S2E13: Creating a Path for Inclusion in STEM with Dr. Natoshia Anderson

Inspiring Tomorrow’s Women and Minorities in STEM with Natoshia AndersonEpisode S2E15: Show Notes.Growing up with a mechanic as a father, Natoshia Anderson was always interested in the inner workings of mechanics. When she learned that mechanical engineering was a profession, she began a journey into the world of STEM. Today, not only is she an award-winning Advocate, Educator, Strategist, Author, and Inspirational Speaker but she also holds a PhD. Natoshia is the host of the podcast STEMming in Stilettos with Dr. Toshia, and the co-host of All STEAMed Up with Mocha and Foam. On today’s show, she shares some of the many challenges she has faced, both as a woman and a person of color in a white-male-dominated industry. She explains the importance of creating opportunities for other children, and especially young girls of color, to take a path into STEM, and what can be done to achieve this. She also introduces her new book ABC Engineering Book and talks about the importance of introducing STEM to children from a young age. Key Points From This Episode:Hear about Dr. Toshia’s personal journey as a woman of color in STEM.The influence of her parents in her career choice.  The revelation that mechanical engineering was a profession. Dr. Toshia’s experience as a minority: as a child and in college. Hear about her early work experiences in a field dominated by white men. The life-changing experience of meeting another black female engineer. How she realized she needed to inspire other girls of color to take a path into STEM. She reflects on how her experiences, both good and bad, have molded her. The importance of challenging stereotypes: not just in kids, but in their parents.How the opportunity arose for Dr. Toshia to publish a children’s book. Thoughts on the writing process. The success of the book so far. The goal of the book to introduce small children to engineering terms.The importance of introducing STEM to children from a young age. Hear about Dr. Toshia’s future plans, including a new book, consulting services, and her online show. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Karen WorstellMOJO Maker Create Your Leading EdgeMOJO Maker for Womxn in Tech on FacebookMOJO Maker for Womxn in Tech on InstagramMOJO Maker for Womxn in Tech on LinkedInDr. ToshiaSTEMming in Stilettos with Dr. ToshiaDr. Natoshia (Dr. Toshia) Anderson on LinkedInDr. Toshia on TwitterABC Engineering BookAll STEAMed Up with Mocha and Foam on YouTubeAll STEAMed Up with Mocha and Foam on FacebookBlack-ish