Register now for “Let’s Talk STEM” on April 6
Women who are students at Vance-Granville Community College are invited to an uplifting presentation about STEM careers, as part of this year’s “An Educated Woman, An Educated Future,” a series of two educational luncheon workshops.
The first workshop, entitled “Let’s Talk STEM,” is set for Monday, April 6, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Civic Center on VGCC’s Main Campus.
Students will be inspired to follow through with their plans to complete a certificate, diploma, associate degree, and/or transfer to a four-year university or college to complete a bachelor’s degree. This year’s focus is on STEM fields — exploring careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
The featured speakers will be members of the VGCC faculty and staff who will share their experiences in the workplace, including their career path stories.
The first, Stephanie Ayers, worked for 17 years in management, sales and marketing for a major manufacturer of foam insulation products and lining for ducts in air conditioning, heating, and ventilating systems. She is a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, the National Insulation Association, and the National Fire Prevention Association. Ayers has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Management and Project Management from Amberton University. Since October 2014, she has served as project manager for the Manufacturing Skills Training Alliance, a partnership involving VGCC and four county school systems.
VGCC Director of Customized Training Sara Lloyd has worked in the manufacturing sector as a supervisor, quality assurance coordinator, process engineer, continuous improvement manager, Lean Six Sigma Specialist and manager of corporate projects. Today, she collaborates with employers throughout Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties on workforce development initiatives. Lloyd holds a bachelor's degree in textile engineering from Auburn University.
The final speaker, Angela Thomas, is VGCC’s dean of health sciences . She graduated with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology from Pitt Community College and a bachelor of arts in Forensic Science from Guilford College, before completing a master’s degree in Health Care Management from Ashworth College. Thomas has worked as a radiologic technologist at UNC Hospitals and other facilities. She started her association with VGCC as a part-time Radiography instructor, later becoming the program’s full-time clinical coordinator and then head of the program. As dean, Thomas leads a division that includes the Nursing , Human Services Technology , Medical Assisting , Pharmacy Technology and Radiography programs. Thomas was named VGCC’s Faculty Member of the Year in 2011 and is a graduate of the N.C. Community College Leadership Program.
Following the luncheon presentation, participants will attend short breakout sessions with VGCC counselors and staff.
There is no charge for participation in the luncheon/workshops, but registration in advance is required. The program is made possible through support from the VGCC Endowment Fund, longtime VGCC supporter Katharine Horner and the Plus 50 Encore Completion Grant from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).
Register online at vgcc.springerstudios.net.cpcf2.ezhostingserver.com/Forms/luncheonworkshop.cfm
The deadline to register is April 2.
For more information, call Jackie Heath at (252) 738-3298, Suzanne Keil at (252) 738-3344, or Kyle Burwell at (252) 738-3276.
Above: From left, Stephanie Ayers, Sara Lloyd and Angela Thomas.
