Tag: diversity and inclusion

EDC Appoints Andrés Henríquez as Director of STEM Education Strategy

Posted on by Diversity Recruiters ™

 

EDC appoints Andrés Henríquez

March 19, 2021

 

 

EDC has appointed Andrés Henríquez as its director of STEM education strategy. Henríquez, a nationally known education innovator who was a key driver of the National Research Council’s Framework for K–12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards, rejoins EDC after decades of leading transformational education initiatives focused on STEM, literacy, and equity.

 

In his new role at EDC, Henríquez will launch and lead strategic partnerships and initiatives that will maximize the reach and impact of EDC’s STEM expertise, working closely with EDC vice president Sarita Pillaiand EDC’s team of STEM specialists. He joins EDC from the New York Hall of Science, where he was the vice president for STEM learning in communities and advanced a wide range of programs with the local Latinx community.

 

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Andrés Henríquez back to EDC,” said EDC senior vice president Cindy Taylor. “His visionary work to enhance STEM education, his deep dedication to equity and community engagement, and his accomplishments in strengthening educational policy and practice to benefit all learners are unequalled.”

 

Previously, Henríquez served as a program director for the National Science Foundation and a program officer for the Carnegie Corporation of New York, where he led programs focused on science, adolescent literacy, and English language learners. Earlier in his career, he held leadership and research positions with EDC’s Center for Children and Technology, where he managed a partnership between Bell Atlantic and Union City Schools that dramatically improved education in Union City, New Jersey, and received acclaim from President William J. Clinton.

 

Henríquez holds an MA from Teachers College and a BA from Hamilton College. He has held board positions with Excelencia in Education and Hamilton College and an advisory role with the U.S. National Parks Service. He will be based in EDC’s New York headquarters.

 

“I am delighted to bring my various experiences back to EDC to elevate the work in STEM education and workforce development.” Henríquez said. “I am looking forward to working with a group of creative, top-notch colleagues to improve our nation’s efforts in STEM and ensure the next generation of young people thrive.”

 

 

 

Finding the Right Mentor

Posted on by Diversity Recruiters ™
By Tony Wright
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Finding the Right Mentor

 

01/10/2020

Mentoring can be a powerful force in accelerating the skills we need to become better leaders. It can also be a not-so rewarding experience if there is a lack of synergy between the parties involved.


Mentors give up their most valuable asset – time – to help aspiring managers. Mentees should acknowledge this up front, and take great care in embracing this very important personal investment.


Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to mentor several directors and managers. During those relationships, I’ve learned a few things:


(1) There is a lack of diversity in mentorship. Under-represented employees overwhelmingly seek out diverse executives for career advice because they believe they have no other options.


(2) Many mentees don’t receive honest feedback from their direct supervisor. Managers should not be afraid to talk to their direct reports about opportunities for growth. Ignoring tough conversations almost always leads to a false sense of success, and will eventually become the next manager’s problem.


(3) Mentors must set hard boundaries and establish the purpose of the relationship up front. This should be a solutions-oriented relationship that’s agreed upon by both parties.


(4) Mentors must be fully invested in the process to influence sustainable change. Mentoring isn’t always easy. It can be very tough depending on the dynamic between individuals involved. If the mentor isn’t willing to stay the course, don’t get involved.


(5) Mentoring can help mentors broaden their perspectives. Understanding the perspective of others arms us to become better listeners and leaders.


If you’re seeking a mentor, be clear of your goals. Also, understand why you believe your desired mentor is a good fit for you. If you’re clear about what you desire from the start, communication should flow smoothly. Be open to feedback, set an end date, and most importantly, set goals for your success!