Press release
Siemens Energy Assists Orlando Science Center in Expanding Outreach
Grant Supported Science Outreach Programming for Central Florida Schools
Orlando, FL – Orlando Science Center, with support from Siemens Energy, Inc., has been able to expand its science outreach program to provide a series of full-day science activities for schools in the Central Florida Area. “Siemens Science Days” offered engaging hands-on experiences for kids while exposing them to essential science concepts. Four schools were chosen for the program with the last event on January 31.
“We are thrilled to have Siemens as a partner in this program. Since everyone does not have the opportunity to experience the Orlando Science Center firsthand, Siemens Science Days helped us bring dynamic science fun and experiential learning to youth in need throughout this area,” said JoAnn Newman, president and CEO of the Orlando Science Center. “Corporate support enables the Science Center to move beyond our walls and better serve as an essential science resource in Central Florida.”
Offsite programming like Siemens Science Days allows students to participate in specific activities that draw attention to the importance of science and technology in their daily lives. From biology labs to live auditorium shows, students experience vital enhancements to their science curriculum through fun, hands-on activities, or high-energy demonstrations. In addition, family science nights are held at both schools and community centers. Children and their families enjoy quality time together while exploring science concepts firsthand. These projects all correspond with the Florida Sunshine State Standards.
The offsite program is usually fee-based, so support from sponsors like Siemens enables the Science Center to provide more programs for needy schools. For Siemens, the partnership was an essential investment in resources for Central Florida’s schools. Randy Zwirn, President and CEO of Siemens Energy, Inc. said, “As a company that relies on innovation and engineering, we want to get young people excited about careers in math and science. Our partnership with the Orlando Science Center helps to demonstrate that math and science are not only important in our industry, but they can also be fun subjects, too.”
Siemens Science Days and the Science Center’s offsite program are part of the Orlando Science Center’s ongoing mission to make science learning available for everyone. The offsite program reaches thousands of teachers, students, and often the students’ parents, in Orange, Osceola, Lake and Seminole Counties. Hands-on activities, live shows, and family science nights make up the program, which encourages science, technology, and math education.
Business spotlight for a yoga business
1. Describe your business.
A fun and lively Yoga studio offering YogaFit Teacher Training, Barre Above, Mat Pilates, Meditation & Reiki, and a wide variety of yoga classes to suit all skill levels from Beginner classes to a very invigorating Warrior Up Boot Camp and one of our more popular classes, "Happy Hour Yoga" on Friday evenings, is a great way to end the work week!
2. What's your professional background?
I am a Registered Yoga Teacher with more than 500 hours of teacher training and have taught over 3,000 hours of yoga since August of 2013. For the past 11 years, I have been an AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Certified SilverSneakers Instructor, Barre Above Certified Instructor, Pilates Instructor and First Aid/CPR/AED Red Cross Certified. Most recently, I've had the honor to contract with the Wounded Warrior Project to bring the benefits of yoga to treat symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression using a trauma-sensitive approach of healing. I also hold an Associate in Applied Science in Business Administration and a Real Estate license. It is a blessing to follow my passion bringing yoga, fitness, wellness, and well-being to the community.
3. Your business philosophy:
My business philosophy is to help as many people as possible reach their fitness goals and to bring yoga into the lives of everyone I meet.
4. Biggest challenge:
My biggest challenge would be asking for help! I have learned over the past several years that I can't do everything it takes to run my business and that as much as I love teaching my classes, I need help to accommodate my busy schedule.
5. Proudest moment as a businessperson:
My proudest moment as a business person was being invited by Wuesthoff Hospital to speak on the benefits of yoga for trauma. I presented my program "Yoga for Hope" designed to help the conditions of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. I also teach at numerous assisted living facilities in Brevard County, bringing yoga to residents unable to attend classes at a studio setting. Teaching seniors was a fantastic experience, and I am profoundly humbled and appreciated the opportunity to have met some of the most incredible people in the local area. Working in the Hospice unit at one facility was the most challenging adventure to date.
6. Business advice:
My business advice would be to keep a positive attitude, a quick smile, show appreciation to those you're surrounded by, get plenty of rest, and keep your personal life and business life separate.
7. What's next? What are your plans for your business?
We have recently relocated our studio to a larger space to accommodate our expansion. We will be adding a vast assortment of classes for the upcoming season, new teachers, and continuing education classes for teachers and fitness professionals alike. We will soon be offering "Silver&Fit," a fitness program for older adults! I'm hosting YogaFit for the third year, it is the nation's leading Yoga Teacher Training school, and I am so excited to see future teachers traveling from distant locations make their way to Merritt Island to continue their education. My vision is to bring awareness of the benefits of a yoga practice and how to incorporate yoga into any lifestyle.