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What happens when young women are given the opportunity to take flight?

In this special episode of the Black Girls Do Engineer Podcast, we hear directly from participants of the BGDE Drone Pilot Training as they reflect on their journey through hands-on aviation and drone technology.

From learning the fundamentals of drone operations and flight safety to building confidence behind the controls, these young women share what challenged them, what excited them, and how the experience changed the way they see themselves and their future careers.

Throughout the conversation, they discuss the importance of teamwork, problem-solving, and the technical skills they developed while exploring one of the fastest-growing industries in STEM. They also reflect on earning new knowledge, connecting with mentors, and discovering career opportunities in aviation, engineering, robotics, surveying, public safety, filmmaking, logistics, and emerging technologies.

This episode is a celebration of curiosity, confidence, and what's possible when girls are given access to experiences that prepare them for the future of work.

Whether you're a student, parent, educator, or STEM advocate, you'll leave inspired by the voices of the next generation of innovators who are proving that the sky is not the limit—it's just the beginning.

🎧 Tune in and hear how these future STEM leaders are taking flight—one mission, one lesson, and one drone at a time.

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Black Girls Do Engineer: The Podcast.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a parent, educator, mentor, or young person who needs to hear it.

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review—it helps our stories reach more families and future innovators.

 📲 Follow us on social @BlackGirlsDoEngineer for behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming events, and community highlights.

 💖 Support the mission: Your donation helps us create access, confidence, and opportunity in STEM for girls nationwide. Donate at https://bit.ly/Donate2BGDE

Because this was never just a program—it’s a promise.

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What happens when engineering becomes more than just a career—and turns into impact?

In this episode, Kara Branch sits down with Tai Prince, engineer, leader, and STEM advocate, to talk about how engineering skills can be used far beyond technical work to create real change in communities, organizations, and future generations.

Through this “Day in the Life” conversation, Tai shares how problem-solving, leadership, communication, and service all play a role in her journey as an engineer. From navigating engineering spaces as a Black woman to pouring back into the next generation through mentorship and advocacy, Tai reminds us that STEM is not just about what you build—it’s about who you impact.

This episode is a powerful reminder that engineering can open doors to leadership, influence, and purpose-driven work that extends far beyond the workplace.

🎧 Tune in for a real conversation about engineering, leadership, community impact, and using your skills to create change.

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Black Girls Do Engineer: The Podcast.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a parent, educator, mentor, or young person who needs to hear it.

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review—it helps our stories reach more families and future innovators.

 📲 Follow us on social @BlackGirlsDoEngineer for behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming events, and community highlights.

 💖 Support the mission: Your donation helps us create access, confidence, and opportunity in STEM for girls nationwide. Donate at https://bit.ly/Donate2BGDE

Because this was never just a program—it’s a promise.

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What better way to celebrate Black Girls Do Engineer Day and seven years of impact than by hearing directly from the girls who are living the mission?

In this special anniversary episode, the microphones are turned over to some of our youngest Future of Tech Summer Camp participants. Through their own voices, they share what Black Girls Do Engineer means to them, what they learned during camp, and how hands-on experiences in engineering and technology are changing the way they see themselves and their futures.

From building and creating to discovering new technologies and making new friends, these girls remind us that confidence begins with opportunity. Their excitement, honesty, and imagination reflect exactly why Black Girls Do Engineer was founded seven years ago—to create spaces where Black girls are encouraged to dream boldly, explore fearlessly, and see themselves as the engineers, innovators, and leaders of tomorrow.

As we celebrate this milestone, we're reminded that our greatest measure of success isn't just the programs we've created—it's the voices, confidence, and limitless potential of the girls we serve.

Thank you to every student, parent, volunteer, educator, corporate partner, donor, and supporter who has been part of this seven-year journey. Because of you, thousands of girls have discovered that they belong in STEM.

Today, we celebrate seven years of impact.

Tomorrow, we continue building the future—one girl at a time.

Happy Black Girls Do Engineer Day! 💛🖤

🎧 Listen now and experience Black Girls Do Engineer through their eyes.

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Black Girls Do Engineer: The Podcast.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a parent, educator, mentor, or young person who needs to hear it.

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review—it helps our stories reach more families and future innovators.

 📲 Follow us on social @BlackGirlsDoEngineer for behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming events, and community highlights.

 💖 Support the mission: Your donation helps us create access, confidence, and opportunity in STEM for girls nationwide. Donate at https://bit.ly/Donate2BGDE

Because this was never just a program—it’s a promise.

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What does it really mean to “see the whole picture” in STEM?

In this episode, Kara Branch sits down with Krystal Porter, Systems Engineer and technology leader, to break down what systems engineering actually looks like in the real world. From solving complex problems to connecting technology, strategy, and people, Krystal shares how systems engineers help organizations think bigger and operate smarter.

This conversation gives listeners a real “day in the life” look into systems engineering, including the technical and leadership skills required to succeed, how AI and emerging technologies are changing the workforce, and why critical thinking is essential in today’s STEM careers.

Krystal also shares her personal journey, lessons learned navigating technology spaces, and the importance of representation and visibility for women—especially Black women—in engineering and leadership roles.

If you’ve ever wondered how large systems, technologies, and teams all work together, this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in for a powerful conversation about systems thinking, leadership, innovation, and seeing beyond just one piece of the puzzle.

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Black Girls Do Engineer: The Podcast.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a parent, educator, mentor, or young person who needs to hear it.

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review—it helps our stories reach more families and future innovators.

 📲 Follow us on social @BlackGirlsDoEngineer for behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming events, and community highlights.

 💖 Support the mission: Your donation helps us create access, confidence, and opportunity in STEM for girls nationwide. Donate at https://bit.ly/Donate2BGDE

Because this was never just a program—it’s a promise.

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When people think about technology, they often focus on coding—but behind every app, website, and digital platform is someone intentionally building the experience users interact with every single day.

In this episode, Kara Branch sits down with Tamara Trotter, frontend engineer and technology leader, to break down what frontend engineering really looks like beyond the screen. From designing user-friendly experiences to solving technical problems in real time, Tamara shares how creativity, strategy, and engineering all come together in her work.

This conversation gives listeners a real “day in the life” look into software engineering, including the skills required to succeed, the challenges that come with working in tech, and how frontend engineers help shape the way people experience technology.

Tamara also shares her journey into engineering, the importance of representation in technology spaces, and why students—especially young Black girls—should know there is space for them in tech careers too.

If you’ve ever wondered who builds the digital experiences we use every day, this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in for a real conversation about technology, creativity, problem-solving, and building what people actually experience.

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Black Girls Do Engineer: The Podcast.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a parent, educator, mentor, or young person who needs to hear it.

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review—it helps our stories reach more families and future innovators.

 📲 Follow us on social @BlackGirlsDoEngineer for behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming events, and community highlights.

 💖 Support the mission: Your donation helps us create access, confidence, and opportunity in STEM for girls nationwide. Donate at https://bit.ly/Donate2BGDE

Because this was never just a program—it’s a promise.

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There’s a narrative out there about HBCUs, but the results tell a different story.

In this episode, Kara Branch sits down with Kia Smith, Regional Supplier Quality Manager, to talk about what it really looks like to go from an HBCU to leading at a high level in STEM. From managing global teams to overseeing multi-million-dollar portfolios, Kia’s career reflects what strong preparation and execution look like in real time.

This conversation goes beyond inspiration—it’s about outcomes. Kia shares how her HBCU experience shaped her confidence, discipline, and ability to lead, and why these institutions continue to produce some of the most capable and impactful talent in engineering, business, and beyond.

Together, they break down the connection between education, workforce readiness, and performance—and what it takes to not just enter the workforce, but stand out in it.

If you’re a student deciding your path, a parent guiding the next step, or a professional thinking about preparation and leadership, this episode is for you.

To learn more about Kia and her work, visit www.worldofkia.com

Because the truth is simple: HBCUs are not just creating opportunity - they are producing leaders.

🎧 Tune in and hear why the results speak for themselves.

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Black Girls Do Engineer: The Podcast.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a parent, educator, mentor, or young person who needs to hear it.

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review—it helps our stories reach more families and future innovators.

 📲 Follow us on social @BlackGirlsDoEngineer for behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming events, and community highlights.

 💖 Support the mission: Your donation helps us create access, confidence, and opportunity in STEM for girls nationwide. Donate at https://bit.ly/Donate2BGDE

Because this was never just a program—it’s a promise.

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What separates someone who follows instructions from someone who leads, solves, and innovates?

In this episode, Kara Branch breaks down one of the most important—and often overlooked—skills in STEM: critical thinking. While many students are taught what to learn, far fewer are taught how to think, analyze, and solve problems in real-world situations.

Through the lens of a “day in the life” in STEM careers, this episode explores what critical thinking actually looks like on the job—from diagnosing problems and making decisions to navigating uncertainty without clear answers. Kara also highlights where the gaps exist today, sharing data on how students and even early career professionals are struggling with problem-solving and independent thinking.

This episode goes beyond awareness and focuses on action—what parents, educators, and communities can do now to build these skills early and intentionally.

Because in a world shaped by technology and automation, the ability to think critically isn’t just valuable—it’s essential.

🎧 Tune in to learn why critical thinking changes everything—and how to start building it today.

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Black Girls Do Engineer: The Podcast.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a parent, educator, mentor, or young person who needs to hear it.

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review—it helps our stories reach more families and future innovators.

 📲 Follow us on social @BlackGirlsDoEngineer for behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming events, and community highlights.

 💖 Support the mission: Your donation helps us create access, confidence, and opportunity in STEM for girls nationwide. Donate at https://bit.ly/Donate2BGDE

Because this was never just a program—it’s a promise.

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What does life really look like after you graduate with an engineering degree?

In this episode, BGDE founder and CEO Kara Branch sits down with Cameron Bonds, a recent LSU graduate and Manufacturing Engineer, to talk about the transition from college to career—and what it actually feels like to step into your first role in STEM.

Cameron shares her journey from early STEM exposure to navigating college as a mechanical engineering student, and ultimately stepping into her role in industry. She gives a real look into her day-to-day responsibilities, the skills she uses on the job, and the adjustments that come with moving from student life to full-time work.

This conversation is honest, relatable, and especially important for students who are trying to figure out what comes next. From managing work-life balance to building confidence early in your career, Cameron reminds us that you don’t have to have everything figured out—you just have to start.

🎧 Tune in for a real look at early career life in STEM and what it takes to find your way.

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Black Girls Do Engineer: The Podcast.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a parent, educator, mentor, or young person who needs to hear it.

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review—it helps our stories reach more families and future innovators.

 📲 Follow us on social @BlackGirlsDoEngineer for behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming events, and community highlights.

 💖 Support the mission: Your donation helps us create access, confidence, and opportunity in STEM for girls nationwide. Donate at https://bit.ly/Donate2BGDE

Because this was never just a program—it’s a promise.

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What does it really take to build a career in STEM—and know you belong in every room you walk into?

In this episode, BGDE founder and CEO Kara Branch sits down with Nasha Ross, a Senior Project Manager, engineer, entrepreneur, and leader with over 20 years of experience navigating and leading in STEM spaces.

Through real conversation, Nasha breaks down what “Project Manager life” actually looks like—from managing complex projects to leading teams and making decisions that impact real people and communities. She also shares her journey of growth, resilience, and faith—navigating spaces where she was often one of the few, while continuing to rise, lead, and create impact.

This episode goes beyond the title. It’s about earning your place, building confidence over time, and showing up with purpose—even when the path isn’t easy.

Nasha also speaks on the importance of representation, workforce readiness, and why it’s critical for young girls—especially Black girls—to see themselves in STEM and leadership roles.

If you’ve ever questioned whether you belong in STEM, this conversation is your reminder: you do—and with preparation, consistency, and belief, you can earn your place and lead.

🎧 Tune in for a real look at leadership, growth, and what it means to walk in purpose.

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Black Girls Do Engineer: The Podcast.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a parent, educator, mentor, or young person who needs to hear it.

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review—it helps our stories reach more families and future innovators.

 📲 Follow us on social @BlackGirlsDoEngineer for behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming events, and community highlights.

 💖 Support the mission: Your donation helps us create access, confidence, and opportunity in STEM for girls nationwide. Donate at https://bit.ly/Donate2BGDE

Because this was never just a program—it’s a promise.

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What does it look like when you combine data, creativity, and purpose into one career?

In this episode, BGDE founder and CEO Kara Branch sits down with Isabel, a Senior Data Advisor whose journey proves that you don’t have to choose between technical and creative—you can build a career that blends both.

From studying computer science to working in business intelligence and transitioning into user experience and advisory roles, Isabel shares how she navigated her path with intention, curiosity, and confidence. She breaks down what her role actually looks like day-to-day, how data drives real business decisions, and why storytelling is just as important as technical skill in today’s workforce.

This conversation is especially powerful for students who feel pulled in multiple directions—those who are both analytical and creative—and are trying to figure out where they fit.

Isabel reminds us that growth isn’t about starting over—it’s about leveling up.

🎧 Tune in to learn how to build a career that reflects all of who you are—and why the future of STEM needs both logic and creativity.

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Black Girls Do Engineer: The Podcast.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a parent, educator, mentor, or young person who needs to hear it.

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review—it helps our stories reach more families and future innovators.

 📲 Follow us on social @BlackGirlsDoEngineer for behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming events, and community highlights.

 💖 Support the mission: Your donation helps us create access, confidence, and opportunity in STEM for girls nationwide. Donate at https://bit.ly/Donate2BGDE

Because this was never just a program—it’s a promise.