About Me
About Me
Meet Sydney Hamilton
Hi! My name is Sydney Hamilton and I am an aerospace engineer & mathematician, engineering manager, science communicator, keynote speaker, and a STEM advocate.
Narration
“Still, I Rise.” - Maya Angelou
When I was a little girl, I used to stand outside and try to fly - literally! I would stand outside with my feet together, a blanket tied to my neck, and my arms straight out. Once in the proper ready position, I would try to take off - superheroine style! Although I have never successfully taken off from my backyard, I pursued a career in math and aerospace engineering that has enabled me to soar toward my childhood dream. I guess you can say I am still flying, just a little bit differently than I originally imagined.
Now my goal is to help others spread their wings and fly toward their dreams. It is time to rise to the occasion.
Inspiration
Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us.
Wilma Rudolph is one of my biggest inspirations. In 1944, Rudolph was diagnosed with polio and, while she survived, the doctors told her she would never walk again with her leg braces. She grew tired of pitying herself and feeling helpless so she decided to practice, work hard, and get physical therapy to support the strength development in her legs. Through two years of focused rehabilitation, excruciating practice, and the help of her 22 siblings she not only walked again, but she ran. Almost 25 years after her doctor told her she would never walk again, Wilma Rudolph ran in the 1960s Rome Olympics, where she became the first American woman to win three gold medals in one Olympic game!
She is a reminder that we can. Whatever it is we can do it.
Representation
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi
Representation is incredibly important to the future of STEM!
When I was younger I struggled to understand that I, too, could be a princess because none of them looked like me. At the time, I did not realize it was because I did not see myself reflected in media. Despite my dad calling me his princess and my mother his queen - there was a gap that I could not bridge at the time.
Now, I am going to be someone can relate to and encourage them. I will inspire the next generation of STEM leaders. My motivation is to be the representation I didn’t have growing up… that way, all girls will know they can be Princess, Engineers, CEOs, and so much more!
