Drs. Olivia R. Ware & Linda Oyesiku Empower Middle School Girls Through STEAM Education

Last month, Olivia R. Ware, MD, Acting Instructor and Director of the Skin of Color Center of Excellence, and Linda Oyesiku, MD, a senior resident in the UW Department of Dermatology, had the unique opportunity to mentor and educate a group of local middle school girls on skincare, haircare, and self-love.  

Their teaching session was part of the Building STEAM program, an initiative led by the Greater Seattle Chapter of Links, Incorporated, a volunteer service organization of concerned, committed, and talented women focused on enriching, sustaining and ensuring the identities, culture and economic survival of African Americans and persons of African descent. 

“Our goal was to educate young woman on how to care for their skin and hair,” says Dr. Ware, “but we ended up learning more from them the process! We discussed how to build a skincare routine from the ground up, including the role of sunscreen in melanin-rich skin, and safe and protective hair styles for curly or coily hair.” 

Building STEAM is a six-week program designed to introduce young girls to careers in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) through engaging, hands-on activities. Specifically tailored to African American middle school girls, the program aims to foster self-discovery, spark interest in STEAM disciplines, and build confidence in their abilities.  

The Department of Dermatology is proud to support initiatives like Building STEAM, which align with our commitment to diversity, mentorship, and community engagement.