This Black lady is manifesting the way forward for Black women in STEM via her work as an writer.
Ohio native and writer Valerie Thompkins is utilizing her present of writing to encourage the youth to try towards higher-paying careers.
Whereas working as a venture supervisor on the Federal Reserve Financial institution, Thompkins wrote the kids’s guide, Ladies Like Me, fulfilling her mission to seek out one other outlet to encourage her neighborhood.
As writer of “Ladies Like Me,” Thompkins hopes to encourage youthful women to pursue careers in Science, Know-how, Engineering, and Arithmetic (STEM).
“Ladies Like Me is an inspiring image guide showcasing the various completely different careers that youngsters can pursue. Observe the journey of a curly haired little lady as she explores a brand new function on each web page, gaining the self-worth to develop into a future historical past maker,” in keeping with the guide’s abstract.
“This straightforward to learn story is designed to form the long run for readers and encourage them to start exploring occupations at an early age. Seize your copy of this fantastically illustrated various guide on your favourite trainer or younger reader, this magical story motivates individuals of all ages,” it continued.
Thompkins says her guide has been successful, even with out the assistance of a supervisor, agent, or massive identify writer.
In keeping with Thompkins, she has offered almost 10,000 books between her web site, Amazon, and the bookstores she’s partnered with.
“I’m lower than 700 books away! In 2022, I’ve met so many authors and coached them via the publishing course of. I’ve spoken in entrance of scholars, lecturers, and librarians. I helped ship just a few thousand books to Uvalde, Texas,” she shared on Instagram.
She added, “I’m not nervous about what I didn’t get performed, however celebrating what I did! Grateful for each collaboration and considerate particular person whose reached out to share an occasion or alternative. Thanks to everybody whose been aside of my 2022.”