Ms. Valerie Hawkins received the Women of Color K-12 Promotion of Education award at the 18th annual Women of Color Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Conference in Dallas, Texas. The award was presented by Monica Emerson, national chair of the Women of Color STEM Planning Committee.

Hawkins was recognized for her commitment to providing students with access to the Project Lead the Way/Gateway to Technology method to problem-based curriculum and giving students a pre-engineering foundation.

She has served as a coordinator and resource teacher at the Southwest Academy Magnet School for Science and Engineering teacher, and coordinator and resource teacher at the Magnet School for Science and Engineering in Baltimore County.

The magnet school offers students a rigorous program of study designed to develop digital skills and to increase their knowledge of environmental science, aquatic science, and technology via the Gateway to Technology Program—Project Lead the Way® (GTT/PLTW).

Nominations are now open for Women of Color STEM Conference Awards. Since 1995, the conference has hosted several award ceremonies for women who create innovation and inspiration.

Click Apply Now to nominate a woman of excellence in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields for a Women of Color STEM Award.