STEMming in Stilettos with Dr. Toshia

Episode Summary1) Navigating an environment that has not been made for you or to support you is difficult at best. It is left to you to figure out how best to exist in this world, unfortunately. 2) Professional networks ARE so important to helping Black women and other minority women in finding that balance and sense of self in this world3) The work that Iris and others are doing is soooooooooooooo important, however they cannot do it alone. Allies are needed, but not the superficial, surface level ones that don't actually mean what they say or do anything outside of saying meaningless words. We need people who are going to be in this fight to change this environment for the long haul. Dr. Iris Wagstaff Bio:She is a scientist, educator, mentor, researcher and STEM advocate. She currently serves as a STEM Program Director in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department of AAAS where I manage a $15 Million Dollar portfolio focused on broadening participation in STEM, workforce development ,and inclusive technology and innovation ecosystems. She served as a 2015-2017 AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow at the DOJ National Institute of Justice Office where I developed and led an agency-wide diversity and inclusion initiative. She is a native of Goldsboro, NC with a BS and MS in Chemistry from UNC-Greensboro and NC A&T State Universities respectively; and a PhD in Science Education from North Carolina State University. Iris worked as a research chemist at the Dow Chemical Company for 15 years leading analytical project teams and company-wide diversity initiatives. She has over 20 years of STEM outreach and advocacy developing informal science programs, mentoring, resourcing parents, leading k-12 STEM teacher professional development, and building strategic partnerships between industry, academia, and community organizations.She is also a social scientist with a research focus on examining factors that predict science self-efficacy, science identity, and STEM career intent in underrepresented/under-served youth populations. She serves on the Boards of several organizations that include the National Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE), the Chemical Society of Washington (CSW), and Science, Engineering, and Math Links (SEM). She is an adjunct chemistry professor at UNC-Greensboro where she leads diversity and inclusion efforts to broaden participation in the chemical sciences. She has received several honors that include the 2019 DC Metro HBCU Alumni Alliance Award for Education, the 2019 AERA Science Teaching and Learning Research Award, the 2019 BEYA Science Spectrum Trailblazer Award, the 2018 NOBCChE Presidential Award for Mentoring, the 2017 Women of Color in STEM K-12 Promotion of Education Award, and a 2016 nomination for the NSF Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Math, Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM).LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iris-r-wagstaff-ph-d-57140717?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BhOrS0zRAQ6uPmifs2I0T%2FA%3D%3D Support the showYou can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:https://www.drtoshia.coSTEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

Episode Summary:1) It is important that once we've "arrived" that we give back to the community that helped to raise us. 2) Informal STEM is as important to the development of STEM identity for our Black and Brown children. These opportunities are often the first and only opportunities our children have to become engaged in STEM. Do not take them lightly.3) Its important that as Black professionals in STEM to find your place and find your voice4) Dr. King has worked extensively on Black Girl Identity in STEM. This is vitally important work to do. This work helps us to understand how Black girls identify with STEM and gives us a pathway to follow to reaching more Black girls and increasing the number of Black girls that continue in STEM.Dr. Natalie King Bio:Natalie S. King, PhD is a three-time University of Florida graduate, and assistant professor of science education at Georgia State University. Her scholarly work focuses on advancing Black girls in STEM education, community-based youth programs, and the role of curriculum in fostering equity in science teaching and learning. Dr. King is passionate about preparing students to enter careers within the STEM disciplines and founded I AM STEM Camps — community-based programs that provide comprehensive curricula that embrace students’ cultural experiences while preparing them to become productive and critically-conscious citizens. She challenges the capitalistic agenda for encouraging girls’ involvement in STEM, and reframes STEM as a mechanism to promote sisterhood and social justice.Dr. King’s work is published in academic journals such as the Journal of Research in Science Teaching and the Journal of Multicultural Affairs. She is particularly interested in dismantling divisive walls and centering faith-based institutions as an underutilized resource in communities. Dr. King recently released her book – Let the Church say Amen to STEM: Guidebook to Launching and Growing Extraordinary Youth Programs. She believes that churches have the potential to be a driving force for STEM education, and can positively impact younger generations by promoting intergenerational relationships, civic leadership, and activism.  Support the showYou can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:https://www.drtoshia.coSTEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

Episode Main Points1) Chemistry is like relationships with people. Its is going to go fast and blow up or ferment or it will go slow and may blow up or ferment. But either way, the journey will be memorable. 2) Being is middle management is academia is NOT easy. Knowing how to manage up and how to manage down is key. Having a great administrative assist is also key to being able to function as an effective dean or department chair.3) You have to know, be able to recognize when its time to leave. There is such a thing as over staying your welcome. Use the skills learned to move on to your next great opportunity. The key is to be aware of when its time to move and have an exit plan.4) It is really okay to want to be authentically yourself EVERYWHERE! Don't let other people tell you who you are.Dr. Pamela Leggett-Robinson Bio:Dr. Pamela Leggett- Robinson has  more than 15 years of higher education experience which includes academic and student success/support programming, institutional strategic planning, data analytics, and program evaluation. She uses evidence-based approaches in program development, management, and evaluation to improve the landscape in STEM through diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her diverse skill set is a result of serving as an academic administrator, principal investigator/program director for student and community initiatives, high school teacher, and lobbyist for K-20 science funding on Capitol Hill. She has a unique leadership style that can implement change, drive productivity, and efficiency while maintaining participant engagement and building relationships with stakeholders. She is organized, detail oriented, and have excellent time management. She is a Certified Associate in Project Management and bring an exceptional level of enthusiasm, dedication, and nuanced perspective to each program she serves.LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-pamela-leggett-robinson-9610256Website: plrconsultingservices.org    Support the showYou can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:https://www.drtoshia.coSTEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

Main Points1) Community College is a viable first option for our children. They are an inexpensive option for kids to take colleges and figure out if college is for them, discover and develop new skills, gain certifications that will have them working sooner. Don't discount them.2) We have got to honor our ancestors and realize the work that they have done in order for us to be where we are.3) The journey + struggle = jruggle!!! Both are worth the fight. Tasha Henderson Bio:Tasha Henderson is the Early College & STEM Program Manager at Chicago Public Schools. She serves as primary point and lead for coordinating logistics of early college program with partner schools in the Chicago Area. She is heavily involved in recruitment and enrollment efforts for the dual enrollment program. She uses her experience in STEM as a catalyst to assure students that they can succeed. She is currently pursing her Ph.D. Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tasha-d-h-69a58a53/ Support the showYou can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:https://www.drtoshia.coSTEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

Episode Summary1) Physics explained as a series of interactions and the study of those interactions is physics.2) Creating and spreading knowledge is also what physicists and those in STEM are in the business of doing.3) HBCU's are important in creating Black in STEM4) Mentors are foreverDr. Trina Coleman Bio Trina L. Coleman is a STEM thought leader, entrepreneur, streaming media personality, HBCU advocate, mentor and public speaker. Her passion for education drives her to focus on finding ways to bolster STEM proficiency in K-12 and post-secondary students.Dr. Coleman is the founder of Coleman Comprehensive Solutions, LLC, the creator of the STEM Skills online course platform (get.stemskills.online), the persona behind the Academic Blue Blood brand, and the author of the upcoming Mathguistics series of books. She believes in devoting time and resources toward improving skills in math and the sciences while providing mentorship opportunities. This formula will ultimately equip students to become the new technological and scientific workforce. It is also her goal to help find solutions for closing the STEM race/gender gap.As a scholar and former academic administrator, Dr. Coleman crafted a diverse professional portfolio. From post-doctoral researcher and faculty member, to executive director, assistant provost and CIO, her experience ranges across a broad spectrum. Her professional journey includes: educating high school and postsecondary students in physics and astronomy, conducting unclassified research sponsored by the Central Intelligence Agency, and spearheading enterprise initiatives as a member of the Howard and Hampton University administrations.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtrinacoleman/colemancomp.solutions  (Company Website)stemskills.online  (Company Website)academicblueblood.com  (Portfolio) Support the showYou can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:https://www.drtoshia.coSTEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

Episode Summary:1) Her dad inspired her STEM journey.2) She believes in the importance of the work being done in and around community and public health. We need to be more aware of our public health options and what programs are out there for us and those that don't serve us well. 3) She is greatly inspired to give back to girls and many STEM initiatives around the US.4) Our health and wellness includes taking care of our skin. Beauty doesn't have to hurt. You can have and use products that honors the skin your in.Dr. Jennifer J. Edwards is a leader in women’s wellness and business strategy.  As a fourth generation business owner, she helps women reverse burnout and restore balance through events, online courses, and plant-based products.  Jennifer is creator of The Wellthy Academy for work-life wellness and she hosts Live Well, the podcast to continue her mission of being an advocate for attainable wellness.  She also launched Refinne Skincare as a bold, conscious beauty movement supporting the wellness of accomplished multicultural women.  Jennifer has a B.S. in Chemistry and PhD specializing in public health.  She lives in Dallas with her husband and two children.  Connect with her at JennPhD.com, RefinneSkincare.com, or @DrJennEdwards on social. Support the showYou can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:https://www.drtoshia.coSTEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

Episode Summary:1) Internships are so important especially when deciding on your next career move right out of college. Do them and discover what it is that you like or don't like;2) It is so important that as a woman in STEM and a Black women in particular that you do not downplay your abilities for anyone. Own all of your talents and gifts3) When you have the opportunity to be in the room, use your voice for good and help others.4) Let's not compete with other Black women, but try to help where needed.5) Take the time to find yourself and your sweet spot, personally and professionally.Bio:STEM advocate, Aisha Lawrey, has 20 years of experience on this journey. Working in industry, government, nonprofits, and education she knows how to engage many different stakeholders, at all levels. Her focus is on increasing the number of women and minorities in engineering. Aisha recently joined the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME), Inc. as the Senior Director, Programs and Scholarships. She is responsible for planning, directing and executing all scholarships and program activities. Prior to joining NACME, Aisha was the Director of Engineering Education with the American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME). She directed and guided the work of ASME in helping to shape the future of mechanical engineering and engineering technology.Aisha obtained a Master of Public Administration and Policy from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology. A New Jersey native, Aisha now resides in Maryland with her husband and 12-year-old twins. Social Media Accounts:  Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/AishaKenyaTwitterhttps://twitter.com/AishaKenya77Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/akbosslyfeLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/aishalawrey For students studying engineering and computer science, please check out NACME, Inc. for opportunities to apply for scholarships. www.nacme.org   Support the showYou can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:https://www.drtoshia.coSTEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

Episode Main Points:1) There is a game that you need to understand when entering into the engineering profession. Its still the white man's game.2) Black women need not compete with each other. We have to learn how to support each other, especially in these spaces where we are few and far between.3) It is still necessary for our children to see us in these professional settings doing the job. We are still the minority and therefore it is incumbent on us show our kids examples.Dr. Valerie Bennett Bio:Dr. Valerie Bennett is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. She received a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Mechanical Engineering, from Vanderbilt University and received her Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Mechanical Engineering, both from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Dr. Bennett then worked as a software consultant for Manhattan Associates then joined Morehouse College as an Assistant Professor where she taught Engineering and Physics courses as part of the Dual Degree Engineering Program for four and a half years. She then joined the faculty at the Westminster Schools in Atlanta where she taught Physics and was one of the two founding Coaches of the Robotics Program. As the Head Coach of the award-winning High School Robotics Team, the team has won several Regional Competitions and has been recognized on the International Level.  She has also served on the Georgia FIRST Robotics Regional Committee in the planning of Regional Events and was Co-Coordinator of the Georgia FIRST Robotics Mentor Advisory Council. To expose student to the excitement and importance of STEM, she worked as the Physics Research Coordinator for the TRIO Program as part of the Upward Bound Initiative. She was also awarded the Innovative Teacher award by the Georgia Independent Schools Association and received an Innovation Grant by the Georgia Education and Technology Conference. After teaching at Westminster, she then was an Engineering Professor and Regents’ Engineering Transfer Program Advisor at Georgia Perimeter College. Afterwards, she taught Advanced Placement Physics, IB Physics and led the Physics Professional Learning Community at Westlake High School where she served on the Fulton County Vanguard Team while also completing research with students at Georgia Tech as part of GIFT Program.Dr. Bennett has been a Research Coordinator for the Peach State Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Program and has been awarded the Innovative Teaching Award by the Georgia Independent Schools Association. She has served as the Morehouse Coordinator for the Dual Degree Engineering Program and Faculty Advisor for several student Organizations such as National Society of Black Engineers, Society of Physics Students, Society of Women Engineers (Spelman College), and Packard Scholars. She has served as a Board Member and STEM Advisory Board Member of the Atlanta Cares Mentoring Organization, which was established by Susan Taylor, former editor of Essence Magazine. In the Greater Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, she has organized several community projects.  In 2014, she established STEM Compass, Inc., a non-profit organization whose mission is to navigate, educate, and motivate young people in STEM-focused careers and entrepreneurship. The three pillars of Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showYou can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:https://www.drtoshia.coSTEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

Episode Main Points:1) Being true to yourself starts early2) Having a mentor to guide you is healthy3) There is so much that we don't understand about cybersecurity, more education is needed4) Being a black unicorn is important to acknowledge and embrace and bring other black unicorns together is need for our collective good. 5) a herd of unicorns is called a blessing.Octavia Howell Bio:Octavia is an experienced technical leader who specializes in Networks, Cyber Security, and building operationally excellent, motivated cross-functional, multi-cultural teams. She is focused on career growth and helping everyone she encounters reach their career goals. Octavia is not your typical leader. She is highly technical and prides herself on understanding, solving problems, and discovering secure solutions for her business partners.  She currently serves as an Information Security Officer for Equifax’s largest business unit. She is also the Founder and CEO of Augustus Redefined, an organization focused on the advancement of Black Women in Cyber.  Octavia believes that a security leader should mentor, motivate trust, and lead their teams to act with integrity and openness. She often says, “A team is only as strong as their leaders and each leader casts a shadow that they will be held accountable for.”Octavia received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from Spelman College and holds CISSP, GISP, GCWN and GSLC GIAC certifications.  She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF), Women in Technology (WiT), Women in Cybersecurity (WiCys), the International Consortium for Minorities and Cyber Professionals (ICMCP), the International Information Systems Security Consortium (ISC2), the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), and serves as a mentor to several participants within Year-Up Greater Atlanta. In her spare time, Octavia enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and mentoring. She truly believes that we are placed on this earth to help each other achieve greatness (whatever that may be).Website: www.augustusredefined.com--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/appSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stemminginstilettos/support Support the showYou can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:https://www.drtoshia.coSTEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

Episode Main Points;1) Math is the foundation to all other STEM subjects2) Mom knows best3) The subscription box works because it can be customized for the girl. Guest Bio: Brittany RhodesBrittany Rhodes is the Founder of Black Girl MATHgic (BGM), a movement dedicated to increasing math confidence, awareness, enthusiasm, identity, fluency and persistence in children, with a focus on girls and black children. BGM’s flagship product is the Black Girl MATHgic Box, which is the first and only subscription box designed to increase math confidence and decrease math anxiety in girls on a 3rd-8th grade math level. Brittany received her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Spelman College and her Master of Business Administration in Marketing, Communication and Organizational Behavior from the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University. Brittany is a proud native of Detroit, where she lives with her husband, Oscar.website: linktr.ee/blackgirlmathgicInstagram: @blackgirlmathgicFacebook: Black Girl MATHgicTwitter: blkgirlmathgic--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/appSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stemminginstilettos/support Support the showYou can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:https://www.drtoshia.coSTEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

Episode Main Points:1) STEM has shown up in a big way during COVID-19.2) The spotlight on the digital divide is only going to get bigger as we navigate going back to school in the fall3) Parental engagement in schools has never been more important. 4) Teacher professional development is vital especially if schools are looking towards a hybrid model or online model of educating kids.5) We should listen to the kids. Have them tell us what they would like to see. They have a perspective on what's happening also. It needs to be honored.Where to find Bejanae Kareem?Email: bejanae@bkconsultancy.orgFacebook: facebook.com/bkconsultancyTwitter: twitter.com/bkconsultancyYouTube: youtube.com/bkconsultancyInstagram: @bk_consultancy--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/appSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stemminginstilettos/support Support the showYou can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:https://www.drtoshia.coSTEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

Episode Main Points1) Engineers are Innovative, Creative, and passionate about their work2) The Bond of womenhood is key to success in a lot of cases3) Battling the stats about women in STEM is tiring but needed.Guest Bio:Shazia Imam, The Life Engineer, is an award-winning speaker, and host of the Top 12 Podcast - Feminine & Fulfilled. Shazia is a Certified Life Coach and holds an Industrial & Systems Engineering degree from Virginia Tech. Recognized as Woman of the Year in her Engineering department, Shazia went on to become an award-winning Management Consultant with 20 years of experience at companies including Disneyland, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Accenture, and Booz Allen Hamilton. In 2012, Shazia was awarded the coveted Technology Rising Star for Women of Color in STEM.Her resume may include extensive experience in Fortune 500 companies, but her soul's calling is to help women unleash their authentic self and live purposefully. As a recovering people-pleasing perfectionist, Shazia knows all too well the empty feeling even when you seem to, quote/unquote, “have it all.” After experiencing her own life fall apart after losing her son and then husband, Shazia realized it was a Divine push to begin living her REAL life. This blossomed into finding her soul mate, discovering her soft feminine power, and living her deep purpose...One which involves women unleashing their WHOLE selves to feel fulfilled, happy and whole. Isn't life more fabulous that way?! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/appSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stemminginstilettos/support Support the showYou can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:https://www.drtoshia.coSTEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

Impostor Syndrome is real and could be becoming more prevalent as we get deeper into the pandemic. How do women, women of color, combat this so that we can work towards becoming our best. Main Points:1. Ask Questions2. Find and Be Supportive of Others3. Fail Forward4. Stop Apologizing5. Celebrate the Small Wins6. Know Your Self (Worth)--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/appSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stemminginstilettos/support Support the showYou can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:https://www.drtoshia.coSTEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

Interview Main Points:1) You can be pretty, smart, and creative and STILL be in STEM.2) Oftentimes for students of color and especially women of color in STEM, the journey is one we have to take alone.3) Messaging for girls around Math has to change to something positive. Girls can do Math. Phylecia Jones is a two-time TEDx speaker, national TV financial contributor for Daily Blast Live, women in STEM advocate and Founder of iFind You Close helping speakers research and book more speaking engagements around the world.After being featured on hundreds of stages in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, Phylecia realized the power of using the stage as a way of marketing to grow a business and brand. As the Founder of iFind You Close, she is bringing over 18 years of research, analytics and entrepreneurship experience to those who want to want to use public speaking to share the message of their company, business or brand.Phylecia holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, a Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering and is a former scientist for the US Navy. She has had the honor of presenting on such platforms as NPR’s TED Radio Hour, NBC 9 News, FinCon, iThemes and a host of organizations that trust her ability to educate, inspire and transform. iFind You Close launched in 2019 with the goal of employing more women in tech and using that knowledge to take the guess work out of doing the research of sorting through over 5000+ events that happen daily that are looking for keynote speakers, breakout sessions and expert panels. When Phylecia isn’t deep into researching the internet, she blogs about her eclectic list of ever-growing life experiences including travel, baton twirling, performing with a circus, RVing across the USA, being a professional cheerleader and achieving 100hrs towards being a yacht captain.--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/appSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stemminginstilettos/support Support the showYou can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:https://www.drtoshia.coSTEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

Interview Main Points:1) Perseverance does pay off.2) Mentoring is important for girls showing interest in STEM. Its often not the skillset that deters women from continuing in STEM, its the environment.3) Its okay to be the first and only. We still need those who are willing to take the first step and be a role model for other girls and women to follow.Dr. Janelle OD received her undergraduate degree in biology from the Xavier University of Louisiana. Following her undergraduate studies, Dr. Janelle OD matriculated to the Pennsylvania College of Optometry where she received her Doctorate in Optometry in 2006. Her passions include Dry eye disease, Ocular aesthetics, Diabetic eye disease, and specialty contact lenses. Dr. Janelle is the Founder and CEO of Brilliant Eyes Vision Center and Premier Dry Eye Spa in Marietta, Ga. Dr. Janelle OD and her office have been featured in numerous national optometric publications, she was featured on the 2011 Cover of Women in Optometry magazine. Dr. Janelle is a STEM advocate and mentor. Her office is also a current internship site for the Work-Based Learning Program at McEachern High School, providing over 5000 hours of mentorship and healthcare experience for junior and senior students, since 2011. She also serves as a CTAE Healthcare Board Advisor for Cobb County Schools. Dr. Janelle is a STEM champion for minority youth. Co-founding S.C.O.R.E., INC. 501c3 non-profit with her younger sister, Dr. Joya DDS. Their nonprofit aims to expose, empower and encourage minority high school girls to pursue STEM careers. Since establishment in 2017 the organization has awarded $10,000k in scholarship and 15 high school juniors have matriculated through the healthcare summer internship programs. Dr. Janelle OD is a highly respected industry leader serving as a Key Opinion Leader for Lunovus and served as a Georgia Optometric Association Board of Trustee for the greater Atlanta District in 2014. She is a proud member of the National Optometric Association and an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Rho Zeta Omega Chapter. She is an award-winning optometrist receiving the 2018 Xavier University of Louisiana 40 under 40 award, 2019 National Coalition 100 Black Women: Women of Impact Award for Health, and 2019 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Cluster V Eva Bonner Youth Mentoring Award. Her charitable contributions include annual donations to Must Ministries, Optometry Gift of Site, the Lions Club and S.C.O.R.E., INC. Dr. Janelle is a native of Detroit, Michigan and is a proud wife and mother of two children. Dr. Janelle is available for speaking engagements, health panels, Advisory Boards, career days as well as internet, media and radio opportunities. If interested in booking Dr. Janelle contact, her at eyecare@drjanelleod.com--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/appSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stemminginstilettos/support Support the showYou can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:https://www.drtoshia.coSTEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

Main points of interview. 1) If you are a Minority Woman working in STEM, in particular Black Women, you are a unicorn!!! There aren't that many of us but we are actively working on changing that.2) The fight for Gender Equity is happening everywhere, even at HBCU's. We have more work to do in the at large communities but also within our own. 3) We've been taught to believe that selfishness is a bad habit, when in fact it is a life saving habit we should all adopt.4) Dr. Owens is a badass both in person and on the podcast. She will be back on.Dr. Marcia Allen Owens is a Biochemical researcher, environmental lawyer, ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, Dr. Marcia Allen Owens has had a lifetime of being first and only, an intersectional minority among minorities. The first Black woman to earn tenure in the Florida A&M University (FAMU) School of Environment, she still hears from students that she is the first Black woman to teach them in a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) class (K-20). An interdisciplinary scholar, Dr. Owens earned degrees from Jackson State University and Emory University (J.D., Ph.D., M.Div.). Combining her scientific and legal training, she practiced with the Environmental Protection Agency and the City of Atlanta. Using her academic and career expertise, she serves as Associate Professor of Environmental Science & Policy at FAMU, where her current and past impact as major professor is resulting in nearly 20 Black students earning the masters and Ph.D. in Environmental Science. She also actively mentors undergraduate students via the FAMU Office of Undergraduate Research. The dearth of Black women professors and students in STEM shifted her research focus to gender equity. In 2019, with Owens as Principal Investigator, the National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded FAMU the five-year, $2.97 million NSF ADVANCE Institutional Transformation grant (HRD-1824267). As director for the newly created Center for Faculty ADVANCEment at FAMU, Dr. Owens is leading the effort to examine and change institutional policies and practices that impact the recruitment, retention and promotion of women in STEM and the social and behavioral sciences. The existence, persistence and efforts of Dr. Marcia Allen Owens as a role model at FAMU expand the presence and possibilities of students from underrepresented groups in STEM professions.--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/appSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stemminginstilettos/support Support the showYou can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:https://www.drtoshia.coSTEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

Dr. Andrea is a former Procter & Gamble (P&G) Research & Development Section Head. She has managed multi–discipline teams of scientists and engineers to drive technology, formulation, and process development for top personal care brands such as Secret, Old Spice, and Gillette. A polymer chemist by training, Dr. Andrea cares deeply about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education and inspiring the next generation of technical leaders. In 2004, she developed the Resident Scholar Program (RSP) while at P&G. RSP is a unique job shadowing program for minority youth interested in careers in STEM. Dr. Andrea continues to impact diversity in STEM as a consultant working with organizations such as Women In Technology (Atlanta, GA) and the National Center for Women & Information technology (Boulder, CO).After over 15 years, Dr. Andrea left her corporate job to pursue her passion. As President/CEO of IDG Vision, LLC and Certified John Maxwell Coach, Speaker, and Trainer, Dr. Andrea leverages her experiences to inspire, develop, and grow the vision inside of all her clients. She has worked with a mix of organizations both non- and for- profits companies, such as Piedmont Hospital (Rockdale), Evans Tools & Die, Valspar Corporation, Gwinnett Health Department, March of Dimes, Women of Life, Inc., Internal Revenue Service, Rockdale Community Resource Network, and Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce, just to name a few. Facebook:/DrAndrea.IDG LinkedIn:/in/abowensjones Instagram:/drandrea_idg Twitter:/DrAndrea_IDG To join The Coffee Break Club      w/ Dr. Andrea (FREE virtual coaching club) - www.idgvision.com/coffeebreak--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/appSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stemminginstilettos/support Support the showYou can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:https://www.drtoshia.coSTEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

What is self care and why is it important? Self Care is literally how we as women are taking care of ourselves in our daily lives. Are you spending time developing yourself and your interests? Are you relaxing and doing things for yourself. It is not selfish to take care of yourself, it is NECESSARY. Women of color in all walks of life are notorious for being bad at doing this. This throwback episodes with my former co-hosts and I gives some really good and still relevant advice about how to take care of yourself. I sincerely hope that you enjoy this one!!Dr. Toshia--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/appSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stemminginstilettos/support Support the showYou can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:https://www.drtoshia.coSTEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

Meet Dr. Nicole Michelle Joseph. She is an assistant professor of mathematics education in the department of Teaching and Learning at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Joseph is the recipient of the 2018 AERA Scholars of Color Early Career Contribution Award and the 2018 AERA Division G Early Career Award. Her research explores two lines of inquiry, (a) Black women and girls, their identity development, and their experiences in mathematics and (b) whiteness, white supremacy and how they operate and shape Black women’s and girls’ underrepresentation and retention in mathematicsDr. Joseph is a BAD woman in STEM and her advocacy work speaks for itself. If you would like to connect with Dr. Joseph please see below.twitter: @profnicolejGoogle: nicolejosephFacebook: Nicole Josephs--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/appSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stemminginstilettos/support Support the showYou can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:https://www.drtoshia.coSTEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

This is a throwback episode from 4 years ago. My guest is Dharma Stevens, Founder of Yell Academy. She is a dedicator educator whose focus is on engaging students in meaningful STEM activities. Our conversation was about how to make sure that, not only are we providing STEM exposure, but also providing quality, meaningful opportunities for students of color to learn and discover more about what STEM is and isn't AND how they might fit into STEM. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/appSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stemminginstilettos/support Support the showYou can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:https://www.drtoshia.coSTEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A