Remember: You are a Pretty Brown Girl .. D.R.E.A.M

Dream Big

Remember that you are beautiful inside and out

Enjoy learning and laughing

Always believe in yourself

Make healthy choices

Hi my name is Claudio and I am a supervisor for Verizon. I moved to this country with a little money and a very limited English. I worked hard and put myself thru college and completed my MBA in management to be the first in my family with a college and master’s degree. I never lost my focus to finish college.

Congratulations on your decision to have a career in STEM. This is an amazing field, with so many opportunities for women. I know you will be a great asset to the STEM program, with whatever career path you choose. The road may not be easy, but it will be well worth it. Hard work pays off. Make sure you plan and schedule time to study.

I am Brandi and I currently work at Verizon Wireless. I am a graduate of Alabama A&M University located in Normal, AL. I just want to send some encouraging words to you as sometimes life isn't always as easy as the media may make it seem. As a young girl of color is very important that you stand strong in your morals and ethics! Your opinion is your opinion and no one elses.

My name is Audrietta Coleman Izlar. I, too, am a Black/African-American female who works for a big company, called Verizon. I want to encourage you to not be afraid of who you are, where you come from, and who your people are as they represent the legacy that you now bring to life. You are who they imagined and prayed for. You have been uniquely designed and created to bring something to the world that no one has ever seen. So as you grow and go to various places, be proud of who you are, what you know, and what you want to become. No one can take that from you.

My name is Ashley and I’m a supervisor with Verizon. I have been in leadership for over 12 years and have learned quite a bit along the way. I would like to share some words of encouragement and appreciation for your decision to pursue a STEM career! STEM careers play such a critical role to our society and our future.

My name is Asha McCowan ! I work at Verizon wireless as a Technical Support Rep to help assist customers with wireless devices! Technology is now around us everywhere in our daily lives, helping and assisting us through day experiences. Whether it is opening the car garage with a remote or facetime with friends someone created it. If you can think of it , it can be created . So do the research. Ask questions. Find someone doing what you are interested in! Be curious!”

I’m glad to have an opportunity to reach out to you and send some words of encouragement.

Considering a career in stem is a great decision considering the current and future job market.

I am sending this letter of encouragement in your journey to find a STEM career. Many people will make assumptions that we are not capable because we are women. But don't let that stop you from pursuing your dreams and passions. You may hit roadblocks but those are meant to make you stronger for the bigger challenges. You got this, you are capable, strong and smart. The sky can be the limit (which is by the way limitless). Don't let anyone stand in your way! You got this! I know you will be amazing in the path you choose!

Congratulations on choosing or even thinking about your next steps in a career in STEM! Set targets and surpass them. You have so much to offer and bring to the table. Your creativity, innovation, problem solving skills and critical thinking are much needed today. The sky is not the limit, it’s just the beginning!

My name is Alicia and I work for Verizon Wireless. I wanted to say it is very exciting to see more women (or soon to be women like you) show an interest in Science and Technology. There needs to be more ambitious ladies like you!

My name is Aaron and I would love to tell you a little bit about my family. We are from a small town in rural Alabama. The kind of place where education was not generally at the forefront of every one’s mind. Going back at least 3 generations from me, we had bus drivers, carpenters, painters, and other similar jobs but no one in the family with a college education.

Who run the world? Girls do! This statement is so true we are taking over! the best way to reach your goals and defy the status quo is to educate yourself. As a woman in a male dominated field and being class minority, my education is what made me successful. I encourage you to partner in a STEM field with Black Girls Code as they are an incredible organization.

How exciting is it to be coding and learning all kinds of cool things that can help advance your knowledge of STEM?!?! There are so many opportunities for the future with everything you are learning right now. I encourage you to stay involved and continue to follow the path of anything involving STEM, I am sure it will lead you to success!

If I were to give any tips or advice about learning, I would say find a way of studying that works for you and hone that skill to better understand what you are studying and any skills gained from learning and studying can definitely transfer to other areas of your life! Best of luck!!

My name is Amy. I work at Verizon and am so excited to see you are interested in a career in S.T.E.M.. This is such a growing area and offers lots of opportunities beyond what you might think of for engineering.

Hey there!

Wishing you the very best in your venture into STEM, it is your time to shine. Give it all you have, stay positive and focused because you can do anything.

It is more important than ever that you master your skill, you are our future and we need you. We’re counting on you and we’re in your corner cheering you on.

Let’s Go!

Hey there!

I wanted to take a moment and provide you with a few words of encouragement as you make your way through school. I was always taught that education is important. You have the power to make a difference in this world. My first word of advice is to not give up. There might be courses that may be a challenge to you but never give up. Also if you encounter something that you’re unfamiliar with in a class or subject, do not be afraid to ask for help. You are amazing! Keep being great!

Hello ladies,

CONGRATULATIONS! It’s awesome to hear you're choosing a career in STEM, that's a great decision there's so many career opportunities in that field. You are all headed in the right direction and have such a bright future ahead of yourselves. Make sure to keep school as you top priority; stay focused, even when times get hard don't give up. Continue to study, always remain positive and you will all be successful. You got this, I believe in you!

Your friend, Katelyn

Congratulations on choosing a career in STEM!!! While the road in front of you may be difficult, the rewards will be out of this world! You have what it takes to make a difference.

Great to hear that you are choosing a STEM career as this is an exciting time in our world for technology. With advances in AI, self driving cars, code writing and space travel we need all the new ideas we can get. Take advantage of everything offered to you and learn as much as you can. I hope that the contributions that you will provide to world will make it a better place for all.