Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans throughout American history. In EcoCAR, we are honored to spotlight the invaluable contributions from our own Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition (AVTC) family members.
Today we celebrate Armani Hrobowski, who recently joined Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) as an Advanced Mobility Education and Outreach Technical Specialist. In this role, he will be focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in STEM Education, engaging with disadvantaged communities, and broadening opportunities for participation from underrepresented minority (URM) groups –all key priorities for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Argonne National Laboratory.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, people from underrepresented minority groups represent only 39 percent of the total workforce. In the STEM field, that number drops to only 35 percent.
According to Hrobowski, “I want to make it commonplace to think about DEI when we think about STEM education and professional development. I hope to help illuminate the challenges we face with diversity in the STEM workforce and to lead the way in developing programs to create a more equitable experience for underrepresented groups.”
During his undergraduate education at Ohio State University (OSU), Hrobowski was a member of the OSU EcoCAR team and was involved in two AVTCs. He participated in the program as an electrical team member during both EcoCAR 3 and the EcoCAR Mobility Challenge. He was also a member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) where he was able to participate in STEM outreach and education events with URM groups. His time with NSBE provided him with the background knowledge needed to execute programs effectively and strategically for youth outreach initiatives.
It has always been a goal of Hrobowski’s to be in a position where STEM education for underrepresented groups could be at the forefront of his career. Now, Hrobowski is taking on this new initiative at ANL where he reflects on the importance of Black representation and his inspiration for equal education opportunities.
“Black History Month is a celebration of the amazing accomplishments of Black people who have pushed America forward despite the obstacles and injustices we have faced,” said Hrobowski. “It’s also a remembrance of those who sacrificed so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have today and a reminder that we still have a long way to go in receiving equitable treatment.”
As we recognize Hrobowski’s accomplishments, he is able to honor and remember those within his own family including Joyce Willis, Hrobowski’s great aunt. Willis was an associate superintendent with North Chicago Community Unit School District 187 in the 1990s. Willis had a passion for the education of underserved, unrepresented and economically disadvantaged children and was involved in countless education groups, including service on the board of the National Alliance of Black School Educators.
“It’s fascinating looking more into my great aunt’s story and what she did for educational equality,” said Hrobowski. “Now I’m in a position where I can continue her legacy through STEM outreach and really focusing on DEI.”
Though decades have passed since Willis advocated for the education of underserved children, Hrobowski will be able to continue her legacy through new educational initiatives and impact the youth experience for minority communities. As Hrobowski steps into his new role with ANL, he hopes to usher in a new generation of diverse workers and continue his passion for STEM.
