The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has announced that the International Day of Education in 2025 will spotlight the opportunities and challenges offered by artificial intelligence (AI).

This initiative is a call to action for member states, emphasizing the importance of investing in the training of both teachers and students.

The goal is to empower everyone in the education sector to harness the potential of AI responsibly, fostering a brighter and more inclusive future for all learners.

At the annual WOC STEM Conference, the Educational Leadership College-level Promotion of Education Award is a recognition that honors outstanding university faculty or staff dedicated to upholding excellence in engineering, science, or technical education.

Last year, the spotlight shone on Whitney Gaskins, a trailblazer as a female dean. Her impactful role as an assistant dean at the University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Science has been transformative.

Dr. Gaskins led the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement, where her commitment to recruiting, supporting, and retaining marginalized and minority students has sparked significant positive change.

Under her guidance, the engineering college broadened its outreach to underrepresented groups, creating an inclusive atmosphere where every student can thrive.

Dr. Gaskins is also celebrated for her innovative teaching methods; her unique honors course creatively blends engineering with art to address real-world challenges in fresh and engaging ways.

In an exciting update, the American Society for Engineering Education has announced that Dr. Gaskins will be participating in the 2025 Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity's Next Leaders Academy.

Her involvement will center around sharing insights from an inspiring AI summer camp experience.

She will play a crucial role in reviewing a curriculum crafted by AI researchers and community outreach practitioners, organized around key themes such as education, healthcare, housing, and poverty.

The early outcomes of this initiative have showcased an increased awareness of the ethical dimensions of AI, demonstrating the value of integrating such crucial topics into technical education.

Another shining example is Anne-Marie Kosi-Kupe, a dedicated professor at the University of Detroit Mercy, who received the 2023 Women of Color Educational Leadership—College-Level Promotion of Education Award.

Her teaching methods make complex scientific concepts accessible, sparking a genuine passion for leadership among her students.

Professor Kosi-Kupe is an expert in a wide array of subjects, including anatomy and physiology, microbiology, immunology, nutrition, and much more.

She has made a significant impact through her numerous publications and has led various STEM-related research projects as a Principal Investigator.

Notably, her research exploring the efficacy of Mun root extracts on fibroid cells in collaboration with the Bindley Bioscience Center at Purdue University showcases her innovation and commitment to advancing scientific understanding.

Beyond her academic achievements, Kosi-Kupe is fiercely dedicated to service within her community.

She has initiated four outreach projects designed to engage high school students of color from underserved areas, encouraging them to pursue STEM education at the collegiate level.

Additionally, she has opened her campus doors to local high school students for presentations in the Detroit Mercy cadaver lab, inspiring them to share their nutritional journeys and experiences.

These initiatives reflect her passion for uplifting the next generation of leaders and innovators in STEM.