Read It Right Radio Show

In this episode, I sit down with Joan Higginbotham, Electrical Engineer, Retired NASA Astronaut, and President of Joan Higginbotham Ad Astra LLC, to discuss her incredible journey in STEM and space exploration. Our topic for today is "Journey to the Stars: A STEM Odyssey."

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Joan Higginbotham:

• How did you get started with what you are doing today, and what inspired you to create Joan Higginbotham Ad Astra LLC?
• Who do you help in your business now, and how do you tailor your services to meet the needs of your clients in the aerospace sector?
• What inspired you to pursue electrical engineering and space exploration, and how did programs like En ROADS influence your path?
• Can you share your experience flying aboard Space Shuttle Discovery Mission STS-116 and any challenges you faced during the mission?
• How do you actively support STEM education, particularly for underrepresented communities, and why is this important to you?
• Why do you believe representation is crucial in encouraging young people to pursue STEM careers, and can you share a personal story that highlights this?
• What advice would you give to aspiring astronauts or those interested in space exploration, especially in today's rapidly evolving space industry?
• What challenges did you face as a young African American female engineer in a male-dominated industry, and how did you overcome them?
• What is one thing people can start on right away if they are interested in pursuing a career in space exploration or engineering?
• Are there any tools or resources you recommend for those interested in getting involved in STEM or exploring opportunities in space?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About "Journey to the Stars: A STEM Odyssey":

• A Stellar Career: Joan Higginbotham shares how her passion for math and science led her to a remarkable 35-year career, including working for NASA and launching her own consulting company, Joan Higginbotham Ad Astra LLC.
• Navigating Space and Challenges: Joan reflects on her experience aboard Space Shuttle Discovery Mission STS-116, where she faced unexpected challenges, showcasing the importance of adaptability and teamwork in space exploration.
• Supporting STEM Education: Joan is deeply committed to supporting STEM education, particularly for underrepresented communities, through scholarships, mentorship, and advocacy. She emphasizes the impact of representation and the importance of being a role model.
• The Importance of Representation: Joan shares a powerful story about the impact of representation, highlighting how seeing someone who looks like you in a position of success can inspire and motivate the next generation.
• Advice for Aspiring Astronauts: Joan provides valuable advice for those interested in pursuing careers in space exploration, stressing the importance of education, internships, and staying informed about opportunities in the industry.
• Overcoming Barriers: Joan discusses the challenges she faced as a young African American woman in a male-dominated industry and how perseverance, hard work, and proving her capabilities helped her earn respect and succeed.

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 sit down with Mario Tarver, First Officer at SkyWest Airlines, to explore the crucial role STEM plays in enhancing diversity within the aviation industry. Our topic today is "Soaring Beyond Boundaries: STEM's Role in Aviation Diversity.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Mario Tarver:

• How did you get started in your aviation career, and what inspired your journey?
• What role has STEM education played in shaping your path as a pilot?
• Can you share your experiences at the Tuskegee Airmen Summer Flight Academy and how it impacted your decision to pursue aviation?
• How do you see diversity benefiting the aviation industry, particularly in roles like yours?
• What challenges did you face as a minority in aviation, and how did you overcome them?
• Can you discuss the importance of mentorship in aviation and how it has influenced your career?
• How does your role at SkyWest Airlines contribute to promoting diversity in STEM fields?
• Are there any initiatives or organizations you’re involved with that support diversity in aviation?
• What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in aviation or STEM?
• How can listeners get involved or learn more about opportunities in aviation and STEM?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About "Soaring Beyond Boundaries: STEM's Role in Aviation Diversity":

• A Journey into Aviation: Mario Tarver shares his passion for aviation, which began in childhood and was solidified through experiences like the Tuskegee Airmen Summer Flight Academy. His story illustrates the importance of early exposure to STEM in inspiring future pilots.
• The Impact of STEM Education: STEM has been pivotal in Mario’s career, from his aerospace engineering degree to his flight training in the Navy. His journey highlights the critical role of STEM education in preparing individuals for technical careers in aviation.
• Diversity in Aviation: Mario discusses the importance of diversity in aviation, emphasizing that it extends beyond race to include diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. He advocates for more inclusive practices and increased representation in the industry.
• Mentorship and Networking: The value of mentorship in aviation is a recurring theme. Mario shares how mentors have guided him throughout his career and how he now mentors others, helping to build a more diverse and inclusive aviation community.
• Promoting Diversity: Through his involvement with organizations like the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) and Sisters of the Skies, Mario is actively working to increase minority representation in aviation. He highlights the ongoing efforts to break down barriers and support the next generation of diverse aviation professionals.
• Getting Involved: Mario encourages listeners to explore resources and opportunities in aviation through organizations like OBAP. He also underscores the importance of asking questions, seeking mentorship, and being proactive in pursuing a career in aviation.

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 Naomi Meredith, Founder and CEO of STEM Sparks, about igniting curiosity in K-5 learners through STEM education.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Naomi Meredith:

• What inspired you to focus on STEM education for young learners?
• How does STEM Sparks engage K-5 students and foster a love for STEM subjects?
• Can you share some effective strategies for making STEM topics accessible and exciting for young children?
• What are some common challenges teachers and parents face when introducing STEM concepts, and how can they overcome them?
• How do you measure the impact of STEM Sparks programs on student curiosity and learning outcomes?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About STEM Sparks:

• Naomi's journey and the founding of STEM Sparks, driven by a passion for early childhood education and STEM.
• Innovative methods STEM Sparks uses to captivate young learners and inspire curiosity in STEM fields.
• Practical tips for educators and parents on making STEM learning engaging and relevant for K-5 students.
• The importance of hands-on, experiential learning in nurturing a genuine interest in STEM subjects from a young age.
• Success stories and evidence demonstrating the positive impact of STEM Sparks programs on student enthusiasm and academic performance.

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 Brittany Rhodes, Founder of Black Girl Mathgic, about Unboxing Math Confidence: Black Girl Mathgic's Impact.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Brittany Rhodes:

• What inspired you to start Black Girl Mathgic, and how has it evolved since its inception?
• Can you share some success stories of how Black Girl Mathgic has transformed young girls’ perceptions of math?
• What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in promoting math confidence among Black girls, and how have you overcome them?
• How can educators and parents support and encourage girls to build confidence in math?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Unboxing Math Confidence:

• The mission and vision behind Black Girl Mathgic and its approach to fostering a positive math identity among Black girls.
• Strategies for overcoming common barriers and stereotypes that impact girls' confidence in math.
• Real-life examples of how Black Girl Mathgic’s initiatives have made a tangible difference in students’ academic and personal lives.
• Practical advice for parents and educators to create an encouraging environment for girls to excel in math.

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 Tymbrea Mattox, Founder and CEO of "From My Perspective," about Game-Changing Empowerment: The Impact of 'From My Perspective' in STEM.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Tymbrea Mattox:

• Can you share the inspiration behind founding "From My Perspective" and how it aims to empower individuals in STEM fields?
• What are some of the key challenges you've identified that underrepresented groups face in STEM, and how does your initiative address these?
• How do you measure the impact of your programs on participants' careers and personal development in STEM?
• Can you provide an example of a success story or breakthrough that has come out of "From My Perspective"?
• What strategies do you believe are essential for creating more inclusive and supportive environments in STEM fields?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Game-Changing Empowerment:

• Founding Vision: Tymbrea Mattox shares the vision behind "From My Perspective," highlighting its mission to provide resources, mentorship, and support to individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM.
• Addressing Challenges: The discussion explores the specific challenges faced by these individuals, including systemic barriers, lack of representation, and the need for tailored support, and how the initiative is working to address these issues.
• Impact Measurement: We delve into the methods used to assess the effectiveness of the programs and the tangible outcomes achieved by participants, including career advancements and increased confidence in their STEM pursuits.
• Success Stories: Tymbrea recounts powerful stories of individuals who have benefited from the initiative, illustrating the positive impact and transformative potential of the programs.
• Creating Inclusivity: The episode emphasizes strategies for fostering more inclusive STEM environments, such as mentorship programs, community-building efforts, and advocacy for systemic change.

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 Crystal Mance, CEO of Reset, about balancing burnout and navigating STEM careers with resilience.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Crystal Mance:

• How did you get started in your career, and what led you to focus on burnout?
• Who do you help through your work, and how do you assist them?
• Why is understanding burnout crucial, particularly for STEM professionals?
• What advice would you give to young women entering male-dominated STEM fields, especially regarding burnout?
• Can you share insights from your book, "Reset," and how it can help those facing challenges in STEM careers?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Balancing Burnout:

• Crystal’s Personal Journey: Crystal Mance shares her experience of burnout, which spanned from 2016 to 2020, highlighting the intense pressures she faced in her various roles, including being a pastor, community leader, and family member. Her diagnosis with COVID-19 was a pivotal moment that led to her recognizing and addressing her burnout.
• Who Crystal Helps: Crystal focuses on aiding professional women, mothers, ministry leaders, and corporate employees experiencing burnout. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and finding balance to prevent depletion and exhaustion.
• Importance for STEM Professionals: Crystal explains that STEM careers, which involve high levels of critical thinking and problem-solving, are particularly susceptible to burnout due to their demanding nature. Understanding burnout helps in managing mental health and maintaining overall well-being in these high-pressure roles.
• Advice for Young Women in STEM: Crystal advises young women entering STEM fields to stay true to themselves, avoid comparing themselves to others, and embrace their unique contributions. She encourages them to give themselves grace, be confident, and not be afraid to say no.
• Key Takeaways from "Reset": Crystal's book, Reset, provides strategies for overcoming burnout and embracing resilience. It focuses on releasing stress and finding balance, offering practical advice for managing challenges in demanding careers, including STEM professions.

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 Bertha Winston, CEO of The Winston Experience, about achieving financial freedom and a debt-free retirement, especially for STEM professionals. We delve into her journey, practical financial strategies, and the importance of financial literacy for both young people and adults.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Bertha Winston

• Can you share your journey to retiring debt-free and what inspired you?
• How or who do you help in your business now, and how do you do it?
• What advice would you offer STEM professionals aspiring to retire without debt?
• How important is financial literacy for young people, and where should they start?
• How can parents instill financial literacy in their children early on?
• What are some strategies you teach at The Winston Experience to achieve financial freedom?
• Can you talk about your book and how it helps others?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Financial Freedom

• Debt-Free Retirement Journey: Bertha shares her personal experience of paying off debt to retire worry-free, emphasizing the importance of financial planning.
• Helping Retirees: The Winston Experience assists retirees and those planning to retire by eliminating debt, repairing credit, and becoming worry-free.
• Advice for STEM Professionals: Bertha advises starting financial planning early, focusing on debt elimination, maintaining a good credit score, and creating an emergency fund.
• Financial Literacy for Young People: Bertha stresses the importance of starting investments early, avoiding credit card debt, and instilling financial discipline in young people.
• Parental Guidance: Parents should teach their children about financial management, the importance of savings and investments, and the benefits of starting early.
• Strategies for Wealth: The Winston Experience provides financial strategies, including tax minimization, debt elimination, credit repair, and investment education.
• Author Journey: Bertha shares her journey as an author, highlighting the importance of overcoming personal obstacles and striving for success, with her upcoming book focusing on financial freedom.

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. Mireille Toulekima, Founding Director of MT Energy Resources, about Women Leading the Way in Energy Transition.

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

• What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM and establish MT Energy Resources?
• Who do you help in your business now, and how?
• How can women make a difference in the energy transition, and what should organizations do to support them in STEM leadership roles?
• What advice would you give to young women wanting to pursue STEM careers?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Women Leading the Way in Energy Transition:

• Dr. Toulekima was inspired by her father, the first engineer in her family, who encouraged her to pursue a career in engineering.
• After working for multinational companies, Dr. Toulekima decided to create her own company to have the freedom to make a positive impact and to serve as a role model for women of color, especially those of African descent.
• MT Energy Resources supports small and medium-sized companies in the technical sphere, focusing on local content and technology transfer in emerging markets, particularly in Africa and the Caribbean.
• Dr. Toulekima has created STEM Queens in Uganda, aiming to empower women and girls in STEM, with a goal of reaching 1 million women and girls by 2025.
• She emphasizes the importance of mindset and leadership training for women in STEM, encouraging them to believe in themselves and take risks.
• Dr. Toulekima advises young women to see STEM as an accessible and integral part of their daily lives, encouraging them to try and persist even if they face challenges.

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 Sierra Williams, author and engineer, and owner of Shohan Press, about inspiring STEM through children's literature. 

Here are some of the Questions I ask Sierra:

• How did you get started in what you are doing?
• Who do you help in your business and how do you help them?
• How did you transition from an engineer to a children's book author?
• How do you incorporate themes of problem-solving and confidence in your books?
• How do your books ensure inclusivity for all young readers?
• What advice do you have for young individuals interested in writing, engineering, or both?
• How can parents and educators help instill confidence in children, especially in STEM-related pursuits?
• What are the biggest challenges you've faced in your journey, and how have you overcome them?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Inspiring STEM through Children's Literature:

• Personal Motivation: Sierra shares how her experience during the pandemic with a young virtual learner inspired her to write children's books featuring characters that look like him, fostering representation and inclusion.
• Integrating STEM into Everyday Life: Sierra emphasizes making STEM relatable by incorporating everyday scenarios in her books, such as travel and cooking, to teach problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Representation and Diversity: Her books feature Black characters and aim to fill the gap in early literacy materials that reflect diverse backgrounds, ensuring that all children see themselves represented.
• Building Confidence in Young Readers: Sierra discusses the importance of instilling confidence in children by making them the main characters in her stories and including practical, everyday problem-solving activities.
• Challenges and Community Support: Sierra highlights the role of community in overcoming challenges, both in her engineering career and as an author. She emphasizes the importance of finding supportive networks and resources.
• Advice for Aspiring Authors and Engineers: Sierra advises young individuals to be confident, take initiative, and find a supportive community to help them achieve their goals.
• Role of Organizations like NSBE: Sierra speaks about the impact of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) in her life, providing opportunities for scholarships, internships, and professional growth, underscoring the importance of such communities 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 Rhonda Pope, CEO of Nurture Hair Care and Hydra Bar Salon, about Hair Care: STEM-Powered Insights from an Entrepreneur's Journey.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Rhonda:

• How did you get started in your hair care journey?
• Who do you help in your business now, and how?
• Can you elaborate on how the process of identifying unmet needs and crafting solutions aligns with the principles of STEM?
• Can you share your experience working with a chemist to develop your products?
• How can your journey inspire young minds to explore STEM and entrepreneurship?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Hair Care: STEM-Powered Insights from an Entrepreneur's Journey:

• Rhonda's passion for hair care, especially natural and textured hair, and her journey to create products that enhance natural hair without chemical alteration.
• The importance of understanding the science behind hair care and how STEM principles are integral to developing effective hair products.
• The collaborative process with chemists to ensure the products are scientifically sound and meet high standards.
• Encouragement for young entrepreneurs to follow their passion, align with knowledgeable mentors, and stay dedicated to their goals.
• Practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on the importance of proper business setup, financial management, and continuous learning.

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.