On a mission to inspire the future generation of Black kids in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics ( STEM), Dr. Calvin Mackie is building an unshakable foundation down South in Bayou State. Dr. Mackie has involved himself in the STEM field for over three decades, acquiring bachelor of science degrees from Morehouse College and Georgia Tech, where he also acquired a master of science and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. Dr. Mackie’s next steps would land him at Tulane University, where he would make history serving as the only African American to receive tenure status as a professor in 2002. Unfortunately, following the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Tulane made the difficult decision to discontinue its engineering program. Walking into a new season pre-maturely, Dr. Mackie made the conscious decision to continue his purpose in New Orleans, to make a difference in his community. In his spirit, he recognized there was unfinished business that he needed to take care of.