Over 60 participants attended “Hidden No More: STEM Women of Color,” a program celebrating diversity in the sciences held on Saturday, November 11. The event was sponsored by the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, the UNCP College of Arts and Sciences, New Student Programs, and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

Attendees heard from women, who despite challenges have made significant contributions to their fields.  Presenters included  Ann Vaughan Hammond, Peggy Vaughan, and Heather Vaughan Batten, who are the daughter, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter of Dorothy Vaughan, the NASA mathematician portrayed by Octavia Spencer in the film Hidden Figures; Dr. Jamila Simpson, the first African-American woman to receive a bachelor’s degree in Meteorology from N.C. State University; Dr. Stephani Page, creator of #BLACKandSTEM; and Dr. Freda Porter, president and CEO of Porter Scientific Inc. and enrolled member of the Lumbee Tribe. Crystal Harden, Director of Programs and Strategic Initiatives and Chief Diversity Officer for the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, served as moderator.

The Hidden No More Tour was organized by the  Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and is scheduled to appear at 4 other venues around the state.