Dr. Stefanie Lemcke is the founder of GoKid, a carpooling, scheduling and organization app for parents and caretakers. Dr. Lemcke founded the app when she was seeking a solution to driver fatigue after moving from New York City to Connecticut, oftentimes finding herself trapped in traffic jams with her neighbors as they all drove to the same place, at the same time, to drop off and pick up their kids. Stefanie is a serial entrepreneur and an experienced digital manager who has worked in innovation and technology for over 17 years. With a background in the children's market, media, and entertainment, she ran the online video department at Sky Germany, headed the legal department at the Disney channel in Germany, and worked at Sony Music. In 2012 she co-founded New York International, a website and technology for international entrepreneurs launching businesses in the US. Stefanie holds a PhD in law from the University of Munich and an M.B.A. In this episode we discuss: How Lemcke turned her problem into a solution for other parents. The process on creating the app without a technical background. Identifying key skills to build a team. Contact CSTEM: Donate to CSTEM CSTEM.org Annual Report  

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Driving with GoKid with Stefanie Lemcke

Vince Luciana joined SurgeX in January 2019 as senior sales engineer following his tenure as an independent consulting engineer. Throughout his career, he has designed electronics for a variety of companies within the consumer electronics, automotive, audio, and power management industries. He also helped to create the HDMI Cable testing protocol for DPL Laboratories. Vince began his career as a design engineer, creating cinema audio products for Smart Theater Systems including a THX Approved cinema subwoofer system. Most recently, he held the position of Chief Technology and Analytics Officer for Innovolt, Inc. At Surgex, Vince is a primary resource in connecting the dots between the product development process and sales initiatives.  Vince enjoys cooking, playing guitar, and is on the Board of Jazz Arts Charlotte. In this episode we discuss: Mr. Luciani's role as a design and a sales engineer. His non traditional path to becoming an engineer. The importance of communication within the industry. Contact CSTEM: Donate to CSTEM CSTEM.org Annual Report   

Finding Your Path with Vince Luciani

Gessie Belizaire is a debut author of a thought provoking Political & Social Sciences book titled UnMet Potential.  Through a comparative analysis, she is able to look at the long-term ramifications of French colonization on present-day Haiti and Guinea in hopes of uncovering the potential that both nations must rise above the conditions of their past.  Born in Haiti and raised in the United States, Belizaire uses her writing to break down cultural barriers, inviting her readers to consider crucial questions about history, the black narrative, and self-identification. She hopes that her writing will empower her readers to be the change they wish to see in the world.    Dedicated to a life of service, Belizaire has served as a Taskforce Member on African American Health for the National Medical Association; and was selected as the William Gould award winner for all around outstanding achievement for her community involvement and academics in 2009. As a former contributing writer for Empower Magazine she is most proud that she was able to highlight stories that uplifted the African American community.  Belizaire is also the creator and founder of www.thislifeiliveintruth.com, a blog committed to inspiring others to live their most authentic life.   Belizaire is currently a Development Associate at YWCA USA, a non-for-profit dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.   In this episode we discuss: The process of creating her blog and writing her first book. Gessie's role at the YWCA and how the organization serves the community. Tips on partnering with organizations to build the community.  

Serving the Community with Gessie Belizaire

Kara Branch and Melanie Wyatt are the directors of Black Girls Do Engineer Corporation.   Black Girls Do Engineer Corporation was established in June of 2019. The organization was created with the concern that Black-American women are not progressing in STEM related careers, and our passion to change the narrative of high turnover and fix this issue. Our goal is to reach youth and young adult women, and guide them towards success in STEM careers in corporate America. Our board of directors and officers consist of Black-American women leading in Engineering, Biology, Project management, Executive MBA, and Lean Six Sigma roles. As mentors, we will provide insight based on our journeys in the STEM industry as a blueprint to help other young women succeed in the future. With Black Girls Do Engineer, it is not only our passion, it is our responsibility to reach back and invest in the future.   In this episode we discuss: The journey of two coworkers changing the narrative in STEM.  The transition from an HBCU to corporate. The importance of professional development and adding value to your career and an organization. Contact CSTEM: Donate to CSTEM CSTEM.org Annual Report   

Black Girls Do Engineer with Kara Branch and Melanie Wyatt

David Bartholomew III is a Director with Myrtle Consulting Group specializing in Organizational Effectiveness, Leadership Development, Management Operating Systems, Executive Coaching, Leadership Engagement, and Organizational Culture Change. He has over 27 years experience improving organizations to perform at their highest capabilities. His experience includes a diverse portfolio of industries such as consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, public and behavioral health, and city, state, and federal governments.    In this episode we discuss: What makes Myrtle Consulting Group a diverse organization? How Myrtle Consulting Group helps companies achieve their desired outcomes? The significance of mentorship that helped David shape his career. Contact CSTEM: Donate to CSTEM CSTEM.org Annual Report  

Organizational Change with David Bartholomew

Sha'rell Webb is the founder of Coding With a Twist,  an organization geared to increase the awareness of coding and robotics to the youth that reside in the Fifth Ward neighborhood.   In this episode we discuss: The launching of Coding With a Twist. Tips on keeping technology updated while teaching coding. Her roles as an educational specialist at Lunar and Planetary Institute. Contact CSTEM: Donate to CSTEM CSTEM.org Annual Report 

Coding With a Twist with Sha'Rell Webb

Sofia Ivanka is an active philanthropist and founder of the nonprofit Building Smart Kids. She is the author of “Fourth Grade Math Rules” in 2009 and“Fifth Grade Math Rules” in 2011. Sofia is an ambassador for non-profit organization Citizens for Affordable Energy. Between her many projects, she has studied in London and Switzerland. Now, she is a Harvard University alum, with a bachelor’s of arts with a concentration in Government.   In this episode we discuss: How Sofia started tutoring her friends in math and science? How she formed Building Smart Kids (BSK)? How she managed her philanthropic efforts while attending Harvard? Contact CSTEM: Donate to CSTEM CSTEM.org Annual Report 

Building Smart Kids with Sofia Ivanka

Ryan Schwartz is the founder and creator of Mental Health Match. Ryan gives people a resource for finding a therapist in an easy and confidential way, while also removing the stigma associated with mental health. Taking elements from popular dating sites, Ryan believes that, in the digital age, it should be just as easy to find a therapist as it is to find a date. In this episode we discuss: Ryan's breakthrough moment that allowed him to create Mental Health Match. The process Mental Health Match uses to create the right fit for therapist and clients. The importance of having the conversation to normalize mental health.  Contact CSTEM: Donate to CSTEM CSTEM.org Annual Report  

Mental Health Match with Ryan Schwartz

Flora Gant Bridges is a native of St. Louis, Missouri. She is employed by the Department of Justice - United States Marshals Service and holds the position of Chief Inspector. The United States Marshals Service is the oldest federal law enforcement agency responsible for safeguarding the federal court system, protection of the federal judiciary, management of the federal witness protection program, fugitive investigations, the transportation of federal prisoners and management of seized assets forfeited by court order.   Flora has been employed with the U.S. Marshals Service for twenty-twenty-nine (29) years and she has advanced through the ranks to the position of Chief Inspector. As a senior manager, Flora manages a six state region which includes the states of Missouri, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois and South Dakota. She frequently travels to Washington, DC to serve as a subject matter expert in the area of the federal witness protection program and fugitive apprehension.         In this episode we discuss: What is the U.S. Marshals Service and how to start a career with the agency? Flora's 29 year career journey with the DOJ. Do STEM opportunities exist within the DOJ? Contact CSTEM: Donate to CSTEM CSTEM.org Annual Report 

A Career as a U.S. Marshal with Flora Gant Bridges

Sunni Markowitz is a community leader and volunteer, academic researcher or mother, Sunni's career has been defined by a singular commitment to children. She is the founder and Executive Director of Camp Lantern Creek.   In this episode we discuss: The importance of selecting an accredited camp for your child/children.  The inspiration of creating a sleep away camp. Knowing your mission as a parent. Contact Sunni: Camp Lantern Creek Contact CSTEM: Donate to CSTEM CSTEM.org Annual Report  

Going to Camp with Sunni Markowitz

Kelly Hess is the president and CEO of CompuCycle. CompuCycle provides strong environmental standards which maximize reuse and recycling, minimize exposure to human health or the environment, ensure safe management of materials by downstream handlers, and require destruction of all data on used electronics. In this episode we discuss: Becoming Houston’s first Responsible Recycling (R2) Certified company. The importance of recycling electronics properly. Creating balance as a woman-owned small business. Kelly Hess Info: CompuCycle Website Kelly Hess LinkedIn For more information visit https://www.cstem.org. Contact: Donate to CSTEM CSTEM.org Annual Report 

Responsible Recycling with Kelly Hess CEO of CompuCycle

Zawadi Bryant as Chief Executive Officer for NightLight brings a wealth of business marketing and quality improvement experience. She is a graduate of Cornell University with a master’s degree in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering and an MBA in Operations Management. Ms. Bryant has been recognized by Black Engineer Magazine as one of the Top 30 Black Engineers under 30, and a recognized leader in business and process improvement.   In this episode we discuss: Zawadi's career transition from engineering to NightLight Pediatrics. Becoming a pioneer within the healthcare industry. The collaborative efforts of women helping move her business forward. For more information visit https://www.cstem.org. Contact: Donate to CSTEM CSTEM.org Annual Report 

Financial Engineering with Zawadi Bryant

Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner manages the FBI’s Houston Division.  Mr. Turner became a special agent with the FBI in 1991 and was assigned to the Birmingham Division, where he worked criminal investigative matters in the Huntsville Resident Agency. Four years later, he transferred to the New Orleans Division and investigated gang, drug, and public corruption matters in the Monroe Resident Agency. In 1999, Mr. Turner was promoted to supervisory special agent in the Criminal Investigation Division at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. While there, he worked in the Mexican/Criminal Syndicates Unit of the Drug Section. Mr. Turner transferred to the Jackson Division in 2001 to supervise the Criminal Enterprise Squad. In August 2004, he worked in the division’s Field Intelligence Group. A year later, he was promoted to assistant special agent in charge in the Memphis Division and managed the Criminal and Administrative Programs for three years and all programs in the National Security Branch for two years. In August 2010, Mr. Turner returned to FBI Headquarters as deputy assistant director of the Information Technology Engineering Division. He also served as special agent in charge of the Louisville Division. Mr. Turner earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and statistics from Louisiana Tech University and a Master of Business Administration from Belhaven University. In this episode we discuss: Making the pivot from a career in insurance to working with the FBI for 27 years. The methods the FBI uses to manage community outreach and social media. Properly leveraging data and technology to keep up with cyber threats to protect citizens. For more information visit https://www.cstem.org. Contact: Donate to CSTEM CSTEM.org Annual Report 

Ascending in Leadership with Special Agent in Charge Perrye Turner

William 'Jack' Jackson is a senior consultant with SafeStart who helps companies on creating a safe working environment for employees. Jack’s career has included working in production, operations and safety at Johnson Controls for 19 years, followed by seeing Avanzar Interior Technologies through the safety phase of new construction. In addition to developing a safety program, he also developed a conditioning program to prepare team members to become industrial athletes.Coach Jack worked with two semi-professional football teams for 6 years and was named NAFL defensive coordinator of the year. Jack used his experience to develop a safety concept that teaches participants of his courses that “safety is always first.” In this episode we discuss: The four techniques to reduce critical errors. Recognizing patterns that will allow us to be proactive versus reactive. Creating a safe workplace culture starting with leadership. For more information visit https://www.cstem.org. Contact: Donate to CSTEM CSTEM.org Annual Report 

Creating a Safety Culture in the Workplace with William 'Jack' Jackson

Alan Spreckley has worked for ABB since September 2003 and currently holds the position of Global Industry Segment Manager RMRO, for Food & Beverage and Consumer Packed Goods with responsibility for the sales and implementation of robotic automation within food, beverage and personal care application areas. Alan also has responsibility for the segment strategy ensuring that ABB remain in the forefront for robotic automation within these key industries.  He is also a guest lecturer on robotics at a number of Universities, primarily the University of Manchester (UK) where he has lectured for the last 7 years. In this episode we discuss: The evolvement from the first robot in the food and beverage industry to modern technology. Understanding how robots and humans can work in collaborative space.  The process of developing a robotics system. For more information visit https://www.cstem.org. Contact: Donate to CSTEM CSTEM.org Annual Report  

Robotics in the Food & Beverage Industry with Alan Spreckley

The STEMcast Podcast is hosted by Dr. Reagan Flowers and is designed to inspire and advance STEM perspectives. Dr. Flowers interviews STEM + Art + Communications professionals from all walks of life and discusses the significance of C-STEM in their professional and personal life. You can expect a new episode each month with a complimentary newsletter.

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STEMCAST with Dr. Reagan Flowers

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