked about her son, mom proudly said, “my son is going to attend Case Western Reserve to study Neuroscience.” When she was 16 ▒ SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2018
asked the same question about his twin sister, mom replied, she is going to Purdue. To which Cressman responded, “Will she study engineering?” and her mom replied “No, she is going to find a husband who is an engineer.” A shocked Cressman noted “this happened in 2013, just five years ago. Until these attitudes disappear, we will still have the need to improve the conditions for women in engineering.” Cressman is appreciative of her supportive spouse. “I have someone who values me and my abilities and picks up the slack when something big is going on in my work life. I did the same for him. We worked hard not to take advantage of the other.” She admits that she is a work-aholic and it has always been hard for her to pull back especially when much of her identity comes from being good at her job. “It was much harder when the kids were smaller, but I am getting better at it as my children have left the nest.” She loves hiking and the outdoors, is a big reader and always has a book around. She enjoys travelling and meeting those from other cultures. She has been to 48 states (only Kansas and North Dakota left) and to so-many countries. She says she could not have done any of this without the career in engineering that both she and her husband share. Cressman's core dedication to getting more women into engineering in a sustainable manner has generated encouraging results at The University of Akron and beyond. While other institutions are encouraged to follow these exemplary initiatives of The University of Akron, the works of Heidi Cressman will continue to have a positive impact on our society and the world.
#SheCanSTEM Meet the women changing the world with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The future will be built by women in STEM.
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COVER STORY: MARY LOBO
Mary Lobo Chief of the Test Facility Management Branch NASA's Glenn Research Center “Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations” Dr. Mae Jemison.
Photos: Page 18-20 Jason Garrett
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Dr. Mae Jemison, the first AfricanAmerican woman to travel in space, is a scientist, physician, engineer, teacher, astronaut, and the inspiration for many who seek to push themselves beyond limits to accomplish their goals. One such example is a brilliant Clevelander, Mary Lobo who works as chief of the Test Facility Management Branch at NASA's Glenn Research Center.
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M. Lobo: I never even considered working for NASA until one day, by chance, a family friend suggested I apply. I started doing research about NASA Glenn Research Center and after talking to that friend about the opportunities NASA offered, I started to think about the possibilities. I submitted my resume and was hired at NASA Glenn as a PWM: What was your upbringing like? Can you contractor in 2000. After being laid off in 2005 and share with us insights into your education and coming back as a contractor in 2008, I landed a civil career experience? servant position in 2010. In 2013, I was promoted from a Mechanical Test Engineer, leading tests in turbomachinery M. Lobo: I grew up in a very loving home in a and flow physics facilities, to Space Simulation Facility underprivileged suburb on the east side of Cleveland. Even Manager, responsible for coordinating schedules, though we may not have been rich, my parents always maintenance, and enhancement activities in over two tried to give me and my older sister, Adrianne, everything dozen vacuum chambers. In 2017, I was promoted to we wanted and needed, so most of my life, I didn't see chief, of the Test Facility Management Branch, where I am living in that community as a disadvantage. It was only responsible for the operation and strategic planning for all when I went to college that I realized how much impact our ground test facilities at Lewis Field including vacuum situation would have on my future educational experience. chambers, wind tunnels, rocket engine test stands and Early on, I was identified as “gifted and talented” so I went more. Currently, I supervise a group of contracting officer to a school that offered Selected Curriculum for Optimum representatives and facility managers who help me Performance and Enrichment (SCOPE). I can look back at accomplish NASA's goal. My biggest challenge was shifting that experience in elementary school and see how it from a perspective of do-er to lead-er. The scope of our shaped my life's perspective, and thus my educational and facility portfolio at Lewis Field is so vast that it could not be professional achievements. There, in that poor, all-black managed without a team, so instead of trying to know environment, the teachers there were instilling in us not every technical detail of every only the basics of school, but also ongoing project (which is h o w t o a c h i e ve p a s t o u r something us engineers love to circumstances. I learned that We have to deprogram do), I had to become sometimes the herculean efforts ourselves from our society’s comfortable relying more on that I made to be a “superstar” antiquated philosophy that others for our collective success may only leave me being males are better than and focus more on setting a considered as “average”, how my vision and direction. Even attitude would “determine my females in math and science though I had operated as a altitude”, and how I must have and counter negative images team lead in the past, on this “courage to be strong even at a and stereotype. scale, its really been a time when you have neither the paradigm shift for me. motivation nor the inclination to be inspired”. I still repeat these PWM: Can you highlight some of your mantras today. accomplishments? In terms of professional satisfaction, how do you rate working at NASA? I continued taking advanced classes that my schools offered, joined extra-curricular math and science classes, M. Lobo: Throughout my professional career at NASA spent three of my high school summers in the Math and Glenn I've been recognized for exceptional facility support Science for Minority Students (MS)2 program at the through multiple individual and team awards, and for my prestigious Phillips Academy in Massachusetts, and participation in education and outreach activities. Most graduated Valedictorian from Shaw High School in 1994. I recently I received NASA's Early Career Achievement had been a high achiever in every aspect of my education, Medal for outstanding leadership and future potential at but it was upon entering my first year at Case Western the Glenn Research Center in 2017, and in 2018, I Reserve University (CWRU) that I understood the received the Science Spectrum Trailblazer Award at the disparities between the wonderful but few opportunities annual Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA) event that I had been granted, and what others had at their held in Washington, D.C. I left private industry to join disposal on a regular basis. In that freshman year, NASA with no regrets because I wanted to contribute courses that were new and difficult for me, were repeat towards a larger mission. I know that I play a role in the curriculum for some from other schools. The connections success of our technical achievements in ground testing other students had with upperclassmen afforded them cliff here at Lewis Field, but working at Glenn also enables me notes and student files that I had no access to. I had to put to play a role in the success of individuals. Most of my forth more effort to catch up to most of my peers but I professional satisfaction comes from people I've coached used that work ethic to excel and graduated Cum Laude or mentored, letting me know that the time and stories from CWRU in 1999. I've shared with them have been impactful. PWM: How did you become interested in joining Continued on next page... NASA? What are your current responsibilities and what are some of the challenges in fulfilling them? ary Lobo, Chief Test Facility Management Branch at NASA Glenn Research Center recently shared her story with Phenomenal Woman Magazine.
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COVER STORY: MARY LOBO
PWM: Although some progress has been made, women in general and women of color in particular are still much less represented in science and engineering occupations. What steps need to be taken to overcome the challenges?
M. Lobo: One could rationalize that the population of women entering STEM careers and fields of study nearing VP indicative Diana Starks discussingbut with a colleague 50% would be of progress, I believe more insightful indicators of the true acceptance of women in those areas are the longevity of their careers and the ratio of women in key positions of power and influence. When a woman enters a STEM field, she has already proven to herself that she can calculate, formulate and analyze as good as any male, but, if in addition to the technical challenges she faces, she feels she has the burden of proving her competence every day to her peers (and maybe even her subordinates) just because she is a woman, it can be an unbearable stress. It makes sense that truly accepting environments without undue pressure would do far better at retaining their female workers or students, and with years of experience those women are positioned to become professors, senior leaders and executives.
M. Lobo: An article in National Geographic summed up the need for diversity in scientific research very well by stating, “What science decides to solve and for who things are designed have a lot to do with who is doing the scientific inquiry”. So to be represented in the workforce, there are two aspects we have to focus on: 1) Getting more females and minorities into the educational pipeline to be positioned for jobs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. We have to deprogram ourselves from our society's antiquated philosophy that males are better than females in math and science and counter negative images and stereotypes. This starts at the K-12 level with teachers and families providing exposure to the possible and encouraging their daughter's adventurous spirit; and 2) When women and minorities enter STEM fields we need to provide enough support to retain them and ensure they know they are welcome in this space, and they have a seat at the table. The feelings of bleak isolation, bias and having to prove our competency are still very real and we have to combat them every day. I believe that, thankfully, we are in a time where people are becoming more open to having those hard conversations but we still have a long way to go.
M. Lobo: NASA has many educational and outreach programs aimed at inspiring women and girls everywhere and has made a concerted effort to tell stories of NASA's female employees on the Women@NASA website. To further inspire girls to pursue STEM careers, Glenn's Office of Education conducts annually, Girls In STEM, for grades 6 through 8, with a focus on careers in STEM through handson projects, career discussions with an all-female panel and an engineering design challenge.
PWM: How do you evaluate the progress made by women in STEM fields of study and careers?
PWM: Your mom had a huge role in guiding you to become an engineer. Can you elaborate on that?
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PWM: Any programs by NASA to encourage women and girls to pursue studies in STEM?
M. Lobo: My mom planted the seed of excellence in me when I was young. One time, I received all A's on my report card- mainly because of a bet with a schoolmate that I would get the best grades in the class for the quarter. Up to that time, I was not particularly interested in achieving high grades, I was content to coast to get a B or C in my classes. My mom said “Great job Mary. Now that you've done it once, I expect you to do it from now on.” She had chastised me for my grades before, but in that moment, her seriousness and tone let me know that the expectation was set and I had no excuses not to apply myself to reach my full potential. I sometimes reflect that, in a small way, my life has a parallel to that of the amazing Dr. Mae Jemison- the first African American woman to travel in space- in that when she was young and deciding whether to become a doctor or a dancer, her mother told her “you can always dance if you're a doctor, but you can't doctor if you're a dancer.” When I was younger I enjoyed both art and math and remember telling my mom that I wanted to be a cartoonist. She looked me square in the eyes and said “You will be a doctor, lawyer or engineer.” Both of our mothers framed our options in a way that we were pushed into professions that would challenge the analytical and scientific parts of who we are. PWM: Can you share with us the support that you get from family? M. Lobo: I am lucky to have a multigenerational household with me and my husband, Gladimir, my three children Mikaili (14), Gladimir Jr. (7) and Juliana (3) as well as my mother, Mary, all together. My encouragement comes from them with unique perspectives. My mom has seen my development from who I was as child to who I am now as a wife, mother and professional. She reminds me of obstacles I have overcome and how I am stronger because of them. My husband is my sounding board and the one who never lets me doubt myself. To my children I
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am a hero, not because I work at NASA, but because I am there for them when they need me. PWM: Do you participate in mentoring/community outreach activities and what is next for you in your work? M. Lobo: I believe in service to others and have focused my energy in sharing with students in many ways. I wished that when I was growing up I would have been able to talk to a black female engineer, which at the time, was no more real or tangible to me than a unicorn. I had never seen one myself. So, I have volunteered to speak at school promotions, professional conferences, educational panels and scholarship and collegiate program banquets to share my perspective and experience. For many years I have judged science fairs and participated in career fairs. I have learned that through my words and sometimes even just my presence I can inspire others. Additionally, I currently mentor other women at NASA Glenn and share with them my experiences of dealing with the rhythm of work and home life and navigating the professional landscape. I love the diversity of experience that my current position brings from both a technical and business perspective. I have a full plate everyday but I always look for opportunities to support NASA which couples with my desire for outreach and interaction with the public. I always try to orient my life around my values so that I am truly fulfilled by the goals that I set and accomplish. PWM: Any messages to young girls and women who wish to pursue career opportunities in engineering? M. Lobo: Even while the whole of society may not be ready to support or accept you, your success over every obstacle must be driven by your attitude, brainpower, courage, dedication and effort. The bar has been set, and, like my mom did to me, I challenge you to reach it every time. I look forward to seeing you sitting at the table with me.
Phenomenal Facts
BS, Mechanical Engineering (Case Western Reserve University) Recipient of the NASA Early Career Achievement Medal for outstanding leadership and future potential at Glenn Research Center Recipient of the Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA), Science Spectrum Trailblazer Guest Speaker, 44 th Aerospace Mechanisms Symposium, Cleveland OH Panelist, Society of Women Engineers 2017 National Convention, Austin TX Presenter, NASA GRC Evening with the Stars at the Cleveland Public Library Hidden Figures Event Speaker, Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland OH Keynote Speaker, Annual Awards Banquet sponsored by CWRU Women In Science, Engineering and Research (WISER) Program, Cleveland OH Speaker, National Engineering Week Speaker at John Adams High School of Engineering, Cleveland OH Panelist, 4th Annual Women in STEMM Event, CWRU, Cleveland OH Panelist, NASA GRC Girls In STEM Program Keynote Speaker, 34 th Annual Salute to Black Women and Scholarship Luncheon, Akron OH Tutor, MCSTEM, Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland, OH www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 21
Meet the 'American Royal' Couple King & Queen Morton Fairytales Do Come True!
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wenty-eighteen has been called the year of the Royals, but did you know we have Royals right here in the U.S., and to be exact they are from Cleveland. We welcome you to Zamunda, home of Queen Kimberly and King André Morton. This royal couple announced their engagement on May 19, 2018 and exactly three months later, August 19, 2018 they were united in matrimony at the Castle Versailles in Lexington, Ky. Queen Kimberly is a hospital Systems Educator, and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and King André is the owner and swim coach of Rhythm and Stroke LLC. The world wind fairy tale was created with the guidance, love and support of a team that included their parents Karen and William Morris, Beverly and Gregory Morton, and Clara and Thomas Owens. Mentoring them through the process of combining two lives were their Marriage Mentors Loretta and Derek McKinney. The Royal Wedding weekend was an all-inclusive 22 ▒ SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2018
experience that left the guests worry free and ready to enjoy the activities. The weekend began on Friday, August 17th with a Royal Caribbean night and birthday celebration for the bride's mom Karen Morris. The evening was catered by Warner Kuhl of Dupree Catering & Events featuring Caribbean food & BBQ. Caribbean music filled the courtyard, along with hookah, drinks and family games. Gift giving is usually for the bride and groom, but this couple changed tradition slightly and provided gifts for their guests. Each guest suite included André champagne, Sweet Kimberly cupcakes, glass slippers, crown pillows, gift bags and a crown on their door. The weekend continued on August 18th as guests boarded the Bluegrass Charter bus for a Royal Tour of LOU (Louisville, KY). The tour included the Muhammad Ali, Louisville Slugger and Evansville Bourbon museums. They also enjoyed lunch on 4thStreet at the Sports & Social Club, all while drinking their Royal Tees identifying them as part of the Royal Family.
After touring LOU everyone returned to Lexington for the Umembeso Ceremony, a Zulu tradition of joining families. After a quick-change guests met at the Griffin Gate Mansion where the Royal Couple were escorted by the Goree drum and dance group. The ceremony was led by the bride's brother and included African and Christian traditions including the washing of the feet, sharing of the koala nut, and blessings for the couple their, parents and their marriage mentors.
& Abel from the Salsa Center Dance Studio entertained guests. The evening concluded with a wonderful water ceremony around the fountain followed by family lighting the way with sparklers as the couple made it to their 1957 Bentley 'getaway car'. It was truly a magical weekend fit for a King, Queen and their Royal family as summed up by the bride's sister April who sent this message, “You made us believe fairytales really do come true.”
The Royal Weekend culminated on Sunday, August 19th with The Royal American Wedding. Guests were kept in suspense as they were escorted to an “undisclosed location” via the Gold Shield black on black charter bus. A brief fifteen minutes later guests arrived at the Castle of Versailles, aka The Kentucky Castle. Upon arrival while walking through the castle garden one guest in awe of the surroundings noted, “This is no Squires Castle,” while another remarked, “I feel like we entered London.”
The magic of such a weekend could not have been achieved without a supportive cast, which included Candice of Royal Distinction Artistry LLC, who provided the bride's weekend makeup; Lauryn McKinley, Clairassa Aaron and Ebony Naylor of Jazee Hair Studio fashioned the bride's hair; photographers were Steve Midget, Mr. Mark and Brandi Potter; with videography provided by Jenn and Mike of Flat Egg Entertainment; and the desserts were provided by Tinker's Cake Shop (wedding cake) and ACA Cakes provided the sweet table.
The ceremony was held in a beautiful white tent next to the pool that later hosted the couples' cocktail hour. Cocktail hour guests were surprised with a performance from the Cincinnati Junior Olympic synchronized swimmers. Dinner was in the main ballroom where Reena
If this destination wedding has you longing to plan your own state side nuptials, please stay tuned for Kim's new business to help you bring your dream to fruition. More wedding photos on next page... www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 23
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A SIMPLE FAVOR A SIMPLE FAVOR, directed by Paul Feig, centers around Stephanie (Anna Kendrick), a mommy vlogger who seeks to uncover the truth behind her best friend Emily's (Blake Lively) sudden disappearance from their small town. Stephanie is joined by Emily's husband Sean (Henry Golding) in this stylish thriller filled with twists and betrayals, secrets and revelations, love and loyalty, murder and revenge. Lionsgate presents, a Lionsgate / Feigco Entertainment production. Cast: Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Linda Cardellini, Jean Smart, and Rupert Friend Directed by: Paul Feig Screenplay by: Jessica Sharzer Based upon the novel by: Darcey Bell Produced by: Paul Feig, p.g.a.; Jessie Henderson, p.g.a.
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ROBIN HOOD Robin of Loxley (Taron Egerton) a warhardened Crusader and his Moorish commander (Jamie Foxx) mount an audacious revolt against the corrupt English crown in a thrilling action-adventure packed with gritty battlefield exploits, mind-blowing fight choreography, and a timeless romance. Summit Entertainment presents, an Appian Way production, a Safehouse Pictures production, in association with Thunder Roads Films. Cast: Taron Egerton, Jamie Foxx, Ben Mendelsohn, Eve Hewson, Tim Minchin, and Jamie Dornan Directed by: Otto Bathurst Screenplay by: Ben Chandler and David James Kelly Story by: Ben Chandler Produced by: Jennifer Davisson, p.g.a., Leonardo DiCaprio, p.g.a.
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Award-winning writer, director and producer Je'Caryous Johnson is once again taking the nation by storm with his new stage play, Redemption of a Dogg. The highly anticipated follow up to his sold out stage play, Set It Off, Redemption of a Dogg, stars entertainment icon Snoop Dogg and features R&B hit maker and star of WE TV's Braxton Family Values, Tamar Braxton. Redemption of a Dogg examines the internal battle one man has between preserving his life-long legacy and losing the love of his life when he is faced with choosing fame and fortune over faith and family. The play’s story takes audiences on a magical music ride as they step into the captivating world of a Je'Caryous Johnson Entertainment production. Redemption of a Dogg is set against a backdrop of Snoop Dogg’s greatest hits, as well as, songs from his recently released chart-topping Gospel album, Bible Of Love and makes its debut on the heels of the 25th Anniversary of Snoop Dogg’s debut album, Doggystyle.
Sun, Oct 28, 2018 | 3:30 PM & 7:30PM | KeyBank State Theatre
Set in the 1950s near the Brooklyn Bridge, we are introduced to the Carbone family: Eddie, a longshoreman, Beatrice, his wife, and Catherine the niece of Beatrice with who Eddie is obsessed. With the arrival of Beatrice’s Italian cousins, illegal immigrants, Eddie offers up his home as sanctuary, however when one of the cousins begins a romantic relationship with Catherine, Eddie is threatened and matters of the head quickly become matters of the heart, and Eddie’s tree of life becomes a wandering vine. Written by Arthur Miller, Directed by Frederick Perry.
Nov 1 - 3, 2018 7:30 PM | Ohio Theatre (Presented by Cuyahoga Community College)
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