In a historic achievement, Jasmine Bowers has become the first African American woman to earn a doctorate in Computer Science from the University of Florida, breaking barriers and setting an inspiring precedent for future generations.

Bowers’ journey to this remarkable milestone began with a double major in Mathematics and Computer Science at Fort Valley State University. She furthered her academic pursuit by earning a master’s degree at North Carolina A&T before attaining her Ph.D. at the University of Florida, where she defended her dissertation on July 15, 2020.

 

Her success is not only a personal triumph but also a significant contribution to increasing diversity in STEM fields. Bowers stands alongside other trailblazing Black women in STEM, such as Mary Jackson, NASA’s first Black female engineer, and Dr. Patricia Bath, the first Black woman to receive a medical patent.

In an exclusive interview, Bowers expressed her gratitude to the support network that fueled her academic journey. She particularly acknowledged her mother, a self-taught engineer, for instilling in her a love for technology from a young age.

Bowers envisions a future where she can contribute to bridging the representation gap in STEM. As she embarks on her career as an engineer, she remains committed to giving back and inspiring young girls to explore the possibilities within STEM fields.

Her academic achievements and contributions to the field are well-documented, including being named an NCWIT North Florida & Southeast Georgia Affiliate Award for Aspirations in Computing winner and presenting research at various conferences. Bowers’ dedication to both academia and community service positions her as a role model for aspiring scientists and underscores the importance of diverse voices in shaping the future of technology.

Jasmine Bowers’ groundbreaking accomplishment serves as a beacon of inspiration, proving that resilience, determination, and a supportive community can pave the way for unprecedented success. As she continues to make strides in her career, Bowers remains a testament to the limitless potential that exists within the world of STEM.
Miracle Izuchukwu, a 24-year-old trailblazer hailing from New York City, is poised to make history as one of the 1% of Black female pilots for major commercial airlines globally. Currently undergoing training to become a Commercial Airline Pilot, her journey serves as an inspiration to many.

Born to Nigerian parents, Miracle faced discouragement due to her gender while growing up. Despite societal skepticism, she nurtured her dream of becoming a pilot. Her aviation odyssey commenced as a flight attendant with American Airlines, where a chance encounter with a pilot ignited her passion for flying.

Undeterred by her father’s initial reservations, who remarked that he would disembark if he saw a woman piloting, Miracle transformed discouragement into determination. In 2021, she achieved her Private Pilots License, marking a significant milestone.

In a jubilant Instagram post, she shared, “I joined the elite group of 7% of females and 1% of black female pilots in the world.” Miracle is currently in the rigorous training process to become a Commercial Airline pilot. Her social media platforms, especially Instagram (@pilot.mira), serve as a space for sharing insights into pilot training and motivational stories from her journey.

Miracle’s story is not without its challenges. Growing up in an environment where her aspirations were viewed with skepticism, she demonstrated resilience. In an interview, she revealed that her father initially resisted her career choice, emphasizing the prevailing lack of representation of black women in the aviation field. Click here to read more about Miracle.