Keynote speaker at Nov. 9 Salute
Of the St. Louis American
Honorees and guests at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 2006 Salute to Excellence in Business can do more than listen to keynote speaker Mario Armstrong’s keynote address – they can be a part of it.
Armstrong, the young, high-tech guru who serves as technology correspondent for the ABC affiliate in Baltimore and on National Public Radio, is known for personally engaging and educating audiences. While he might be speaking to a large audience, his one-on-one style captures each individual’s attention.
Armstrong says he “breaks down technology concepts for non-tech audiences.”
“From public policy to entertainment, I demystify and uncover how technology impacts our society and culture.”
Armstrong’s “Connected and Cool by Mario” technology seminar encourages youth and minorities to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) academics and careers.
According to an American Council on Education study released in April, black students who enrolled in college in 1995-6 were just as likely as their white peers to major in the so-called STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields.
But by spring 2001, 62.5 percent of the African-American and Hispanic students majoring in STEM fields had earned bachelor’s degrees, compared to 86.7 percent of white students and 94.8 percent of Asian-American students. Most of the rest of the black and Hispanic students – 28.8 percent – were still enrolled at four-year institutions, so it’s not as if they had necessarily failed. But, the study finds many had taken an “unexpected detour” in their careers that put them behind their peers.
The difference, according to the study, is lack of technological knowledge upon arriving at college.
His speeches to business audiences emphasize the importance of technology knowledge in many aspects of entrepreneurship including sales and business development.
This is where Armstrong’s in-depth understanding of the high-tech world can pay off for parents and business leaders.
American City Business Journal says he’s one of Baltimore’s “Top 40 Under 40” leaders to watch. The Baltimore Times Magazine named him one of Baltimore’s “Top 25 Young Rising Stars,” the Cable Beacon Awards named him “Best Cable TV Host 2003” and the Potomac Tech Journal named him Maryland’s Media Man.
Armstrong was the youngest person to serve as chief technology advocate for Baltimore City. As a top aide to Mayor Martin O’Malley, he develops and implements technology-driven community and economic development programs for the city of Baltimore.
Armstrong is also co-founder of the Urban Video Game Academy, a national non-profit educational program that uses the exciting video game development process as a new and interactive tool to increase middle and high school students’ interest in academic achievement in math, science, English and technology.
Armstrong will share his technological knowledge during the 2006 Salute to Excellence in Business on Nov. 9 at the Renaissance Grand Hotel downtown. The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association are joining the St. Louis American Foundation in presenting the event.
