TCC celebrates Women’s History Month with two expert panel discussions
Tidewater Community College celebrates Women’s History Month 2021 with two events that highlight women in the workplace. The events are live via Zoom and open to everyone.
Closing the Gap: Making Space for Women in Engineering, Computer Science, Economics & Cyber Security
March 18
Noon – 1 p.m.
Live via Zoom register here
This live panel discussion will feature women leaders discussing the challenges they’ve witnessed regarding gender inequities in their own career journeys. Learn about their perspectives on how society can play a more effective role in empowering women and girls to pursue careers in engineering, computer science, economics and cyber security.
Panel members include:
Marilyn Castro, Economics Professor at Tidewater Community College
A Puerto Rico native, Marilyn Castro is an alumni and economics professor at TCC. She is currently pursuing a master’s in business administration from Old Dominion University. Castro is a community activist for causes involving migrant workers’ rights, homeless children and food insecure families. She is the 2017 City of Virginia Beach Human Rights Awards recipient.
Marquita Snow, Service Member with the Army National Guard
A native of Okolona, Mississippi, Marquita Snow earned a bachelor’s in English from University of Memphis and is pursuing a second degree in cyber security from Old Dominion University. She serves in the Virginia Army National Guard’s 529th Combat Sustainment Support Brigade where she worked as an Information Technology Specialist among other roles. A combat veteran, Snow is recognized for her role in serving our country combatting the Global War on Terrorism in Afghanistan under Operation Enduring Freedom. She’s a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, where she enjoys volunteering in the community and mentoring young people to aspire to reach their dreams.
Ciara Rogers, Vice President of Product at xTuple ERP
As vice president of Product at xTuple, Ciara Rogers manages the product life cycle of the Enterprise Resource Planning software. She oversees software development, research and development, quality assurance, and user experience teams, all of whom contribute to the robust software that manufacturing and distribution companies use to run their businesses. With a passion for data analysis and solving problems, Rogers earned a master’s in applied sociology from University of Maryland Baltimore County and her bachelor’s in psychology from Towson University.
Bertha “Bee” Ballard, Mechanical Engineer I at the Newport News Shipbuilding
Bertha “Bee” Ballard is a mechanical engineer in the Nuclear Propulsion Division at Newport News Shipbuilding. Her job involves researching, designing, improving and developing equipment for the maintenance of nuclear reactors in nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines. Ballard earned a bachelor’s in civil engineering technology with a concentration in construction management from Old Dominion University. While at ODU, she was an active member of the National Society of Black Engineers; the American Society of Civil Engineers; the Society of Women Engineers; and the College of Engineering Dean’s Ambassadors. A returning college student, Ballard juggled many roles while pursuing her degree including legal assistant, children’s ministry teacher, wife and mom.
Women’s Empowerment Symposium
March 26
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Live via Zoom – register here
The Women’s Empowerment Symposium will reflect the theme, “Front and Center: Women Leading the Charge.”
The symposium features keynote speaker Jackie Jackson Glass, a community activist who is using her gift of gab to ignite important conversations and actions in Hampton Roads. She is the founder of Rubbish Media company and a podcast host. She is also a wife, mom and educator.
The event will also feature a panel discussion focused on women taking the lead in civic engagement and an empowerment expo featuring highlights from local organizations that empower women and girls.