National STEM Day, Rooted in Science
Please join us for the National STEM Day Program, Rooted in Science, on Friday, Nov. 8, at 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. in the Albro-Falconer-Manley Science Center, 350 Spelman Lane, SW, Atlanta, GA 30314.
Rooted in Science: A Conversation About Black Hair and STEM will host a panel featuring Dr. Michelle Gaines and a short documentary featuring Dr. Leyte Winfield. The event will also include a special screening of The Science of Beauty: The Summer of Science a short documentary and interactive demo stations from beauty brands like Fly Girl Approved Hair Perfume, My AVANA, and The Look By Joi. Don't miss the dynamic panel discussion with experts and thought leaders, exploring the cultural, scientific, and entrepreneurial aspects of Black hair and STEM.
Meet the Panelists
Sakeya Donaldson, The Science of Beauty
Donaldson has over two decades of expertise spanning television, print, concert tours, and music videos. She is a two-time published author of “Fly Girl Approved” and “Fly Girl Quotes.” Donaldson is passionate about fostering the next generation of talent, serving as the founder of The Science of Beauty, a pioneering STEM program tailored for African American girls aged 10-17.
Dr. Maxine Cain, STEM Atlanta Women, INC.
Cain is an influential figure in the tech industry, known for her dynamic leadership and commitment to fostering inclusivity, innovation, and education. As the Founder & CEO of STEM Atlanta Women, Inc. and Mathis, Griffin, Cain, LLC, she is at the forefront of transforming the landscape for women and underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Dr. Michelle Gaines, Spelman College
Gaines is an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Spelman College. She received her B.S. in Chemical Engineering and Biomolecular Engineering at Michigan State University in 2003, and she earned her Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at North Carolina State University in 2008.
Candance Mitchell Harris, My AVANA
Mitchell Harris found success in developing sophisticated technology in the beauty industry that analyzes hair variables like type, texture and condition—to develop a personalized haircare plan that supports healthy hair and growth. As a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, she brings over 14 years of experience in cosmetology and computer science to MYAVANA.
Moderated By Dr. Leyte Winfield, Spelman College
Dr. Winfield is a synthetic organic chemist with experience in academic, industrial and military laboratories. From the combined experiences, she has gained expertise in the various aspects of medicinal drug design, instrumental methods, and synthetic techniques. Her efforts have been recognized by the American Association of Cancer Research and the Council for Undergraduate Research and partly funded by the National Institutes of Health. Her emerging interest in chemical education has produced two textbooks, several publications, and funding from the National Science Foundation.
