Still processing everything from the ASU+GSV Summit ⏩ ⏩ Swipe
Grateful to have been chosen, alongside my fellow Karsh STEM Scholar, Jayson to represent Howard University among students from 12 HBCUs in attendance. Moments like these remind me why access, representation, and being in the room truly matter.
I had the opportunity to listen, learn, and connect with some incredible leaders across music, sports, science, technology, and storytelling. From visionary artists and athletes to scientists, tech innovators, and Pulitzer Prize–winning authors—the conversations, ideas, and perspectives were next level.
I left with new connections, renewed vision, and a deeper understanding of what’s possible when innovation, education, and purpose align. #asugsvsummit #howarduniversity #HBCU
As we continue to honor and celebrate Black History Month, let’s take a closer look at Historically Black Colleges and Universities or HBCU’s. Scroll through to learn more! 💚💛❤️👩🏾🎓🧑🏽🎓👨🏿🎓
I’m still excited about this!
🎥Recap: The inaugural STEM Day Howard was a SUCCESS! Thank you to those who have supported my STEM journey since I was 9 years old, and welcome to everyone who’s just joining the movement 💫
I’m on a mission to CONNECT 5000+ students with STEM professionals worldwide over the next year through The STEM Connect!
📍@howard1867
🎥@carolsvisionmedia
Sponsors:
@microsoft (BAM)
@karshstemscholarsprogram@hu_counselingservice
#STEM #stemgirlswag #howarduniversity #mentorship #TheSTEMConnect #womeninstem
The Inaugural STEM Day Howard! 🗣️
“Creating spaces where students can see themselves represented in STEM and connect directly with leaders in the field is what drives me,“ said Temple Lester, event host and founder of STEMGirl Swag. “STEM Day is more than a celebration; it’s an opportunity to build bridges and open doors.”
Panelists included prominent STEM professionals such as Dr. Korie Grayson, Dr. Natalie Coleman, Kelly Knight, Ferron Brown, Nicole Ralph and members of Black at Microsoft DC.
Attendees gained direct access to conversations about innovation, diversity, and leadership within STEM fields while exploring internship and career pathways.
The STEM Day: Networking Party also mark the soft launch of Lester’s newest initiative, The STEM Connect App!
#nationalstemday #JustTemple #STEMGIRLSwag #howarduniversity #HBCU
Detroit Born. Midwest Raised. Mecca Made.
Four years, two months ago and one week ago, 17-year-old Ayanna was in the top 5% of her graduating class with a 4.5 GPA. She had just received news that she’d earned a full-ride to Howard University through the Karsh STEM Scholars Program. She was working with city leadership to expand resources for marginalized communities, serving as President of the Black Student Union, Vice President of Drama Club, and had been selected by her class of 800 students to speak at graduation.
And on this day—May 5th, 2021—she was suspended from West Aurora High School.
Why?
Because she publicly advocated for her mentee and close friend who had just endured a traumatic experience—one the school failed to properly address. I was removed from school grounds, banned from prom, stripped of my role as graduation speaker, and denied the chance to walk across the stage I had worked so hard to reach.
That was the fractured foundation I stood on as I entered Howard.
In the two weeks before I moved to D.C., nothing brought me more peace than the open fields on the outskirts of my hometown. In those fields, my dreams of escaping the suburbs, of becoming a mad scientist, and of amplifying silenced voices felt within reach.
And here I am, four years later—degreed, loved, and happy.
This is my full circle. I’m commemorating the end of one chapter in the same place that first gave me sanctuary. Here’s to all I’ve overcome, to all I’ve accomplished, and to all the success still ahead.
Ayanna Mann
B.S. in Physics, concentration in Astrophysics
Mathematics and Philosophy Double Minor
Summa Cum Laude
(1/?)
📸- @han.oncam
#collegegrad #hbcu #howard
Congratulations to the graduating seniors of the 5th Cohort of the @karshstemscholarsprogram ! We are so proud of all your many accomplishments and wish you well in your pursuits of PhDs and MD/PhDs!🎓🎓🎓
I’m proud to announce that I am a 2025 Karsh STEM Scholar and will be attending Howard University on a full-ride scholarship to pursue my Ph.D. in Astrophysics 🚀🪐
I’m beyond honored to be selected among the top STEM scholars from around the globe to join the 9th Karsh Cohort at The Mecca.
The journey continues... and it’s only getting better. HU—you KNOW! 💙❤️🦬
Thank you for following my STEM journey as I’ve worked to be a spark for inclusion and diversity in science.
The next four years?
They’re going to be on fire🔥🔥
#KarshSTEMScholar #HowardBound #HU25 #BlackInSTEM #STEMGirlSwag #KarshK9 #FullRide #HBCUPride @howard1867@karshstemscholarsprogram
🗣️ College Decision Announcement❕
I could’ve went anywhere but I decided to spend the next 4 years with you 💫
#ClassOf2025 #collegedecision #wheretonext #JustTemple #CollegeBound #howarduniversity #karshstemscholars #Howard2029 #hbcu
Guys…….I GOT THE KARSH STEM SCHOLARSHIP!!!!!!!I’m so proud of myself for knowing that I could do this. I’m also so proud of my parents for pushing me to be the light even in dark times. #HU #physicist #nerdout
Are you a current high school senior and know that you want to pursue degrees like PhD, JD/PhD, or MD/PhD after undergraduate education? Consider this wonderful opportunity!!
To learn more, click on the link in my bio and locate them at the “Resources for Students” sheet. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re aware of other opportunities that our colleagues interested in the field of healthcare and research may benefit! I would more than happy to include them to the list :).
