SitiTalk Winning Women: In Science and Entertainment
- SitiTalkBlog
- Jul 23, 2016
- 3 min read
Photo credit: Information source: Yahoo News; www.physics2cancer.org
35 years old St. Louis, USA native
B.S. degree in Physics from Alabama A&M University. She received her M.S. and Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
Second African American woman to receive a PhD in physics from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) (2012).
One of less than 100 Black women physicists in the entire United States.
Accomplishments:
At 35 years old, one of United States top scientist and an Assistant Professor at Morehouse School of Medicine.
Working on cutting edge technology cancer treatment involving use of lasers and nanoparticles to target cancer cells, so far successful in laboratory mice.
Demonstrated a way to shrink tumors in a living mouse using nanotechnology (the branch of technology that deals with dimensions and tolerances of less than 100 nanometers, especially the manipulation of electrons).
Recently awarded a $1.1 million cancer research grant through the United States Veterans Affairs Historically Black Colleges and Universities Research Scientist Training Program fund her groundbreaking cancer treatment research.
Awarded a $1.1 million grant is a major accomplishment, but the journey of how Green came to be one of the country’s top scientists as well as a Morehouse School of Medicine Assistant Professor is one of inspiration. The 35 year old, you see, is the first in her family to ever go to college. And not only did the St. Louis native make it to graduation, in 2012 Green became the second African American woman to receive a PhD in physics from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), an accolade she takes in stride. More than that, Green is one of less than 100 Black women physicists in the entire United States.
Established the Ora Lee Smith Cancer Research Foundation in memory of her aunt who raised her and who died of cancer.
Information source: Yahoo News; www.physics2cancer.org
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Pearlena Igbokwe, recently named the President of Universal Television, a subsidiary of National Broadcasting Cable (NBC), Universal Television Group.
Photo credit: www.venturesafrica.com;
Nigerian-born veteran Executive Producer believed to be the first ‘Igbo’ to head a major US television studio.
First African-American female to assume the position of President of Universal Television.
The President of NBC Enterhttps://venturesafrica.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-pearlena-igbokwe-first-nigerian-to-head-a-major-us-television/tainment, Jennifer Salke, described Pearlena’s track record at NBC said, “Pearlena’s remarkable track record in drama programming at NBC over the last few years made it clear that she was the ideal choice to lead the studio into its next phase of growth. Her leadership, vision and taste have resulted in an impressive string of drama successes – fromThe Blacklist, Blindspot, Chicago Med, Shades of Blue and the upcoming series This Is Us, Timelessand Taken—that coincides with our return to a top position among networks,” Jennifer Salke said.
Background
She was born in Lagos State, Nigeria in the mid 1960s.
Pearlena grew up in a small village in the southeastern part of Nigeria, where she hails from.
Pearlena lived through the Biafran war– her village was attacked by bomber planes and they depended on food that was airlifted to them.
At the age of six, she moved to join her father in the United States of America.
Education
She attended Yale University between 1983 – 1987, where she acquired a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in English.
She went on to attend the Columbia Business School between 1990 – 1992, where she got a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Marketing and International Business.
Career
Pearlena joined Prudential Financial as a Group Representative in 1987 and she spent three years with the company.
She started off her career in the entertainment industry as the Manager, Direct Response Marketing at Showtime Networks between 1992 and 1994.
She held several positions at Showtime including: Director, Special Projects (1994 – 1996), Director, Original Programming (1996 – 1999), Vice President, Original Programming (1999 – 2004), Senior Vice President, Original Programming (2005 – 2012) and Executive Vice President, Drama Development (2012 – 2016).
Before her latest position, she was the Executive Vice President, Drama Programming for NBC Entertainment
Information source from: www.venturesafrica.com
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