Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Maxine Cain.

Founder of STEM Atlanta Women, joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss her mission to increase diversity in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. She shares insights on how her organization bridges gaps for Black and Brown women in underserved communities and creates career pathways.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Origins of STEM Atlanta Women

   • Founded in 2016, the organization was inspired by Maxine’s challenges as an HR leader in a Fortune 500 company, where recruiting women of color into innovation roles was difficult.
   • She recognized a lack of representation and cultural barriers that discouraged women from entering STEM careers.
   • Her background in corporate event planning and business development helped her secure sponsorships for STEM-focused initiatives.

2. Summerhill Community Hub

   • The organization operates out of a two-story loft space in Summerhill, Atlanta, a historically underserved community.
   • Summerhill lacked essential resources, including a bank and grocery store, for over 60 years.
   • Partnered with Carter Development, which helped provide space for STEM education and community programming.

3. STEM Education & Outreach

   • Works closely with local schools, including King Middle School, Carver Early College, Maynard Jackson High School, and Georgia State University.
   • Runs programs designed to introduce young girls to STEM careers, helping them build confidence and skills early.

4. Annual STEM Events

   • STEMinist Ball celebrates young women excelling in STEM fields by awarding crystal trophies, certificates, and graduation cords at a black-tie event.
   • STEM in the City is an afterschool program that exposes students to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, drone technology, and flavor science with Coca-Cola.
   • Collaborated with Usher’s New Look Foundation and IBM to introduce artificial intelligence concepts to students.

5. College & Workforce Development

   • Partners with Clark Atlanta University and Emory University to provide certification programs in business intelligence and emerging technology.
   • Works with major corporations to create career pathways for Black talent.
   • Helps underserved individuals gain industry-recognized certifications for high-paying tech jobs.

6. Vision & Impact

   • Maxine started STEM Atlanta Women to create opportunities for young women who lacked access to STEM education.
   • She emphasizes mentorship, representation, and hands-on learning to help future leaders navigate STEM careers.

📘 Resources & Contact Information
Dr. Maxine Cain’s work is accessible through:
🔗 Website: STEM Atlanta Women
🔗 Social Media: @STEMAtlantaWomen

#BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Paul Rainey.

He holds a powerful executive role in the media world, shaping the future of iconic brands like Billboard, Rolling Stone, and SXSW.

🏆 Paul Rainey’s Executive Career at Penske Media Corporation (PMC)

Current Role

• Executive Vice President of Operations and Finance at Penske Media Corporation (PMC).
• Oversees operations and financial strategy for Rolling Stone, Billboard, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Vibe, SXSW, and more.
• Provides strategic input across PMC’s global media brands and live events, including the Billboard Music Awards, SXSW, and American Music Awards.

Key Responsibilities

• Leads financial decision-making, acquisitions, and operational procedures across PMC’s portfolio.
• Serves on several boards, including as Audit Committee Chair of Redaptive, Inc. and a Director at SXSW.

Background & Education

• Holds a Master of Science in Accountancy and a BBA in Finance and Computer Applications from the University of Notre Dame.
• Formerly held leadership roles at General Electric, Global Eagle, and Harris CapRock Communications, managing billion-dollar operations across five continents.

📘 About PMC & Cultural Influence
PMC is a global media powerhouse, reaching over 350 million people monthly. Its brands shape culture through journalism, entertainment, and live events, including SXSW

Paul Rainey is a rare blend of creative storyteller and corporate strategist, bridging the worlds of graphic novels and global media leadership. Whether he’s crafting a sci-fi twist in a comic or guiding the future of Billboard and SXSW, his influence is both wide-reaching and deeply personal. Let me know if you’d like a visual timeline of his career or a deeper dive into one of his roles. 🎬📈✨

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Robyn Donaldson.

Entrepreneur, Mentor, and Founder of Renew Construction Services & STEM Exposure

🔑 Episode Highlights 🔄 From Incarceration to Inspiration

• Robyn shares her journey from a strict religious upbringing to incarceration due to drug-related activities.
• Served 5 years in prison, where she earned two associate degrees and developed a passion for learning and leadership.

🧹 Building a Business from the Ground Up

• Learned high-level cleaning skills in prison and at Hilton during work release.
• Founded Renew Construction Services, which grew from cleaning trailers to major contracts like:
  • Tampa Convention Center
  • NFL Super Bowl & Kickoff
  • City of Tampa, Moffitt Cancer Center, USF

🏗️ Strategic Growth & Collaboration

• Became a Home Depot distributor.
• Uses collaboration to uplift smaller contractors and scale projects.
• Emphasizes relationship-building and proactive planning over reactive bidding.

👩🏽‍🔬 STEM Exposure Nonprofit

• Founded STEM Exposure to introduce Black girls to underrepresented STEM careers.
• Offers local and global architecture and construction camps.
• Operates in 10 countries and 4 time zones with a focus on AI, engineering, and design.

🏆 Recognition & Legacy

• Honored with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Embraces her past as part of her story, using it to inspire others.
• Celebrates milestones like putting bills on autopay as symbols of stability and peace.

🌐 Websites

• STEM Exposure: stemxposure.org (drop the “e” in “exposure”)
• Renew Construction Services: renewconstructionservices.com

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