About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
SHE DRAWS CAMP TAMPA BAY - JUL 22-26, 2024
MISSION STATEMENT:
At STEM Xposure She Draws Camp for Architecture and Construction, our mission is to empower and inspire Black girls to explore, learn, and excel in the fields of architecture, construction, and design. We are committed to providing engaging educational experiences that ignite curiosity, foster creativity, and build confidence, equipping participants with the skills and knowledge to thrive in STEM-related careers.
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PURPOSE STATEMENT:
STEM Xposure She Draws Camp for Architecture and Construction aims to bridge the gender and racial gap in STEM fields by offering specialized programs tailored to the unique interests and talents of Black girls. Our purpose is to cultivate a supportive and inclusive learning environment where participants can develop critical thinking skills, gain hands-on experience, and envision themselves as future leaders and innovators in architecture and construction. Through mentorship, exposure to industry professionals, and interactive workshops, we aim to empower Black girls to pursue their passions and realize their full potential in STEM.
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Our Story
Robyn Donaldson established the STEM Xposure, She Draws program in 2018, and since then, nearly 400 African-American girls have participated.
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At this camp, local girls aged 13 to 17 collaborate in teams to create affordable housing solutions for the Tampa Bay area. The innovative designs they develop aim to tackle the affordable housing crisis in Tampa and within their own communities. The students will gain hands-on experience with design software, including SketchUp, a longstanding partner of STEM Xposure Inc. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to collaborate with experts in building construction and the STEM industry.
The top three projects will be recognized with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards.
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STEM Xposure Architectural Camp emphasizes community engagement, with students developing design solutions tailored to local challenges. By the end of each camp, participants will have a deeper grasp of how they can contribute positively to the design and construction landscape in their communities, while also gaining insights into the roles and skills of architects and designers. The overarching aim is to guide students towards STEM careers, potentially within the construction industry as architects, engineers, skilled tradespeople, or general contractors.
Participating in this program will not only teach you about architecture but also demonstrate that the ten steps to design and build a house mirror those needed to shape your life.
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Students in the program explore various STEM disciplines, including science, technology, engineering, and math, along with essential business skills like sales strategies, business planning, and pitching. They embark on field trips to local businesses, receive mentorship, and delve into how STEM intersects with the beauty industry.
Meet The FOUNDER
ROBYN DONALDSON
At STEM Xposure Inc., Robyn mentors African American girls and women in STEM careers within construction, earning recognition on platforms like Kelly Ring's "What's Right with Tampa Bay." Amid the pandemic, her architectural design camp engaged over 400 students globally, fostering educational exchanges and inspiring local students to pursue architecture.
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Robyn's dedication to empowering women in construction is evident through CONSTRUCTION X, a workforce training unit she initiated, sponsored by the ABC Gulf Coast Chapter. Beyond entrepreneurship, Robyn is a committed philanthropist recognized internationally for her contributions, including as a semifinalist for the Global Women Award for Leadership and Global Contributions in London.
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Robyn Donaldson embodies the ethos of "Making a Living from Giving," blending business acumen with social impact. STEM Xposure Inc. continues its mission in 2024 with the She Draws Architecture and Construction Summer Camp, addressing Tampa Bay's affordable housing crisis and showcasing Robyn's enduring legacy of empowerment.
Our sponsors
