Episode Summary
Celebrating Women in STEM: A Golden Shoe Proposal

Natoshia Anderson and Xena, the founder, had a conversation on Natoshia's show, "Stimming and Stilettos," discussing the importance of recognizing and celebrating the beauty and intelligence of women in male-dominated industries such as STEM. They proposed the idea of a symbol, like a "golden shoe," to represent women in STEM fields. Xena emphasized the need for more women in the workplace to normalize self-expression, reduce jealousy and microaggressions.

Architecture, Diversity, and Inspiration

Xena, the founder of an architectural firm, discussed her role in overseeing building design, often comparing it to conducting an orchestra. She shared her personal journey in architecture, influenced by her father who instilled a love of design in her. Xena highlighted the lack of diversity in the field, noting that less than 1% of architects are black women. She also discussed her recent collaboration with Kimberly Dowdell, the first black female president of the American Institute of Architects, on a coloring book project aimed at promoting representation and inspiring children. The book was launched with a book signing at the Atlanta airport, which is run by black men. Xena emphasized the importance of showing opportunities to children and questioned the efforts of organizations in doing so.

Authenticity, Code-Switching, and Workplace Dynamics

Xena and Natoshia discussed the importance of authentic representation and the detrimental effects of code-switching, particularly in professional settings. They shared their experiences as black women in male-dominated industries and emphasized the need to encourage children to be themselves. They expressed concern about the pressure to comply with certain expectations and the potential for retribution if they didn't. They also discussed the challenges faced by young women and interns in the workplace, particularly those of color, and highlighted the importance of awareness about power dynamics. They emphasized the significance of platforms like their podcast, which provides a space for open dialogue and support.

Black Women's Struggles and Empowerment

Xena and Natoshia discussed the challenges they face as Black women, particularly the pressure to be perfect without making mistakes. They expressed frustration with expectations placed on them and the notion that they need to be superhuman to succeed. The conversation highlighted the need for fair pay and treatment, and the importance of not perpetuating the idea that they need to be better than their non-Black colleagues. They also touched on the importance of self-respect and individuality. Xena suggested that they should have the courage to challenge such thinking, even if it meant confronting older African Americans. The conversation concluded with satisfaction about the changing attitudes in society.

Bio of Xena Stryker

Xena is where Architecture merges with Imagineering! Stryker is a community-driven Architectural Firm CEO committed to reconstructing underserved communities while expressing the client’s culture through eye-popping art and creative design! Her firm’s niche is “Dopamine Design” as she’s known to bring structures to life…With A Twist… by adding bright colors, sophisticated furniture, and exciting activations inspired by nostalgic music! Xena has designed construction documents and renderings for more than $475 million in city, state, federal and private construction projects across the United States of America!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/architectbae/
Websit

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Episode Summary
Jasmine Suarez shared her journey in STEM, beginning with her studies in business at the University of Cincinnati, where she took technical courses in coding and HTML. She later transitioned from a job in the Federal Government to a role as a cybersecurity workforce ecosystems advisor for a woman-owned company. Jasmine Suarez emphasized the importance of real-world education and experience and her commitment to mentoring and speaking engagements to empower others. She also highlighted her advocacy for STEM education and awareness, and her mission to inspire underserved and underrepresented groups to pursue careers in STEM and cybersecurity.

Resilience and Mentorship in Overcoming Challenges

Natoshia Anderson commended Jasmine Suarez for her resilience and determination, particularly in dealing with cancer-related challenges. She highlighted Jasmine Suarez's journey and survival as a testament to her strength. Natoshia also shared her own personal story about a mentor figure, Ow, who had a significant impact on her academic journey, providing guidance and support when she struggled with thermodynamics. She credited Ow for helping her overcome challenges in her classes and ultimately graduate.

Mentorship, Diversity, and Authenticity in Professional Environments

Jasmine Suarez and Natoshia highlighted the significance of mentorship, emotional support, and diversity in professional environments. They discussed the importance of providing guidance beyond just technical skills and understanding the unique experiences of individuals from different backgrounds. The conversation also emphasized the need for authentic self-presentation in professional settings, with Jasmine Suarez sharing her personal journey of finding her true identity after leaving the airline industry. Both agreed on the importance of presenting oneself in a way that aligns with personal values and identity, while also navigating different professional environments where certain codes of presentation may be necessary.

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Episode Summary

I cannot wait for you to meet Chela" Wallace. She is a brilliant chemist turned STEM educator and mentor. Her STEM story starts with wanting to understand what was happening to her Grandmother who was diagnosed with cancer and ultimately died from it when she was very young. This experience fueled her interest in finding a cure and in science sadly, though Chela didn't have a chance to explore science until her 7th-grade year in grade school when she met up with a teacher that gave her the freedom to explore and do a science fair project on hair.

Chela' was able through college, to find her people and make the transition into the work world where she has been following her path and helping people of color in STEM.

Chela' Wallace Bio
With over 17 years of experience, Chela' is passionate about advancing equitable STEM education and fostering student retention in post-secondary STEM careers. She specializes in implementing robust STEM visions across diverse educational settings, both nationally and internationally.

🚀 Current Role:
Director of Special Projects at KIPP NYC, collaborating with Chief Equity and Academic Officers to implement Graduate Aims, Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Education (CRSE), and Project-Based Learning Vision. Responsibilities include strategic planning, equity alignment, team leadership, communication, stakeholder engagement, instructional evaluation and support, data-driven evaluation, and professional development initiatives.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chela-s-wallace/

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