In this episode, we discuss Shaping Our Future Generation of STEM Leaders with host Tiffani Teachey.

Key questions explored in this episode:

• What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?
• How can we increase the representation of women and minorities in STEM fields?
• What are the key opportunities for young students interested in STEM?

Key points discussed in this episode about shaping our future generation of STEM leaders:

• The importance of early exposure to STEM education.
• Strategies for mentoring young girls 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.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Alyson Freeman

• How did your interest in STEM begin, and what led you to your current role?
• Who do you serve through your work, and what impact do you aim to make?
• What does sustainability mean in the context of technology and business?
• Can you elaborate on Dell Technologies' sustainability goals?
• What challenges do women face in STEM, and how can we support them?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Sustainability in Action: STEM Innovations for the Future

• Alyson's journey from high school chemistry projects to a career in semiconductor manufacturing and sustainability.
• The significance of her role in helping customers navigate sustainability practices through innovative solutions at Dell.
• Insight into how Dell integrates sustainability into its product offerings and the ambitious goals they've set for 2030.
• The systemic challenges women encounter in STEM and the importance of addressing these issues collectively.
• A comparison between the corporate and academic environments within STEM fields and how they shape professional experiences.

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 Kabri Lehrman-Schmid, Superintendent at Hensel Phelps, about Building with STEM: Leadership and Inclusion in Construction.

Here are some of the questions I ask Kabri Lehrman-Schmid:

• How has your background in STEM influenced your approach to leadership in construction?
• What strategies do you implement to promote inclusivity and diversity on construction sites?
• Can you share a specific project where STEM principles made a significant impact on the outcome?

Here are some key points discussed in this episode about Building with STEM: Leadership And Inclusion In Construction

• The integration of STEM disciplines in construction and how they drive innovation and efficiency.
• The role of leadership in fostering a culture of inclusion and support for diverse teams.
• Real-world examples of how STEM solutions have addressed challenges and enhanced project success.

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. Rhonda Stinson Boyd, Financial Professional at FLOW with Rhonda, about Empowering Women: Financial Independence Through Experience.

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

• How did you get started in the financial industry, and what led you to focus on helping women achieve financial independence?
• Can you explain the concept of Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance and its benefits for building generational wealth?
• How do you address the common misconceptions about financial planning and insurance in your work?
• What strategies do you use to educate underserved communities about financial literacy, and how does your nonprofit, P3, play a role in this?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Empowering Women:

• Dr. Rhonda’s journey from a corporate career in sales to becoming a financial professional, driven by a passion for helping others secure their financial future.
• The significance of Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance as a tool for both building wealth and providing protection, and why it’s not as widely known or utilized as it should be.
• The importance of having open conversations about finances, especially among women, to overcome the stigma and make informed financial decisions.
• The role of Dr. Rhonda’s nonprofit, P3, in promoting financial literacy among underserved communities, using engaging methods like Monopoly to teach valuable money management skills and inspire future success in STEM fields.

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 Caitlin Sariah, Founder and Executive Director of Cybersecurity Girl LLC, about "Cybersecurity at Home: Empowering Families with STEM Safety.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Caitlin Sariah:

• How did you transition from aerospace engineering to cybersecurity?
• What inspired you to focus on cybersecurity and help families?
• What are some simple yet effective cybersecurity tips for families?
• How do you use social media to educate and engage your audience?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Cybersecurity at Home:

• The Importance of Strong Passwords: Creating strong, unique passwords for each account helps prevent unauthorized access.
• Updating Software Regularly: Regular updates protect against vulnerabilities and bugs that could be exploited by hackers.
• Using Multi-Factor Authentication: Adding an extra layer of security with codes sent to your phone or email can protect against unauthorized logins.
• Avoiding Public Wi-Fi Without a VPN: Public Wi-Fi can be risky; using a VPN ensures your connection is secure and encrypted.

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.