“Get involved early on in the academic setting and give young students the opportunity to explore the many options that life and different professions have to offer.” “Show them that there are successful people who look like them in S.T.E.M. fields. Also, encourage other young professionals, like me, to get active in the spaces that most benefit them and the community as a whole and not just for monetary gain but for purposeful action and legacy.” Are encouraging words from our December 2020 Member of the Month, Nashira Blackmon, when asked “How do you plan to make a difference in our community and inspire other young professionals like yourself?”
Nashira is a natural motivator and lends her various skills to Richmond YP since joining in January 2018. As a member of the Social Committee she’s assisted with the annual Holiday Party and Empower Hours. She was an Officer and served as Secretary of the Executive Leadership Council during the 2018-2020 term. Also, she’s been an active participant in NDOE and NDOS while helping with local initiatives. She joined once she met like-minded individuals who were committed to the things that she found important such as increasing awareness of resources that are mostly free and available in the community. She’s passionate about teaching others about public and private services that will benefit and enhance their lives.
Nashira is a Systems Safety Engineer who admires former First Lady Michelle Obama’s grace and poise despite living in the public eye for eight years. Nashira explains that she enjoys the freedom “to be me” in the office and in her work while making an impact as an individual and leaving her ‘mark’ on her product. Although self-described as shy and reserved, Nashira takes every opportunity to speak to teens and young adults about women in S.T.E.M. She encourages them to explore the array of fields and jobs available to women of color.
As we enter the final month in a turbulent year, we asked Nashira how she has dealt with the multitude of changes. She explained that she made herself a priority. She leaned into discovering the cause of her feelings – to learn more about herself and how she reacts to triggers and stressful situations. Nashira loves the Richmond scenery and all of the hidden gems that take you out of your comfort zone and into a space to be uniquely and unapologetically you. She encourages everyone to listen to songs by Ari Lennox, Alex Isley, Jill Scott, and Kali Uchis and to remain optimistic because you never know what’s in store – now is the time to live and manifest.