3M recently participated in a White House-sponsored event with an aim to help advance educational excellence, equity, and economic opportunity for Black Americans. The event, part of the Power Up Series, was hosted by Malcolm X College in Chicago along with co-collaborator Discovery Education. The Power Up Series consists of a collection of national, local, and virtual engagements in the Black community that will serve as critical touchpoints as well as highlight best practices and resources.

3M engineer Deboarh Isabelle was a panelist at the event. She had the opportunity to connect with students and share her passion for STEM, offer career advice, detail the importance of mentorship and more.

Q: Talk about feeling connected to the event’s mission.
A: The conference was filled with excitement and energy.  It was invigorating to celebrate Black excellence as a counternarrative to the negative news stories.  There was a call to build out systems of care to support the whole learner.  The educators and community members in attendance were focused on tangible suggestions for building system to improve and sustain the success of Black students through the education system and ensure that they are prepared for all opportunities in the workforce.

As we look to prepare students for success, there was great information shared about how schools providing well-rounded students, create higher performing students regardless of the urban or rural demographic.  Arts, music, and other areas that tend to be considered luxuries in times of fiscal challenges, are critical to producing the next generation with the skills that we need.

I was fortunate to have parents and people around me who made sure I saw possibilities and role models.  I feel compelled to offer myself as a role model of a Black/African American female engineer who is entirely the product of public education.  I am the product of positive investment by my community and of positive investment in the public school system. 

Q: Were there any unexpected connections or meaningful moments?
A: In addition to the great energy and information shared, it was great to make connections in some different circles than I normally do in my day job as a product engineer.  The cross disciplinary interactions are important for our collective success.

In my conversation with the high school students, I shared examples of roles at 3M across the spectrum from finance to business to research to manufacturing.  When asked about transferable skills, I offered three that I consider important – being a good/effective team player, being able to communicate effectively, and attention to detail.

On the Exploring Career Pathways and Workforce Development panel, I shared the importance of each of us to making a positive difference in the world.  It was a belief that my parents lived out and one that I strive to emulate.

Q: What was a highlight for you?
A: One of the best parts of the conference was being able to connect again in person with my mentee, the 2023 3M Top Young Scientist, Heman Bekele. Heman is bright, passionate, and charismatic.  Spending time with him is always inspiring.