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To support its mission of exploring, educating and championing climate change and social justice, the Center for Energy Education interns the Radiant Rays Friday attended the 2023 Our Minds Our Voices luncheon and expo held at the JB Duke hotel on the Duke University campus.

Seven female student representatives within the Empowering Young Women in Solar program traveled with C4EE staff to be recognized as Women of Distinction for their demonstrated sustained excellence, accomplishments and creativity in their chosen profession, in their family and in their personal endeavors.

Stedman Graham, chairman and CEO of S. Graham and Associates, was the keynote speaker. Author, educator and entrepreneur, Graham shared his nine-step process to success, stating that to lead others one must first lead oneself.

“The world is calling for leaders,” he said. “There’s no reason why you can’t answer that call.”

(The application deadline for the next cohort of the Empowering Young Women in Solar internship is March 24. Information can be found in the flyer included in the gallery and an application for the program is available online at this link. Information can also be obtained during an information session from 5 to 6 this evening at the center, which is located at 460 Airport Road in Roanoke Rapids)

The OMOV organization noted that award nominees have qualities of leadership, integrity, dedication and motivation for helping others. 

Nominees were judged on their professional accomplishments, community leadership and overall influence in their area of expertise. 

As Women to Watch, the Radiant Rays were acknowledged as “accomplished young women who have achieved notable success and are considered to be up-and-coming stars as a result of their academic achievements, community service and talent.”

Mozine Lowe, C4EE executive director, said, “These young women are inspiring lasting change. The contributions of these young women, especially their commitment to equity and environmental justice, represent unparalleled promise to our community and the world. They are creating ripples in the clean energy conversation.”

The Radiant Rays, who attend Halifax County, Roanoke Rapids and Weldon City schools, noted the trip allowed them to meet business leaders who look like them and celebrate their drive toward successful, relevant futures. 

Halifax County Early College seniors included Machiya Arrington, Jaslyn McKinney, Rakeya Brinkley and Janine Williams as well as Weldon High school senior Mihkayla Hammie. Jamiya Cabiness, Warren County High School 2022 graduate, also attended. 

In a kickoff to Women’s History Month, the day trip also provided an opportunity for the Radiant Rays to meet other award recipients and a diverse community of professionals, especially women, who strive to empower and promote health, wealth and leadership. OMOV members also are active mentors and life coaches to young women who will age out of the state’s foster care system.

Williams accepted the award on behalf of the group. 

In her remarks, she noted that as the Radiant Rays share their mission to educate and advocate for social justice and climate change in the Roanoke Valley community, the people they meet are encouraged by their knowledge of environmental and social issues in the state’s low-income, rural northeastern counties. 

“Two weeks ago, we led Congressman Don Davis on a tour of our facility’s museum displays that chart the range of our clean energy options; we even encouraged him to demonstrate a pedal-power generator that operates a panel of light bulbs,” she said. “He asked us about our futures and the obstacles that pull us from our home communities.”

She added that recruitment for the second cohort of Radiant Rays is underway. 

“As clean energy peers, we invite diverse females from Halifax, Northampton and Warren Counties to join us this summer and the upcoming school year,” said Williams. “We are excited about continuing our work and leading our community.”