Read It Right Radio Show

In this episode, I talk with Shermaine Perry-Knights, Founder & CEO of Young Black Scholars, about Empowering Minds in STEM: Nurturing Curiosity and Creativity.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Shermaine Perry-Knights:

• How did your background and experiences shape your passion for STEM education?
• What strategies do you find most effective in fostering curiosity and creativity among young students in STEM fields?
• Can you share some success stories or examples of how nurturing creativity has impacted students’ careers in STEM?
• How can educators and parents work together to support and inspire the next generation of STEM innovators?
• What are some common challenges students face when pursuing STEM, and how can they be overcome?

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

• The importance of early exposure to STEM fields and hands-on learning experiences to ignite curiosity.
• Effective methods for creating engaging and creative STEM curricula that resonate with diverse learners.
• Success stories highlighting the positive impact of STEM education on students’ futures and careers.
• Collaborative approaches between educators and parents to create supportive environments for STEM learning.
• Addressing and overcoming common obstacles students encounter in STEM education, such as lack of resources or confidence.

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

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

In this episode, I talk with Jamiayah Castleberry, Product Systems Validation Engineer at Cummins Incorporated, about Science Jamz: Communicating Science to Inspire the Next Generation.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Jamiayah:

• How did you get started in your engineering career?
• Can you describe your role as a Product Systems Validation Engineer and the challenges you face day-to-day?
• How has your leadership in employee resource groups contributed to diversity and inclusion in STEM?
• What inspired you to create Science Jamz, and what impact do you hope it will have on young people interested in STEM?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Science Jamz:

• Jamiayah's journey from taking a drafting class in high school to becoming a Product Systems Validation Engineer.
• The importance of perseverance and problem-solving in engineering, illustrated by her experience with a challenging project in her Intro to Engineering course.
• The role of employee resource groups in promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace, and Jamiayah's efforts in creating one at Cummins.
• The inception of Science Jamz, born from her desire to demystify science and make it more accessible and engaging for young people.
• The transition from creating YouTube videos to hosting a radio and TV show at Levine Children's Hospital's Seacrest Studios, and the fulfillment it brought her.

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 Akil Parker, CEO of All This Math, LLC, about Empowering Students: The Impact of Culturally Responsive Math Education.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Akil Parker:

• How does culturally responsive math education differ from traditional approaches?
• What are the benefits of integrating cultural relevance into math curriculum?
• How can educators effectively implement culturally responsive practices in their classrooms?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Culturally Responsive Math Education:

• Cultural Relevance: Akil emphasizes the importance of connecting math concepts to students' cultural backgrounds and real-world experiences.
• Student Engagement: He discusses how culturally responsive practices enhance student engagement and motivation in learning mathematics.
• Impact on Achievement: We explore the positive impact of culturally responsive math education on academic achievement and equity in education.

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. Cristi Haygood, CEO of Alyse Engineering Innovations, LLC, about her inspiring journey from engineer to executive in the STEM field.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Dr. Cristi Haygood:

• What motivated you to transition from engineering to executive leadership?
• What were some of the challenges you faced along the way?
• How did your background in engineering shape your approach to leadership?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About From Engineer to Executive: A STEM Success Story:

• The importance of mentorship and networking in career advancement.
• Strategies for balancing technical expertise with leadership skills.
• Advice for aspiring STEM professionals aiming for executive roles.

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 have the pleasure of chatting with various STEM Crew Magazine Trailblazers features, about the newly launched STEM Crew Magazine.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask:

• What inspired you to create STEM Crew Magazine, and what gap does it fill in the STEM education landscape?
• Could you share some insights into the magazine's content and how it aims to inspire young minds in STEM fields?
• What exciting features can readers expect from STEM Crew Magazine, and how will it engage both students and educators?

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

• The mission behind STEM Crew Magazine and its commitment to fostering STEM literacy and curiosity.
• Detailed discussions on the interactive elements and educational resources that will accompany each issue.
• Plans for the National STEM Day celebration and how STEM Crew Magazine will participate and contribute to this important event.

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 Kenya Simmons, Program Manager at Honeywell and Founder of Sister Girl Dream Big, LLC, about crafting your yellow brick road to success in STEM. 

Here are some of the questions I ask Kenya:

• How did you get started in STEM and what inspired you to found Sister Girl Dream Big, LLC?
• What challenges did you face as a woman and a minority in the engineering field, and how did you overcome them?
• How has your STEM background influenced your approach to leadership and promoting diversity?
• Can you share some memorable success stories from your organization?

Here are some key points discussed in this episode about Crafting your Yellow Brick Road to Success in STEM:

• Kenya's journey from high school to becoming an electrical engineer and the motivational role her mother played.
• The importance of internships and advocating for oneself in STEM fields.
• How Kenya's diverse engineering background and business education shaped her career path.
• The critical role of leadership and continuous learning in promoting diversity in STEM.
• Kenya’s efforts to mentor and support women, particularly from low-income backgrounds, through her organization.

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. Natoshia Anderson, Director of LINGO, about Coding for STEM Empowerment.

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

• How did you get started with your work at LINGO?
• Can you share more about LINGO and its founder, Aisha Bowe?
• Who do you help through LINGO, and how do you do it?
• What role does representation play in your work and in the world of STEM?
• Can you share some success or heartwarming stories you've witnessed in your role?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Coding for STEM Empowerment:

• The importance of early exposure to coding and STEM for minority students, particularly Black women and girls.
• LINGO kits provide both hardware and software experiences, combining hands-on activities with coding.
• LINGO's flexible models allow for use in schools, after-school programs, and at home, ensuring wide accessibility.
• Representation and diversity in STEM fields are crucial, and LINGO aims to contribute to better representation by reaching young students.
• Success stories, including a community member in Chicago using LINGO kits to teach coding to homeless kids in his neighborhood, demonstrate the profound impact of LINGO's 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 sit down with Emalia Denoon, Founder of STEM, Braids & Beyond. Today, we’re exploring "The STEM Gap Problem No One Knows Exists."

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Emalia Denoon:

• Could you tell the listeners about your journey? How did you get to where you are today?
• Who do you help in your business now, and how do you support underrepresented communities in STEM?
• Your program addresses unintentional bias in STEM education. Could you elaborate on how STEM discovery inadvertently excludes certain communities?
• How does your work aim to bridge the STEM gap for underrepresented children and families?
• What are some success stories or examples that highlight the impact of your work in the community?
• Empowerment is a key theme of your work. How do you believe highlighting diverse stories and experiences can foster a sense of empowerment among young people?
• Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for STEM, Braids & Beyond, and the impact you hope to make?
• What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in this journey, and how did you overcome it?
• What is one thing people can start doing right away to get involved in closing the STEM gap?
• Are there any tools or resources you provide that can help parents and educators support their children’s interest in STEM?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About "The STEM Gap Problem No One Knows Exists":

• Emalia's Journey: Emalia Denoon shares her unique path into STEM, which began when others recognized her innate abilities and encouraged her to pursue a career she never thought possible. This led to her founding STEM, Braids & Beyond, an initiative aimed at breaking down barriers in STEM education for underrepresented communities.
• Unintentional Bias in STEM: Emalia discusses how children from underrepresented backgrounds often start STEM education at a disadvantage due to a lack of early exposure and support at home. Her program focuses on helping these children recognize their inherent STEM skills and build confidence to pursue their interests.
• Bridging the STEM Gap: Through workshops and market research, Emalia has encountered numerous children who demonstrate incredible potential in STEM but are unaware of the opportunities available to them. Her program seeks to bring STEM education to where these children are and create environments where they can thrive.
• Empowerment Through Representation: Emalia emphasizes the importance of representation in STEM, showcasing diverse stories and experiences to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders. By sharing these stories, she hopes to empower young people to see themselves in STEM roles and pursue their dreams.
• Aspirations for the Future: Emalia’s goal is to make STEM knowledge as commonplace as understanding popular sports like the NFL or NBA. She aspires to create a world where STEM is accessible to all, and her program no longer needs to exist because the gap has been closed.
• Overcoming Challenges: Emalia reflects on the challenges she faced in underestimating the demand for STEM education in underrepresented communities. She encourages others to dream bigger and recognize the immense potential for impact in this space.
• Taking Action: Emalia encourages parents, educators, and community members to start by engaging with their local schools and making them aware of the resources available through her program. She also suggests that parents expose their children to diverse STEM role models through her podcast and other resources.

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 Beverly Hutcherson, Reproductive Biologist and Administrator at UW Madison, and Founder/CEO of Scientific Motivations. Today, we’re exploring "Navigating Academia as a Black Professional."

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Beverly Hutcherson:

• Could you tell the listeners about your journey? How did you get to where you are today?
• Who do you help in your business now, and how do you support underrepresented communities in STEM and academia?
• How have you personally witnessed systems change within healthcare and STEM that foster inclusivity and diversity?
• What is your approach to effectively communicating complex scientific concepts to broader audiences, particularly those who may find science intimidating?
• Can you share some strategies for advising and mentoring underrepresented individuals in STEM fields?
• What advice would you give to a young person interested in pursuing a career similar to yours in STEM or academia?
• Can you share a challenge you’ve faced in your journey and how you overcame it?
• What are some tools or resources that you provide through your work with Scientific Motivations that can help others in their STEM journey?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About "Navigating Academia as a Black Professional":

• Beverly's Journey: Beverly Hutcherson shares her journey into the world of reproductive biology and academia, highlighting how personal experiences with health disparities in her family inspired her to pursue a career in science. She discusses how she navigated the challenges of being the first in her family to attend a four-year institution and how her passion for health literacy led her to make a significant impact in her field.
• Systems Change in STEM: Beverly emphasizes the importance of recognizing the long-term impact of systemic changes within healthcare and STEM, particularly in fostering diversity and inclusivity. She shares her experiences in building programs that have successfully guided underrepresented students into STEM careers, stressing the need for a holistic approach to diversifying the pathway into science and medicine.
• Effective Science Communication: Beverly breaks down the importance of making complex scientific concepts accessible to broader audiences. She shares practical examples of how she uses everyday language to explain intricate biological processes, making science more relatable and understandable.
• Mentoring and Advising: Beverly discusses her hands-on approach to mentoring and advising, emphasizing the importance of building genuine relationships with mentees. She highlights the need to understand each individual’s unique journey and provide the necessary support to help them succeed in their academic and professional careers.
• Advice for Aspiring STEM Professionals: Beverly offers valuable advice to young people interested in STEM, urging them to saturate their minds with success stories from their communities and recognize the legacy they are part of. She encourages them to see themselves as the fruits of their ancestors’ struggles and to walk confidently in spaces where they may be underrepresented.
• Overcoming Challenges: Beverly candidly shares the challenges she faced, from growing up in a disadvantaged neighborhood to overcoming the educational disparities she encountered in her journey to becoming a reproductive biologist. She emphasizes the importance of mental health, a supportive home environment, and finding community as key tools for overcoming obstacles in STEM and academia.

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 have the pleasure of speaking with AJ Kikumoto, CEO of Queen Publishing Agency. We dive deep into a compelling topic: "Unveiling STEM's Mental Toughness: Empowerment for Success."

Here are Some of the Key Questions I Ask AJ Kikumoto Include:

• How did your journey begin? What led you to where you are today as the CEO of Queen Publishing Agency and an author?
• Can you share how your experiences as a mother of six, and your journey through pageants, have influenced your focus on mental toughness, particularly in STEM?
• How do you connect the concept of mental toughness with the challenges faced by students in STEM, especially in the context of schooling and navigating tough subjects like math and science?
• What challenges did you face in aligning your journey as an author with becoming a business leader, and how did you overcome them?
• Can you talk about some of the books you’ve written and the inspiration behind them, especially how they tie into themes of mental toughness and empowerment?
• How do you empower the next generation, particularly young girls and underrepresented individuals, to succeed in male-dominated fields like STEM?
• What advice would you give to other parents or aspiring authors who want to write books that inspire and empower?

Here are Some Key Takeaways from Our Discussion on "Unveiling STEM's Mental Toughness: Empowerment for Success":

• AJ's Journey: AJ Kikumoto shares her inspiring journey from being a mother of six and a pageant competitor to becoming the CEO of Queen Publishing Agency. She emphasizes the importance of leaving a legacy and how her experiences in both personal and professional life have shaped her focus on mental toughness.
• Mental Toughness in STEM: AJ highlights the challenges that students face in STEM, especially in subjects that can be intimidating like math and science. She discusses the importance of teaching resilience and perseverance, using real-life examples from her children’s experiences with learning and overcoming obstacles.
• Becoming a CEO and Author: AJ talks about the transition from author to business leader, and how having great mentors has been key to her success. She underscores the importance of mentorship not only for adults but also for children, as a way to guide and empower them in their journeys.
• Books and Empowerment: AJ introduces her children’s book series, including "Zoe’s Great Adventures," which was inspired by her children's experiences with apraxia of speech. She explains how these books are designed to help children and parents navigate challenges, foster resilience, and find joy in the journey.
• Empowering the Next Generation: AJ discusses her mission to empower young girls and underrepresented individuals in STEM fields, where mental toughness is essential for success. She talks about the importance of mentoring, finding passion in various activities, and how these experiences can build the mental fortitude needed to thrive.

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.