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by LYNDA VAN KUREN photo by TERAH HOOBLER
As a Native American woman who has forged a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), ASHLEY LOMBOY can be called a trailblazer. Now Lomboy, who works as a global information security manager at Corning Optical Fiber and Cable in Wilmington, is making it possible for Waccamaw Siouan youths to succeed in the STEM world. Through Studio STEM, a club Lomboy founded, Waccamaw Siouan students participate in projects that combine STEM and tribal traditions. In addition, Lomboy serves as a volunteer with both local and national organizations. In each, she works to advance the understanding and knowledge of Native American peoples and their contributions. HOW DID YOU GET INTERESTED IN TECHNOLOGY? “I was introduced to computers in middle school and worked with them when I was in the military. Those experiences piqued my curiosity, and I decided to get my bachelor’s degree in computer science and my master’s degree in cybersecurity. There’s a depth to computing that’s untouchable, and I’m always advancing.” WHY IS A STEM CLUB SPECIFICALLY GEARED TO WACCAMAW SIOUAN STUDENTS NEEDED? “It helps broaden their spectrum of what is possible. We want tribal people to see that Waccamaw Siouans are successful in STEM careers. When they see that, it changes the trajectory of our youth.” WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS DO THE STUDENTS WORK ON IN STEM STUDIO? “Our projects include those that individual students can complete, such as at-home learning kits and our upcoming wigwam building challenge, as well as those that involve the community. Examples include increasing our tribal youths’ access to UNCW’s Marine Biology Summer Program; the Yacunne (Fish) Community Camp; and the Star Preservation Project, an ongoing project in which the tribe ensures its heritage is saved.” WHAT SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS WERE INVOLVED WHEN SETTING UP STEM STUDIO FOR THE TRIBAL COMMUNITY? “We have principles we stand by when working with the tribal community. One is to make the program easy for tribal youth to attend in person, so STEM Studio had to be geographically accessible. It’s also important to us to give back to the community, so STEM Studio does business with tribal members such as renting space or purchasing supplies from them.” YOU ALSO VOLUNTEER WITH NUMEROUS OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. WHY IS THAT IMPORTANT TO YOU? “I really enjoy helping people in whatever capacity I can. Also, it’s important to tell others about Native people, to let them know we are here, and to ensure we won’t be left out.”W ASHLEY LOMBOY’s full profile will appear in an upcoming WILMA Roundup email. To sign up for daily WILMA emails, go to WILMAmag.com.
WILMAmag.com
FEBRUARY 2022
WILMA
47
