1. Impact of the ASTC Diversity & Leadership Development Fellows Program

2. The ASTC Fellowship Program has made a
difference in my work and career by helping me
go deeper in my role as a science center
professional. The first way my participation has
done this is by helping to equip me to move from
the role of youth program coordinator to the
manager of an entire Youth Program Department.
As a manager, I now have the ability to use the
tools that I have gained from the Fellowship
program to influence not just one youth program
but 3 youth programs in addition to an entire
organization. The organization that I came from
had fully adopted the mission and values of the
Fellowship Program from the top on down.
As an employee of that organization for 12 plus
years, I have never experienced an organization
that is brand new and still growing and maturing.
I feel like the Fellowship Program has truly
prepared me with the tools to be a catalyst of its
mission and values in a new organization.
As a result of the Program, I have been able to
maintain a sense of solidarity within the
field, especially during the year that I was out of
the field.

3. I knew I wanted to be a science educator, but
I felt strongly that I also wanted to be working
with the LGBT community.
The Fellows Program was one of the ways that
helped validate and strengthen in me
the knowledge that these two roles are not
exclusive of each other.

4. Starting at NYSCI at the age of 17, I was
amazed at what science centers could
offer our visitors and grateful to be
given the opportunity to work there.
After years of professional development
and support at my institution, and my
own dedication to teaching the public
about science, I was accepted as an
ASTC Diversity Fellow.
The Diversity Fellowship program
provoked my interest in continuing my
education and it was there where I
learned that my position at NYSCI was
not only a job, but a career.

5. Impact of the ASTC Diversity & Leadership Development Fellows Program

6. The ASTC Equity and Diversity Leadership
Fellows Program has helped me to gain a
greater confidence to be able to progress in
the science center and museum field.
Mostly it’s given me the opportunity to give
back to the field by sharing my experiences
with new fellows and presenting at ASTC
Conferences.

7. The Fellows program reaffirmed and
strengthened my commitment and passion for
informal education and the science museum
field. That's a lot of "and's" but that's because
it's so true!
I expanded a network I rely on for advice to
this very day. I met great people who were
facing the same challenges and questions that
I was--I learned I wasn't alone and that was so
valuable as a young professional starting out
in the field. If two heads are better than one,
then becoming a Fellow meant I gained a
bunch of smart, funny, and passionate heads
to bounce ideas of off.
If there is one thing I could tell someone they
would take away from this program it is that
quality education is a team effort, and the
Fellows program drafts some great players
into your team. That or you should always
watch out for glass doors....(Thanks Fellows in
Fort Worth, I'm glad I could make you all
laugh!)

8. I have several pictures, but this one is posted on my
bulletin board as a reminder of the courage, wisdom and
support I have to get through all the challenges!

9. Impact of the ASTC Diversity & Leadership Development Fellows Program

10. My acceptance as an ASTC Diversity
Fellow in 2001 and my experience with
the program was the catalyst behind my
decision to approach my work in the
museum as a career and not a job.
After nine years, I still love what I do
and plan to continue in the museum
field.

11. The Fellows program taught me that
everyone has the potential to be a
leader. Since becoming a Fellow, I’ve
increased my leadership role in my
organization and I have a stronger long-
term vision of myself in this field. I know
that I have a supportive network of other
Fellows who are behind me all the way!

12. I
The program helped me to see and
understand how important diversity at a
science center is. It also gave me some
great ideas to take back to Sci-Port:
Louisiana's Science Center.

13. Impact of the ASTC Diversity & Leadership Development Fellows Program

14. Being an Alumni Fellow, I have gained
confidence presenting in front of my
professional colleagues, learned how to
network with others in the Science
Center/Museum field, have had the
opportunity meet and learn from a diverse
group of people, and have gained everlasting
friendships and mentors that help
guide my journey.

15. Through my 10 year journey with the Diversity
Fellows Program, I have learned that someone
who is truly passionate about the work they do
can make a difference.
I’ve gained a network of supportive and
diverse professionals who have shown me that
the greatest mistake you can make in your
career is do nothing just because you can do
little. This has enabled me to create a
supportive and inclusive environment in my
own institution.

16. The Diversity Fellows program provided
me with a better understanding of my role
as a leader in the museum world – how I
can impact so many people and prepare
myself for the growth and
accomplishments that await me. I am
appreciative of the opportunity and will
always continue to support this cause.

17. Impact of the ASTC Diversity & Leadership Development Fellows Program

18. Through the Fellows program, I learned
to take responsibility for myself and my
museum.
If I want things to change, I have to stop
complaining and start acting.

19. Although some days I feel like I’m
rearranging deck chairs on the
Titanic, the fellows program taught
me 3 things: patience, persistence
and to have fun!