Meet Our Mentors


Ms. Kemi Ashing-Giwa
Student
“My advice to Black girls is to take advantage of any and all educational opportunities, try new things, and have fun doing so.”

Ms. monica austin
Chemist/Engineer
“Becoming a STEM professional is both rewarding and mind stimulating. If you are interested in using your brain without performing hard, physical labor, enjoy being a leader, love flexibility, desire a rewarding salary, and solving simple to complex problems, then a career in STEM is for you.”

Ms. nicole bolden
Software Quality Engineer
“Don’t let what appears to be hurdles stop you. Those bumps in the road are what shape and mold you. Go for the things that challenge you, go for the things that make you uncomfortable, because where there is discomfort, there is growth. “

Ms. ashanti bryant
Research and Development Engineer
“While we are working to create spaces for people that look like us, we also have to support and encourage young people coming into a space where they may be the only one or one of a few. I am dedicated to support both of these missions for our girls.”

Ms. cynthia chapple
Founder, Black Girls do STEM
“Becoming a STEM professional is both rewarding and mind stimulating. If you are interested in using your brain without performing hard, physical labor, enjoy being a leader, love flexibility, desire a rewarding salary, and solving simple to complex problems, then a career in STEM is for you.”

Ms. Ashley deusen
Medical Student
“Never stop asking questions and always stay curious. You will feel like the underdog at times, but always remember your worth and that you belong and let that drive to you to keep improving because that will give you the tools to be successful.”

Ms. taylor m. harris
PhD Candidate
“My advice to Black girls is to remember that though there are not many of us in STEM, we belong here and can accomplish anything we set our minds to.”

Ms. denise leanard
Associate Director
“I am most interested in innovative, student-centered methods of teaching that encourage and inspire non-traditional and underrepresented student groups to pursue STEM majors.”

Ms. Paris limberatos
Medical Student
“Follow your dreams, make connections with people inside and outside of your community early on, and always always always ask for help. If you are not sure what career your want to go in to, I would strongly suggest a career in STEM, because you are able to help people every day, challenge yourself, and never stop learning!”

Ms. naomi msengi
PhD Student in Pharmacology and Physiology
“To all the girls interested in the STEM field, I would encourage you to never be afraid to try something new, even if you are completely bad at it. Although science is challenging, it is very rewarding with endless opportunities to change the world.”

Ms. brittani nelson
Health Education Coordinator
“My advice to a Black girl considering becoming a STEM professional is – whenever you meet someone who inspires you, ask them where they got to where they are. Never give up and always be open to learning something new.”

Ms. shelby parnell
UX Architect
“Follow your dreams, make connections with people inside and outside of your community early on, and always always always ask for help. If you are not sure what career your want to go in to, I would strongly suggest a career in STEM, because you are able to help people every day, challenge yourself, and never stop learning!

Ms. dominique scott
Principal Operations Quality Engineer
“Advice I would give a Black girl to pursue a career in STEM – do not let anyone limit your abilities based off the color of your skin, your outer appearance does not define your capabilities, it is your brain and personality that will shine and never allow anyone to dim your light.”

Ms. nandi smith
Applied Scientist
“I enjoy inspiring young people to pursue interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”
Interested in becoming a mentor?
Join our team of diverse mentors and inspire Black girls to pursue STEM.
