Honda R&D associates helped others better understand the Power of Dreams on the National Day of Service held in honor on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Dr. King and many others worked tirelessly to create a better society,” said associate volunteer Brittany Kendricks in Honda R&D’s organizational development department. “The National Day of Service is just one way to continue his legacy of giving back.”

Kendricks and 17 other associates spent the day volunteering at Columbus, Ohio’s historic King Arts Complex (KAC), a performing and visual arts facility.

The events at KAC consisted of live theatrical, musical, and dance performances by local artists, a civil rights art exhibit, as well as speeches and activities for children, families, and friends, designed “to explore the impact of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” The events culminated in an audio presentation of King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.

In addition to serving as general volunteers supporting KAC staff, some Honda R&D associates hosted STEAM-related activities at KAC for children and families, which included a wind tunnel on display, futuristic car drawings, trivia about Honda and historic diverse figures in engineering and innovation. Maurice Moulton was one of the KAC volunteers who helped visitors learn more about what engineers do.

“It was a great way to demonstrate the diversity of Honda’s leadership and workforce,” said Moulton. “It also provided an opportunity to improve community awareness of Honda’s contributions to society, their understanding of the value of engineering, and to inspire underrepresented youth to consider engineering as a field of study and Honda as a company to work for.”

Honda engineer Cassandra De La Rosa understands that inspiration firsthand. “Many have paved the way for me, and I am blessed by their efforts,” she stated. “So it is my duty to continue the work of paving the way for the next generation until we can say that we are no longer underrepresented.”