Traffic Engineer Receives Umoja Award for Volunteering

Karlynn Kerney (left in photo), a traffic engineering specialist in STV's Washington, D.C. office, was honored by the National Black United Front (NBUF) District of Columbia Chapter with its Umoja Award. The Umoja Award is given to individuals who strive “to maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.”

Kerney volunteered at the N’Joya Weusi STEM & Cultural Arts After School Program. There, she developed activities that helped to engage 4th and 5th graders in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) topics. Lessons focused on items such as volcanoes, bridges, renewable energy, windmills, and various math concepts/tricks. She also taught the class (and some adult volunteers) how to solve Sudoku puzzles. On the arts side, the students learned about African art and dance and other cultural topics. Mid-year, the students presented a choreographed dance. The session concluded with a “STEM-day” where students shared with their family, friends and building staff all that they learned throughout the year.

Kerney received the award from NBUF at an October ceremony at the African American Civil War Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.