LET’S TALK STEM WITH DR. CALVIN MACKIE EXTOLS THE EXTRAORDINARY SEVETRI WILSON, A BLACK WOMAN WITH A FLOURISHING TECH COMPANY AND DREAMS THAT CAME TRUE NEW ORLEANS – The new episode of Let’s Talk STEM With Dr. Calvin Mackie spotlights the amazing journey of Sevetri Wilson, a Louisiana native who pursued her dreams. Wilson turned a desire to help non-profits succeed into a tech company that raised an astounding $50 million in venture capital, including $35 million in a Series B venture funding round. One of the single highest amounts ever raised by a Black female-operated technology company. What’s more, as Wilson, 35, explains in this exhilarating conversation with Dr. Mackie, she began as a non-techie, someone without any coding experience.  On the podcast, she details the major steps that lead to her success. And the grit and determination it required. Her company, Resilia, was launched in 2016 to revolutionize how socially conscious leaders develop, sustain, and grow nonprofits, corporations, cities, and other enterprises.  It's extraordinary listening as Wilson explains the magic carpet ride from idea, to building a team, to gaining the confidence of investors. She provides a blueprint for young entrepreneurs wanting to follow a path to success.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused “tragic” damage to the education of America’s children on par with the devastating impact of World War II, declares Ron Ottinger, a national leader and expert in STEM learning.  Ottinger, Executive Director of the STEM Next Opportunity Fund, is a special guest on the new episode of the Let’s Talk STEM with Dr. Calvin Mackie podcast. Ottinger maintains that organizations on the ground, such as Boys and Girls Clubs and others that provide afterschool programs, are essential in getting kids back in those programs and engaged with learning.  He noted, however, that the pandemic and rising prices has left many parents struggling to feed their families and keep a roof over their heads.

ACCOMPLISHED STEM LEADER SHAWNA YOUNG declares that the nation must improve STEM access for Black & Brown children during her appearance on the new episode of the Let’s Talk STEM with Dr. Calvin Mackie Podcast. Young, former executive director of the Scratch Foundation, says it’s critical for Black & Brown students to have access to STEM education. In a lively conversation with Dr. Mackie, she talked about the importance of Black and Brown children having role models in STEM, the scientists, technicians, and engineers who they can look up to and hope to emulate. “Representation matters,” Young says. “People seeing themselves in leadership, in organizations and career fields makes a difference in particular for this generation.”