Transforming Lives at the E.S.T.E.A.M.ED Summit at FAMU

A Vision of Empowerment

At Florida A&M University, from June 25-27, the E.S.T.E.A.M.ED Summit transformed the campus into a sanctuary of empowerment and self-discovery for 21 young women. As part of the Arise and Shine Foundation, this annual event is the brainchild of actress and producer Malinda Williams, who drew motivation from her personal journey with technology.

“Every concept behind E.S.T.E.A.M.ED was borne out of necessity and experience,” Williams shared. Her story is a testament to resilience, sparked when she taught herself coding during challenging times. Williams believes deeply in the power of confidence paired with tech skills, a core philosophy of the summit.

Cultivating a Culture of Confidence

Through sisterhood circles, wellness rituals, and cutting-edge tech training, the summit aims to foster not just academic prowess but emotional growth. It’s not just a gathering; it’s about tuning into one’s potential and creating a community that uplifts each other.

“One of our goals is to fuse different facets of education into a holistic experience,” said Williams. “It’s vital for young women to see that they can excel in technical fields while nurturing their wellness.”

Student Testimonies

Participants like Camrynn Harper cited FAMU’s welcoming atmosphere as integral to the summit’s success. “Here, we are family, and that’s perfect for fostering this kind of growth,” she remarked.

For Uzoma Okey-Anyanwu, the summit wasn’t just about acquiring skills, but also about recognizing and embracing cultural identity. Her realization of Black culture’s richness was an unexpected but immensely powerful takeaway.

Creative Expressions and Cultural Pride

Returning facilitator Marie “BustinMoves” Moring energized the summit with dance, connecting participants to their roots while promoting mental well-being. “The focus is on self-love and cultural pride,” Moring explained.

From Student to Mentor

The event proved especially poignant for many, including FAMU alumna KJ Rose. Returning to pour into others what she once gained as a student created a full-circle moment for her. “This was where my purpose took shape, and now it’s my turn to guide,” she reflected.

A Lasting Legacy

As the summit concluded with a scholarship dinner and reflections gallery, camaraderie and mentorships formed. Participants left not just as attendees but as empowered changemakers armed with skills and a supportive community ready to back them up on their journeys.

According to Florida A&M University - FAMU, the E.S.T.E.A.M.ED Summit continues to shape future leaders through its unique blend of technology and wellness.