In this episode, I talk with Caitlin Sarian, Founder and Executive Director, Cybersecurity Girl LLC about Cybersecurity at Home: Empowering Families with STEM Safety.

About the Host: Tiffani Teachey
Tiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z,” the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three empowerment books. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. Tiffani owns Thrive Edge Publishing and is the owner/publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

As an engineer with over 19 years of experience, Tiffani is passionate about inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift—the 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book—at www.stemistheway.com.

In this episode, I talk with Winnifred Tataw, Author and Book Publisher at Win's Books LLC, about "Positivity in Pages: Spreading Joy Through Fantasy Literature".

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Winnifred Tataw:

• How did you get started in writing and book publishing?
• Who do you help in your business, and how do you support them?
• What inspired you to write your fantasy series and become a best-selling author?
• How do you develop the fantasy worlds and characters in your books?
• How has self-publishing transformed the book publishing landscape?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About "Positivity in Pages: Spreading Joy Through Fantasy Literature":

• Winnifred's journey began with a love for writing and art, leading her to self-publish her first manuscript, which then grew into her own publishing business.
• She focuses on helping indie authors navigate the publishing process, offering resources, workshops, and a supportive community.
• Her fantasy series explores complex family dynamics, combining real-world issues with imaginative elements like time travel, gods, and magical creatures.
• Research plays a significant role in her world-building, ensuring that even fantastical elements have a sense of realism and grounding in real-world concepts.
• Self-publishing has democratized the book publishing industry, allowing more voices to be heard and giving authors creative control over their work.

About the Host: Tiffani Teachey
Tiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z,” the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three empowerment books. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. Tiffani owns Thrive Edge Publishing and is the owner/publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

As an engineer with over 19 years of experience, Tiffani is passionate about inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift—the 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book—at www.stemistheway.com.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Dieuwertje "DJ" Kast, the Director of STEM Education Programs at USC Joint Educational Project, about "Unlocking the Future: Empowering Minds Through STEM." We explored the impactful work DJ and her team are doing to make STEM education accessible and engaging for underserved students, particularly in Title I schools in downtown Los Angeles.

Here are some Key Questions I Asked DJ Include:

• How did your journey lead you to your current role as the Director of STEM Education Programs at USC?
• What inspired you to transition from marine biology to STEM education?
• Can you share the challenges you've encountered in providing STEM instruction to underserved students and how you've overcome them?
• How does the Young Scientist Program support K-5 students in learning STEM concepts?
• What is the significance of the STEAM-powered Career Children's Book Series in promoting diversity and representation in STEM?
• What advice would you give to someone looking to get involved in STEM education in their community?

Here are some Key Takeaways from Our Discussion on "Unlocking the Future: Empowering Minds Through STEM":

• The Power of Early Exposure: DJ emphasized the importance of early exposure to STEM fields, sharing how programs like summer science camps and strong mentorship helped guide her toward a career in STEM education.
• Supporting Underserved Communities: The programs DJ oversees focus on providing STEM education to low-income students of color, ensuring that they have access to high-quality STEM learning experiences that are both hands-on and culturally relevant.
• Grocery Store Science: One innovative approach DJ uses is "grocery store science," where students engage in hands-on experiments using materials that are readily available at home. This approach not only keeps costs low but also makes STEM activities more accessible for students to replicate outside the classroom.
• Promoting Diversity in STEM: The STEAM-powered Career Children's Book Series highlights diverse characters and real scientists of color, aiming to inspire students by showing them role models who look like them and work in various STEM fields.
• Overcoming Challenges in STEM Education: DJ discussed the challenges of navigating school district policies and leadership turnover, stressing the importance of transparency, building trust with school leaders, and aligning STEM programs with the schools' core academic goals.
• Getting Involved in STEM Education: DJ advised listeners to explore local communit

About the Host: Tiffani Teachey
Tiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z,” the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three empowerment books. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. Tiffani owns Thrive Edge Publishing and is the owner/publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

As an engineer with over 19 years of experience, Tiffani is passionate about inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift—the 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book—at www.stemistheway.com.

In this episode, I talk with Elizabeth Michaud, an expert in integrating art and STEM education, about Art And Stem: Empowering Minds Through Creative Expression.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Elizabeth Michaud:

1. How do art and STEM complement each other in educational settings?
2. Can you share some examples of projects that integrate both art and STEM?
3. What are the benefits of combining creative expression with scientific learning for students?
4. How can educators effectively incorporate art into their STEM curricula?
5. What challenges do schools face when trying to merge these disciplines, and how can they overcome them?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Art And Stem: Empowering Minds Through Creative Expression:

• The synergy between art and STEM and its impact on student engagement and learning.
• Innovative approaches to blending artistic creativity with scientific inquiry.
• Real-world applications of integrating art and STEM in classrooms.
• Strategies for educators to inspire creativity and critical thinking through interdisciplinary education.
• The importance of fostering a holistic educational environment that values both artistic and scientific skills.

About the Host: Tiffani Teachey
Tiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z,” the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three empowerment books. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. Tiffani owns Thrive Edge Publishing and is the owner/publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

As an engineer with over 19 years of experience, Tiffani is passionate about inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift—the 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book—at www.stemistheway.com.

In this episode, I talk with Nicholas Jordan, an Author, Speaker, Activist, and Pro-Black Media Analyst of Cool Colas LLC, about redefining black media narratives and the impact of positive representation.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Nicholas Jordan:

• How did you get started in your journey as a writer and media analyst?
• What inspired you to focus on pro-black values and empowerment in your work?
• Who do you aim to help with your work, and how do you reach them?
• Can you elaborate on your nickname "Cool Colas" and its significance?
• How does the Cool Colas brand authentically represent the black community and blur culture?
• What inspired you to write the Pro Black Blurred series, and what do you hope readers gain from it?
• Can you share any current projects by the Cool Colas brand that focus on education, empowerment, and entertainment?
• How does your work help break down barriers in STEM, and how can we inspire future STEM leaders?
• What advice do you have for aspiring black creatives and blurts in the media industry?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Redefining Black Media Narratives:

• Origins and Inspiration: Nicholas started as a writer and evolved into a pro-black media analyst, driven by a desire to create content that reflects his values and empowers the black community.
• Focus on Empowerment: His work primarily aims to empower black people, especially children and open-minded parents, by promoting positive black media.
• The Birth of "Cool Colas": Nicholas explains the origins of his nickname from high school and its deeper cultural significance, aligning with his African Zodiac sign and personal identity.
• Representation and Education: The Cool Colas brand aims to authentically represent black culture and blur culture, highlighting the unique experiences of black nerds.
• The Pro Black Blurred Series: This book series addresses anti-black media tropes, educating readers on how to identify and challenge these stereotypes in mainstream media.
• Current Projects: Nicholas shares his ongoing projects, including the Pro Black Blurred series, Rim Realm, and the Flamer comic series, all of which focus on education, empowerment, and entertainment.
• STEM and Confidence: Nicholas emphasizes the importance of confidence and cultural pride in inspiring black youth to pursue STEM careers, by highlighting the innovative contributions of their ancestors.
• Advice for Aspiring Creatives: He encourages black creatives and blurts to embrace their unique identities,

About the Host: Tiffani Teachey
Tiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z,” the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three empowerment books. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. Tiffani owns Thrive Edge Publishing and is the owner/publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

As an engineer with over 19 years of experience, Tiffani is passionate about inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift—the 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book—at www.stemistheway.com.

In this episode, I talk with Jacqueline N. Tyes, CEO of Reach3E, about her inspiring journey from being an educator to becoming a CEO. We explore the transformative path she took and the impact she's making through her company.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Jacqueline:

• What motivated you to transition from teaching to writing and starting Reach3E?
• How has your teaching experience influenced your work at Reach3E?
• What strategies does Reach3E use to promote diversity and equal access in education?
• Can you share the inspiration behind your children's book, "The Beauty of Black A to Z"?
• How has your blog, "The Encourager," helped empower your readers?
• What advice do you have for parents and educators to help children develop self-awareness and confidence?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About From Classroom to CEO: A Journey of Empowerment:

• Jacqueline's Background: Jacqueline N. Tyes is a Navy veteran and former educator with 17 years of experience teaching pre-K through eighth grade. She transitioned to writing and founded Reach3E to continue her passion for service and empowerment.
• The Birth of Reach3E: After retiring due to an injury, Jacqueline revisited her love for writing, creating a blog and co-authoring books. Reach3E (Enlighten, Encourage, Empower) was born from her desire to mentor and support children through various initiatives.
• Promoting Literacy and STEM: Jacqueline emphasizes the importance of literacy and STEM education, especially for girls, and shares strategies Reach3E uses to promote diversity and equal access.
• Overcoming Challenges: Jacqueline discusses how the loss of her mother motivated her to continue encouraging others and how personal challenges can be turned into opportunities for growth and connection.
• Empowering Through Writing: Jacqueline's book, "The Beauty of Black A to Z," aims to help children develop a positive self-image and a love for learning through fun and engaging content.
• Self-Awareness and Reflection: Jacqueline highlights the importance of self-reflection and self-awareness in personal development and how these practices can help individuals navigate life's challenges and build confidence.

About the Host: Tiffani Teachey
Tiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z,” the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three empowerment books. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. Tiffani owns Thrive Edge Publishing and is the owner/publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

As an engineer with over 19 years of experience, Tiffani is passionate about inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift—the 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book—at www.stemistheway.com.

In this episode, I talk with Wendy Coleman Blue, Career & Placement Coach for the Engineering and Technology Career Pathway at Thrive Scholars, about the future representation in STEM and career opportunities within this field.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Wendy Coleman Blue:

• How did you get started in your current role?
• What challenges do underrepresented students face in STEM education, and how can we address them?
• Are there any trends you see in the demand for STEM jobs, and what skills are needed to succeed in them?
• How can we increase representation of women and people of color in STEM fields?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About STEM Future Representation & STEM Careers:

• Wendy's Career Journey: Wendy shares her diverse career path, spanning from higher education to corporate America, and now in the nonprofit sector. Her experience in various fields provides her with a unique perspective on STEM education and career development.
• Challenges for Underrepresented Students: Wendy highlights the barriers faced by students from historically marginalized communities, including lack of access, exposure, and advocacy. She emphasizes the importance of community support and strategic coaching to help these students navigate their educational and career paths.
• Current Trends in STEM: Wendy discusses the growing interest in computing and the need for students to understand their motivations for choosing specific STEM disciplines. She stresses the importance of helping students articulate their ""why"" and the kinds of problems they are passionate about solving.
• Increasing Representation in STEM: Wendy introduces her ""Four E's"" strategy to increase diversity in STEM: Engage, Expose, Equip, and Explore. She explains how each step is crucial in supporting students' journeys and helping them envision their futures in STEM.

About the Host: Tiffani Teachey
Tiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z,” the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three empowerment books. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. Tiffani owns Thrive Edge Publishing and is the owner/publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

As an engineer with over 19 years of experience, Tiffani is passionate about inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift—the 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book—at www.stemistheway.com.

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Tamuka Chidyausiku, Founder of STEAMulater LLC, about exploring citizen science and STEAM entrepreneurship.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Dr. Chidyausiku:

• How did you get started in what you are doing today?
• Who do you serve in your business?
• How does STEAMulater utilize art and pop culture to teach STEAM?
• How does STEAMulater promote diversity, equity, and inclusion?
• How does citizen science and research contribute to the mission of STEAMulater?
• What are some future goals for STEAMulater and its impact on the next generation of STEAM leaders?
• Can you share some success stories or notable outcomes from STEAMulater's programs, highlighting the impact they've had on participants' lives and careers?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Citizen Science and STEAM Entrepreneurship:

• Dr. Chidyausiku’s journey in STEM started at Claflin University, a historically black college in South Carolina. He realized the need for more black scientists and decided to focus on recruitment and retention in STEM fields.
• STEAMulater LLC targets young adults, 18 years and older, who are either interested in or already pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).
• The company's programs, like "Hip Hop Biochemistry" and "STEAM Olympics," integrate art and pop culture with science education to make learning more engaging and accessible.
• Dr. Chidyausiku emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in STEM. He explains that diverse backgrounds and perspectives are crucial for innovative problem-solving and advancing scientific research.
• STEAMulater’s mission includes promoting DEI by providing tools and support for underrepresented groups to succeed in STEM fields. This involves creating new examples and methods of teaching that resonate with diverse communities.
• Citizen science and research are key components of STEAMulater’s approach. By involving ordinary citizens in scientific research, the company aims to democratize science and encourage more people to participate in solving real-world problems.
• Future goals for STEAMulater include expanding its reach and impact, particularly through collaborations with historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other educational institutions. Dr. Chidyausiku envisions a world where more people from diverse backgrounds are actively engaged in STEAM fields and contributing to groundbreaking research and innovation.

About the Host: Tiffani Teachey
Tiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z,” the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three empowerment books. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. Tiffani owns Thrive Edge Publishing and is the owner/publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

As an engineer with over 19 years of experience, Tiffani is passionate about inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift—the 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book—at www.stemistheway.com.