STEMming in Stilettos with Dr. Toshia

Episode Summary

1. Dr. Soso is a badass. She has traveled the world using STEM as her guide. Her road is unlike anyone I've heard so far. From the zoo to the jungles of India. But that just goes to show you the power and reach of being in the world of STEM. 

2. There is still a need for STEM exposure and opportunities in communities of color. We have to be invested in ensuring that our children have the same opportunities as all other children. 

3. We know our children are brilliant and need the opportunity to showcase it. 

4. We still need to provide opportunities for our college graduates. We have to hold companies accountable for the still dismal numbers of minorities on the payroll at ALL levels of the leadership pipeline. 

Dr. Simone Soso Bio.

Dr. Soso is a Program Manager and Research Associate at the Quality Education for Minorities (QEM) Network. At QEM, she performs project management leadership of grants, development of grant proposals, outreach and recruitment of STEM experts to engage in workshop implementation for Minority Serving Institution (MSI) STEM faculty proposal development and training, and capacity building. Prior to joining QEM, she was an American Association for the Advancement of Science (Science and Technology Policy) Fellow at the National Science Foundation for two years. She had a placement with the NSF ADVANCE program where she was responsible for evaluating programs in the Education and Human Resources Directorate and presenting findings to policymakers, scientific professionals, and other stakeholders. Dr. Soso is the developer and former project manager of the National Science Foundation's STEM Diversity and Inclusion Video Exhibition Challenge (STEM DIVE). This NSF-wide initiative showcased the work of NSF-funded projects that focused on diversifying the STEM workforce. Dr. Soso has over ten years of experience in the development, implementation, evaluation, and data analysis of scientific-educational programs and research projects. Dr. Soso has worked on many projects focused on enhancing the recruitment, retention, sustainability, and career development of students traditionally underrepresented in STEM. 

Dr. Soso is a trained animal ecologist with expertise in lion and tiger scent-marking communication. She earned her B.S. degree in Animal Science from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, an M.S. degree in Animal Health Science from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Iowa State University.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonebsosophd

Support the show

You can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:

https://www.drtoshia.co

STEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

Own your own career. Every so often I'll run across someone's post about how they don't know how they ended up doing a thing or are in a career they never thought they'd be in. They didn't have control over how they got there or where they were going. That was actually me not too long ago. And then I decided that I needed to take control but first I had to understand what my calling was and how I was supposed to use it. Then decide how that factored into my career. I'm not going to lie and say it was easy. It wasn't and it's still not. But I did it and you can also. Take the time, get still, and listen to what your heart is telling you. 

This one is a short one but an important one. 

Thanks for listening. 

The Nerdy STEM Queen 

Support the show

You can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:

https://www.drtoshia.co

STEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

Episode Summary

She was introduced to math at age five and was hooked since then. She had amazing math teachers throughout her academic career. She wanted to be an engineer when she went to college. She struggled in calculus courses and with some of the engineering courses. She switched majors to mathematics.  She learned how to study and how to be a student in college. She has used that experience and her love of math to influence students everywhere. Math Speaks, Inc. is her organization

Math Speaks is a national non-profit organization that engages, empowers, and exposes middle school students of color from economically disadvantaged communities to STEM experiences and careers through the exploration of math topics. Through their culturally responsive after-school and professional development programs, we empower the next generation of innovators and leaders to change the world.

Shuandra Woods Bio
She is an 11- year experienced teacher with a demonstrated history of working in the education industry. I am Skilled in Staff Development, Educational Leadership, Teaching, Lesson Planning, and Curriculum Development. Strong education professional with a Bachelor of Science - BS focused in Computational and Applied Mathematics / Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is currently pursuing an Educational Doctorate in Math Education.

Website: https://www.mathspeaksdc.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaundranetta-wood/

Support the show

You can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:

https://www.drtoshia.co

STEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

Episode Summary

1) She was always interested in electronics and digital stuff. Says she was inspired by the Lion King animations. She put her first computer together in junior college and then she used it throughout her college career.

2) C programming language is hard!!! Don't let them tell you anything different.

3) She is still working at the first company that hired her out of college.

Blanche' Anderson Bio
She worked for over 15 years as a software developer and 12 years as an adjunct instructor in mathematics. My career as a software developer is rewarding and fun. She loves being a math instructor as her passion is to help students overcome their disconnect with mathematics. Currently, she is a doctoral student at Liberty University and actively pursuing her PhD in Higher Education Administration. She is also a STEM advocate and desires more women of color to enter STEM fields.

Support the show

You can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:

https://www.drtoshia.co

STEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

Episode Summary

In this episode, I discuss the book by best-selling author Don Miguel Ruiz called The Four Agreements. In The Four Agreements, bestselling author don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives into a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love.

1) Be Impeccable with Your Word
2) Don't Take it Personal
3) Don't Make Assumptions
4) Do Your Best

Support the show

You can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:

https://www.drtoshia.co

STEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

Episode Summary

1. Da' Shaun has an unusual STEM story. She says that STEM chose her. You will have to listen to her story to see how true that is.
2. She believes that if she's called to it, then she's going to do it. STEM and Arts and STEAM and business are her areas of excellence.
3. Her motto is "Say Yes, and Lets See What Happens."
4. Her creativity is the thing that allows her to be the best STEM person, STEM Advocate that she can be.
5. She wants women to know that they have agency and choice. Don't forget it.

Da'Shaun Joseph Bio
Da’Shaun Antionette Joseph is the CEO of D.A. Joseph LLC where she manages the brands Boom Speaks and Boom Productions. Through her brands and service, her personal mission is to inspire, empower, and impact. 

Da’Shaun is a professional engineer and growth-focused leader with more than 12 years of experience in public speaking, sales, and consulting. Her expertise in equity, leadership development, empowerment, STEAM advocacy, intersectionality, colorism, emotional intelligence, and program management has allowed her the opportunity to speak, moderate, and host various conferences, keynotes, and seminars related to those topics. She has served on the chapter, regional, and national executive boards for the National Society of BlackEngineers, Urban League, and various advisory boards including the Norfolk state University Computer Science Advisory Board, ArtBAE, and the Virginia Council on Women.

Da’Shaun received her M.S. in Systems Engineering from George Washington University and is a proud graduate of Norfolk StateUniversity, where she completed a B.S. in Computer Engineering

on a full academic scholarship. She is a proud member of Delta SigmaTheta Sorority, Inc. and has earned a Program Management Professional (PMP), Social Marketing, and ITIL certification. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dashaunjoseph/
https://www.boomspeaks.com/
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-the-dr-will-show-podcast-31158018/episode/dashaun-joseph-boomspeaks-think-for-79334953/

Support the show

You can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:

https://www.drtoshia.co

STEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

Self Care in 2022

Yall, I'm bad at this. I can accept and own that at this point. At the time of this recording, I had been having back spasms for almost two weeks. I hadn't been to see a doctor or done anything other than chug down some pain meds and kept it moving. This is not self-care. I do not want this for you. Be better than me. Practice self care like your life depends on it cause it does. Audre Lorde said, "Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation and that is an act of political warfare.” I have read this phrase a whole bunch of times, but lately, it hits a little different.  It should for you as well. There are six types of self-care talked about in the episode. emotional, practical, physical, mental, social, spiritual. Which one(s) do you need to work on? Let's do the work so that we can be healthy and show up with our whole and healthy full selves wherever we are.

Support the show

You can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:

https://www.drtoshia.co

STEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

Episode Summary

1.  There is a significant relationship between Information Technology, Computer Science, and Cybersecurity. They are intertwined together and yet they are talked about separately.
2. Stephanie is definitely one to watch in this space.
3. She is a woman of color in STEM that has leveraged her experience to help other women get into the tech space.
4. She is a proud HBCU alum.
5. PLEASE protect yourself online. There is so much information out there that you need to know to protect yourself online.



Stephanie Moore Bio

Stephanie is a Senior Lead Engineer at Booz Allen Hamilton in the Washington (DC) Metropolitan Area (WMA). In her 16-year tenure with the firm, she has supported the intelligence community’s cybersecurity initiatives. In addition to her client work, she plays a significant role in developing firm programs to support diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is the recipient of industry awards such as Women of Color in STEM and BEYA Modern Day Technology Leader. Stephanie began her STEM journey as early as 7 years old when she demonstrated her curiosity of how the inner workings of things worked by taking them apart and re-engineering them back together. Stephanie grew up in rural Spartanburg County, South Carolina, and was reared in the home by her teen mother and grandmother. In high school, Stephanie took her first programming class. At that time, there were only two females in her class and she was the only person of color. Although she did not see people that looked like her taking computer science classes, she persisted.

She journeyed off to Virginia to study Computer Science and Norfolk State University (NSU). After one year, she changed her major to Business with an emphasis in Management Computer Information Systems.  The change was a welcomed one. It provided her with the right IT acumen coupled with business. A 1996 graduate, she has held various roles in the system development lifecycle and worked at companies such as Harris Publishing Company, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and IBM.  Her client base spans state, local and federal government. Her most proud client engagement was with the Department of Justice’s Victim’s Compensation Fund, established for relatives of deceased victims and personal injury claimants. This opportunity footed her the means to indirectly support the war on terrorism and would eventually allow her to support client work in the intelligence community.

Given her experience growing up without women mentors that look like her, Stephanie has worked diligently to remain active in her STEM advocacy pursuits for girls and young women; especially those that are disadvantaged or otherwise would not have access to STEM education.  Her volunteer efforts include Delta Academy, Black Girls Code, BlackGirlsHack, Girls,Inc., FIRST Robotics and NSU’s Information Assurance Research Education and Development Institute (IA-REDI).  IA-REDI is her latest endeavor in which she was appointed to a board committed to developing corporate partnerships to offer students cybersecurity opportunities and mentorship. Stephanie graduated from The Ohio State University with a Masters in Global Engineering Leadership, emphasis Enterprise Services and Architecture. She made history as the first woman of color to complete her program discipline.

LinkedIn: Steph

Support the show

You can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:

https://www.drtoshia.co

STEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

Episodes Summary

There are four people that you need in your career. The first is an ally. This person is the person speaking up in difficult situations. They are speaking to tough situations and they are consistent and persistent in seeing change happen on your behalf.

The second is the mentor. This is the one that many people are talking about these days. A mentor provides guidance and advice to you throughout your career. These can be short or long-term relationships. How to find a mentor can be difficult. Networking is key. Mentors can be male or female, the same ethnic group or not. They have to be willing to guide you with proper guidance and advice. 

The third is the sponsor. This is the person that can help move your chessboard. They are literally speaking about you in spaces that you aren't in. They are advocating for you. They endorse you. They don't take this role lightly and you shouldn't either. They are taking their professional reputation on what they know about you. 

The final one is the friend. Everyone needs someone to get a cup of coffee with at work. Someone you can spend a few minutes talking about the latest show or Tik Tok with.  They can be the work friend. Someone that you can relax just a bit with while at work. 


Hey yall check me out here.

www.drtoshia.com

Check out my new planner and journals here:

The I Am Planner: https://amz.run/5Kv9
The Queen Planner: https://amz.run/5KvA
The Dream Journal: https://amz.run/5KvB

Support the show

You can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:

https://www.drtoshia.co

STEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A

Episode Summary
1. She has lived the story that she tells and believes in being the help that she had during her journey.
2. Teachers really helped her all along her journey and now she teaches and inspires students all across the world.
3. Believes that social media has changed the way we engage in the world and that also affects students, especially students who think college isn't for them.
4. Can we talk about what is professionalism? Who defines it? And must we oblige the "norms".



Dr. Evingerlean Hudson Bio
Dr. Evingerlean D. B. Hudson, affectionately known as Dr. Eve® is a very proud native of Charlotte, North Carolina. She is the oldest of 3 and was reared by a single mother in a low-SES household.  She is a first-generation college student that earned her Ph. D. at the age of 28. 

After years of service in higher education, she started her social entrepreneurial journey. She is the  Founder and Chief Strategist of Evingerlean Worldwide® and she is on a mission to inspire, empower, and uplift first-generation scholars and graduates across the globe. 

She is committed to being a champion for historically underserved communities, creating safe spaces for growth, making pathways for social mobility, disrupting generational poverty, and building wealth through entrepreneurship. 

website: evehudsonphd.com  (Company Website)
                    instagram.com/evehudsonphd  (Instagram)
                    youtube.com/evehudsonphd  (YouTube)

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/evehudsonphd

Support the show

You can find out more information about Dr. Toshia here:

https://www.drtoshia.co

STEMming in Stilettos Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/xAc25J7UH9A