The Subtleties of Tea and Innovation: a Conversation with Suzanne Balima

Micropulse Canada is excited to share a conversation between Tanya Matanda and Suzanne Balima titled: The Subtleties of Tea and Innovation: a Conversation with Suzanne Balima of The Black Spinel Initiative where we discuss her upbringing, work experience, diversity, inclusion and volunteerism.   Suzanne holds a Bachelors degree in Biomedical Mechanical Engineering and a Masters Design in Strategic Design and Innovation, with academic and professional experiences across four continents and multiple industries. From a young age, Suzanne has always been interested in learning about cool natural phenomena and man-made structures and asking questions like how does the immune system work to fight diseases when you are sick, how does a heavy structure like an airplane fly, and how does the fridge create a cold controlled environment? She has worked on research projects, designing and building medical equipment for hospitals, and implementing technology in large companies in her professional life. She is now working in innovation: creativity for problem-solving. In her current job, she uses technology to solve problems and co-create solutions to improve safety in mining.  Suzanne strongly believes in giving back to the community and chooses to volunteer her time in STEM and diversity initiatives. To pursue this purpose, Suzanne officially co-launched an educational non-profit this year (2021), the Black Spinel Initiative, a channel to introduce Black youth to various career paths through ESTEAM programs (Engineering Science Tech Entrepreneurship Arts Math). The programs are founded on the belief that developing an analytical mind and a creative one will prepare Black Youth to adapt to a rapidly changing environment. The programs are hands-on, and the educators are STEM professionals - acting as Black STEM role models and helping the kids and their parents see the breadth of career opportunities in the STEM space. Website: https://www.blackspinel.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannebalima