Centering Women with Theresa Peterson

How have the arts impacted our culture?
The Arts have offered us a sense of expression. It has given us the ability to validate our feelings, sense of self-worth in who we have been and most importantly who we are.

To date, what has been your favorite concert or play and why?
My favorite: I have quite a few but I would say a piece that moved me the most was the first time I watched the Imitation of Life. Juanita Moore, who was nominated for an Academy Award depicts the length a mother would go to protect and make sure her child is successful. Only to be rejected by her daughter.

Tell us about the event for the National Center for Women Innovations.
It is an Inaugural event for the National Center for Women Innovations. We have so many Hidden Figures in Innovation; Women who have made our lives easier and better. The Center’s Mission is to celebrate those women. It is proposed to be in Alexandria, VA right outside the Nation’s Capital of Washington, DC.

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Tell us about Dr. Gladys Brown West.
Dr. West…a true hidden figure. Dr. Gladys Brown West is a Black mathematician whose mapping of the world enabled GPS.  She is a graduate of Virginia Tech and Virginia State and was the second black women ever hired and one of only 4 black employees at Dahlgren Naval Proving Ground, which is now the Naval Surface Warfare Center.    She was a computer programmer and project manager for processing systems for satellite data analysis. She is the perfect role model for overcoming odds, gender and racial challenges while benefitting the world.  It is time to put her on the map of recognition!

Tell us about the charity event and how people can support.
On October 27th at 7pm at the Ritz Carlton in Arlington, VA, we will celebrate the work of Dr. West.  It is a black-tie gala.  Deborah Roberts of ABC will deliver the keynote and Danette Anthony Reed will accept the trailblazer award on behalf of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.  Did I mention that Dr West is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated?  To support the event, go our website.

What is your role with the organization?
I am a member of the Board of Directors for NCWI in my spare time.  However, I am Senior Executive Director of Government Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer at GE Research. Which is the Innovation Arm of GE. I have been at GE for over 20years.

What would success look like for this event? 
​Success is a sold-out event.  I encourage folks to take a look at our website but research Dr West.  I think of GPS a little differently these days.  Let’s put her on the map.