Our good, seasoned-acting sis, Malinda Williams has been a national treasure on our television screens for decades. From TV series to our favorite movies, Williams has always been that girl. And now she’s leading an effort to usher in a new wave of Black girls at HBCUs.
Together with her non-profit Arise And Shine Foundation Inc., Williams has launched an initiative called the E.S.T.E.A.M. Project aimed specifically towards HBCU women.
Williams made the announcement via Instagram this Monday. “We’re excited to announce the launch of The E.S.T.E.A.M. Project, a coding bootcamp initiative designed for women at HBCUs, fostering change, inspiration, and sisterhood. Let’s Do It,” she wrote.
The Arise Foundation also shared their excitement to collaborate with Williams on the HBCU initiative. “Led by actress, author, and entrepreneur Malinda Williams through the Arise And Shine Foundation. We’re committed to empowering women and championing diverse talents in the 21st century!”
Throughout the course of the bootcamp’s coding curriculum, this inaugural cohort will meet virtually to develop an app project or showcase project with guidance and curriculum assistance provided by the program sponsor. Our team will identify experts in the field of education and computer science to help integrate and execute the curriculum program.
Malinda Williams established the Arise and Shine Foundation along with her 2 sisters, Lisa Williams Sorensen and Leslie Williams Dunn to support underserved and underrepresented women and girls in overcoming challenges and reaching their full potential, guiding them through adversity, trauma, and disadvantages towards a fulfilling life.
“I wanted to create a space where women could come together and learn from each other, support each other, and collaborate on projects that pour back into their communities.” Williams wrote. “As a professional actress and someone who has benefited greatly from the support of my community. I understand first-hand the value of collaboration and paying it forward.”
The E.S.T.E.A.M. Project is one way the 3 siblings are choosing to give back, while also advocating for sisterhood, collaboration, and empowerment.
“Coding is a powerful tool – it is the language of the future,” Williams writes. “One that I have been learning for the past 12 years and that has empowered me by unlocking doors that I never knew could be available to me. I believe The E.S.T.E.A.M. Project HBCU Coding Bootcamp will offer a way for young women to acquire valuable skills to sustain success in the 21st century.”
Visit asforwomen.org to apply and learn more!
