On October 7, the City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation Community Relations Department hosted its first Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) Symposium to inspire over 40 young high school students from Cristo Rey Philadelphia and Interboro High Schools.
“Our students had a great time, with one of them telling me ‘Now I am even more convinced that an aviation career is right for me,’" said Cristo Rey High School Director of Client Relations Kim Hawkes. “We look forward to partnering with PHL on more events in the future.”
Students participated in five 30-minute sessions led by airport staff in each STEAM field. They learned about each speaker and their positions at the airport. After the sessions, they were treated to lunch and had the opportunity to learn about internships, roles at the airports, and volunteer opportunities. Students also participated in a STEAM activity lab set up with fun activities. After lunch, Interboro students toured Engine 78, and Cristo Rey students toured the Atlantic Aviation hangar.
“I thank the Department of Aviation Community Relations team for the opportunity to visit the PHL Airport for its STEAM Symposium,” said Interboro High School teacher Carolyn Helo. “We had an amazing time, and the students enjoyed themselves and learned a lot. We would love to come back in the future. PHL’s staff were very welcoming and really took the time to interact with our students.”
The STEAM symposium included PHL staff representing the following STEAM fields -
Science:
Jessica Noon- Airport Sustainability Manager
Amy Liu- City Planner Supervisor
Technology:
Shirley Dash- Director of IT Operations
Camille Tomlin- Vice President of IT Systems and Infrastructure
Emily Nguyen- Jr. Information Security Analyst
Engineering:
Api Appulingam- Chief Development Officer
Lee Sutanto- Airport Engineering Assistant Manager
Art:
Ursula Stuby- Assistant Director of Exhibitions
Kate Gooding- Brand Creative Support
Azure Rucker- Graphic Designer
Math:
Tracy Borda- Chief Financial Officer
Shaqunna Duncan- Budget Officer II
Christina Saggiomo- Airport Treasury Manager
Students had the opportunity to ask questions and participate in lively discussions. “With a vision and the right plan, a spark of curiosity can ignite a world of discovery,” said Keesha Lane, Director of Community Relations & Outreach. “Here's to the students who will shape tomorrow. Well done to Team PHL for making this STEAM event a huge success.”
