The Young Women's Leadership Academy Foundation announced Sheila Boyington was named the second annual Supernova Award winner at the Odyssey 2012: Engineering a Dream Luncheon and Awards Ceremony. The Supernova Award recognizes women who have distinguished themselves in their professional career and serve as role models to the next generation of female STEM leaders.
Ms. Boyington, co-founder of Thinking Media, a developer of computer-based training products for education and industry, earned her Master's Degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Florida. As president of Thinking Media, she serves as the strategic leader of projects and uses technology to address a variety of issues in the education, employment and healthcare industries. Ms. Boyington and her husband, who is also her business partner, are well known in the community for their commitment as leaders to various organizations, including UTC, Georgia Tech, Girls, Inc., India Association, Women's Leadership Institute and Girls Preparatory School.
The other four finalists for the 2012 Supernova Award included Dr. Anna George, chief research scientist at the Tennessee Aquarium; Dr. Phyllis Miller, gynecologist at the Women's Institute for Specialized Health; Dr. Gretchen Potts, UC Foundation associate professor of Chemistry at UTC; and Denise Rice, director of Cleveland Operations and Development, Cormetech, Inc. Environmental Technologies.
The Odyssey 2012 awards ceremony also recognized two young women for their outstanding academic accomplishments in STEM. Shaunte Hunter of Chattanooga received the Shining Star Award; she is pursuing an engineering degree at UT-Knoxville and serves as a STEM mentor and role model to other girls and young women. Frida Uwimana, a sixth grade student from the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, received the Rising Star award for her commitment to education and inspiration to other CGLA students.
All Odyssey 2012 award winners were presented with custom-designed awards hand crafted by local sculptor, Verina Baxter.