In 2017, 21st Century Fox partnered with the U.S Department of State to launch #HiddenNoMore, an all-female STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) leadership development program inspired by the Fox 2000 film “Hidden Figures.” The initiative marked the first time in history that a Hollywood movie led to the creation of a publicly funded educational exchange program. In 2018, 21CF and the State Department brought a second diverse group of women leaders from 49 countries to the U.S. for the three-week exchange program. #HiddenNoMore has become a flagship initiative of the State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), which has recently focused on the advancement of women leaders in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics) fields.
The most recent cohort kicked off this past Halloween at National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C. National Geographic executives Marcela Martin and Marcus East welcomed the group with a candid reflection on their own journeys in STEAM careers. Kavita Gupta, National Geographic Explorer and Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, also shared her inspiring “STEM Cinderella Story” – a small-town girl from India who went on to taking the international stage.
IVLP participants also had the chance to hear from Kate Coughlin, Senior Director, Audience Development at National Geographic about the importance of using social media to help build one’s brand; and from Sandra Elvin, Ph.D., Program Officer, Wildlife on the different grants National Geographic Society offers and how participants can apply for one following the program. Highlights of the day also included a screening of the film “Hidden Figures,” a virtual reality exhibit of National Geographic’s Tomb of Christ: The Church of the Holy Sepulchre Experience and Titanic: The Untold Story, and a networking lunch with National Geographic employees hosted by 21CF employee resource group, Women in Technology (WiT).
