On June 28-29, the hallowed halls of the Texas State Capitol resonated with a spirit of innovation and leadership as the 5th Annual Association of Collaborative Communities Equipping Youth for STEEAAM Success (ACCEYSS) Faith and Community Summit unfolded. STEEAAM is STEM + Agricultural pathways while infusing Entrepreneurship and the Arts.
This gathering, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER and INCLUDES grants, brought together visionaries—community leaders, researchers, industry pioneers, and government officials—all united in their noble pursuit of empowering underserved youth.
The summit, masterfully orchestrated by the indomitable Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd, PhD, served as a crucible for transformative ideas. The Honorable Senator Judith Zaffirini graced the occasion, sharing poignant reflections on her journey and offering sage counsel on navigating the corridors of political influence.
Tori Rhoulac Smith of NSF INCLUDES illuminated pathways to community building and collaborative excellence in STEEAAM, while a thought-provoking panel delved into the nuanced implications of AI in diverse communities. The discourse seamlessly wove together threads of technological advancement, grassroots empowerment, and faith-based initiatives.
As the summit drew to a close, attendees departed not just with newfound knowledge, but with tangible resources and a robust network poised to turn aspiration into action.
The ACCEYSS Summit stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward a more equitable and innovative future for all.
At the heart of the ACCEYSS Summit’s success stands Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd, a leader in innovation and inclusivity. Her tireless dedication and visionary leadership have not only shaped this transformative event but continue to inspire a new generation of thinkers and doers. Shetay’s commitment to empowering marginalized youth through STEEAAM education is nothing short of remarkable. Her ability to unite diverse stakeholders under a common purpose exemplifies true leadership in action. We extend our gratitude and admiration to Shetay and her team for their unwavering pursuit of equity and excellence in STEEAAM education and the workforce. Her work is not just changing lives; it’s reshaping futures.
Read about ACCEYSS here: https://www.acceyss.org/
With this, we conclude all our June site visits. More to come in July. Stay tuned!
