Women In Natural Sciences (WINS) is a free after-school and summer science enrichment program at the Academy of Natural Sciences. Since its founding in 1982, WINS has introduced more than 820 high school girls to future careers in science and other professions by providing science classes, skill-building activities and opportunities for personal growth in a uniquely nurturing setting. The program’s mentoring and support has resulted in 100% of WINS students graduating high school and over 96% attending college.

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Life After WINS Alumni Panel

Thursday, March 13, 2025
4:30–6:45 p.m.

Join us for the fifteenth anniversary of the Life After WINS alumnae panel. This event highlights and celebrates current WINS students and the successes of alumnae. Panelists will be sharing meaningful experiences in the program and the impact WINS has had on their lives.

4:30 p.m.   Registration and Light Refreshments

5:30 p.m.   WINS Overview and Upcoming Events

5:55 p.m.   Alumnae Panel

6:05 p.m.   Questions and Answers

6:45 p.m.   Farewell

Speaker Bio's

Marcia Bullock-Stewart

Marcia J. Bullock Stewart is a native of Philadelphia. She was introduced to the WINS program by her late aunt who cared for her. After completing WINS, she worked in various areas and exhibits throughout the Academy of Natural Sciences.

Marcia attended William Penn High School where she was enrolled in the Health Academy. She participated in many honors programs such as the National Honor Society, Upward Bound and White Williams Scholars. If she was not at her Wednesdays and Saturdays WINS sessions, you could find her with her track team.

After graduating high school, Marcia continued her education at Penn State University where she received her degree in biology. During college Marcia did an internship at SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, researching a cure for a bacterial infection named Helicobacter pylori. She later continued her research as a co-op student in the Musculoskeletal Diseases Department, assisting in finding a cure for osteoarthritis before the company merged and became GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals. Upon graduating from college Marcia was offered a position as a chemist at Purolite Ion Exchange, where she worked for 16 years performing polymerization, activation and conversion of wet chemistry experiments.

Later in life Marcia found a new direction for science in forensic chemistry. She currently works for the Philadelphia Police Department's Office of Forensic Science Chemistry Unit as a forensic scientist. At PPD, she tests incoming drugs that come from the streets of Philadelphia. She is also working on a project to understand the drug of choice to help find solutions to make our city cleaner and safer. Marcia has been working in forensic science for nine years.

Beyond showing motherly love to her three children and being dedicated to her work duties, Marcia enjoys hobbies like skating, bowling, tutoring, traveling the world and mentoring young adults. She returned her love for track and running experiences to the community by becoming the Head Coach for Olney Eagles Legendary Track Club. She is a member of the Philadelphia School Board for MaST Community Charter. Marcia gives credit to her late Aunt Nora and the WINS program, who helped her find her love for science. She enjoyed the program so much she enrolled her eldest daughter, Erynn Stewart, who also completed the WINS program as well as Marcia is a member of the WINS Longitudinal Study Alumnae Advisory Board.

Araya Shepherd

Araya Shepherd is a Commercial and Portrait Photographer working at a clothing store in Cherry Hill, NJ and a kitchen textile company in Conshohocken, PA. She is the owner of A. Sharee Photography and can also be found photographing events and portraits for a variety of clientele.

The WINS program helped cultivate the skills needed to manage others, communicate effectively with all age groups and network. WINS has encouraged her to pursue her primary interests in art while still exploring and enjoying the natural world. She is currently learning through her WINS sisters how to create and refine lesson plans to connect photography to natural science in ways that are engaging and educational.

When not working, Araya takes boxing classes, reads (she’s determined to read 50 books this year) and spends time working with WINS as a chaperone and photographer. She is looking forward to documenting the WINS trip to South Africa in August 2025.

Michelle Huynh

Michelle Huynh is an Import Specialist at a customs brokerage company, JK Fresh East/ 721 Logistics. She has about four years’ experience in importing fresh produce from South and Central America to local markets—specifically specializing in tropical fruits and working closely with one of the largest customers at the company to maintain professional business and efficient product shipping.

As a result of utilizing various skills learned through WINS, Michelle has maintained positive outcomes in professional work settings. The experience and skills have benefits in taking on challenging work tasks, having continuous learning through different people and being able to have positive interactions among management and co-workers.

When not at JK Fresh importing fruits, Michelle enjoys spending time with family and friends, working out at the gym, reading and maintaining her connection to WINS by chaperoning and mentoring at major WINS events.