Students
Academics
Black Women in STEM Take Center Stage at Second Annual ElevateHER Summit
The Power of Representation: ElevateHER’s Impact
More than 100 students, researchers, faculty, and STEM professionals gathered at 42 West Midtown in September for the second annual ElevateHER Summit, hosted by Spelman College's Center of Excellence for Black Women in STEM (COE-BWS). The bold, one-day event delivered a potent mix of research, innovation, and representation — all centered around the leadership and legacy of Black women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
This year’s summit, "The Blueprint Forward," explored the intersection of data, legacy, and strategizing for the future. Sessions throughout the day tackled topics from preserving the STEM pipeline to fortifying the work and success of Black women in STEM-focused industries.
"In the current climate... I would want people to take away from the summit this year that we’re not going anywhere,” said Celeste Lee, Ph.D., assistant professor of sociology and anthropology, who served as moderator at the event. “Our representation may look different with so many Black women losing employment or seeing a reduction in diverse hires, but there’s a community here to support that. That’s what we’re elevating today — sisterhood and solidarity as a strategy for navigating larger racial oppression.”
Participants engaged in a full day of curated breakout sessions, featured panels, networking lounges, and strategy-based discussions to reimagine the future of Black women in STEM. The summit also offered a closing reception for attendees and their guests — a celebration of connection and resilience.
During the panel, “AI, Algorithms and Access: Equity and Innovation in the Age of Generative AI,” Nicole Morris, director of TI:GER and professor of practice at Emory University School of Law, spoke about the environmental impact and dangers of AI and how minority students face stricter consequences when using AI in schools. Students must be instructed on how to use AI responsibly within defined parameters, including essential practices such as fact-checking and verifying the accuracy of information.
Other panels and breakout sessions included, “The Origin Code: Black Women, Spelman and the Foundation of STEM,” a “COE-BWS Research Gallery Walk” featuring a variety of COE-BWS-funded faculty and scholars, a “Flower Bar” where participants were invited to create a bouquet to give themselves their flowers, the “Surviving the Cut” panel, a “Wellness Session” with Denise Gaines, who served as a facilitator, and the closing session, “What’s Your Blue Print?”
“As the director of the Center of Excellence for Black Women in STEM, I see the ElevateHER Summit as a vital step in connecting with like-minded partners who share our dedication to this work,” said Natasha McClendon, Ph.D. “Our core goal is to establish Spelman globally as the primary resource for evidence on Black women in STEM—from their historical legacy to their current innovations. Through the ElevateHER Data Hub, we plan to collaborate with leaders across policy, research, and industry to house the data needed to inform and inspire the next generation.”
These dynamic sessions not only celebrated the achievements and resilience of Black women in STEM but also laid the groundwork for broader, lasting impact — a vision echoed by leaders at the summit.
Dr. Lee emphasized the summit’s intergenerational power, highlighting the diversity of voices in attendance. “It’s been an amazing event. There have been lots of really good, diverse speakers. I like the fact that it’s intergenerational — we have faculty, industry people, and students. Because this is our second annual summit, we see legacy building here,” she said. “This will be a space where Black women can come and feel safe and seen — and reimagine who they are in STEM and what’s possible in the present moment.”
For many attendees, the summit offered more than just programming — it provided inspiration and tangible pathways forward.
“I’ve really enjoyed the Summit. My favorite part has been the keynote speaker, Dr. Kelly Mack. She really stood out. Her talk about how we need to uplift each other within this field was inspirational,” said Mone’t Stewart, a sophomore health sciences major and cosmetic science minor from Detroit. “I’m a cosmetic chemistry minor right now and one of the ladies sitting at my table is doing something I’m interested in doing in the future. She’s a formulator for her own skincare line — 68th and Monroe — and I eventually want to be a formulator for my own beauty care line. That’s what I’m taking away from today’s meeting – networking with people who are in the shoes that I want to be in in the future.”
That diversity of voices extended beyond the STEM fields traditionally spotlighted.
“It’s been great to sit down and dialogue with a diverse range of women across Atlanta in the STEM area,” said Sandra Patterson, Ph.D., associate professor in psychology. “I met some new people. I’m in psychology, and I’m always trying to network as well for our students in terms of shadowing and internships. I’ve made some connections that I need. The topics have been very timely, especially the last one on AI. I have problems with students knowing how to use and benefit from AI. I want to hear their voices. This is good for STEM — and students in other areas.”
Amid challenges to retention and representation of Black women in STEM, the ElevateHER Summit stood firm in its mission: to build, protect, and amplify the presence of Black women in STEM. As the day closed, it was clear that the blueprint forward is being written by those most determined to thrive.