Send us Fan Mail

Our children are curious. They’re creative. They’re ready to explore. But do they have access to the STEM experiences that allow that curiosity to grow?

In this episode of the Black Girls Do Engineer Podcast Back-to-School Series, Kara Branch sits down with longtime educator Deirdre Ricketts for a transparent conversation about what STEM education looks like from inside the classroom.

They discuss the importance of hands-on STEM learning, what teachers are seeing in students today, barriers to access and opportunity, and why educators need the right resources, training, technology, and community support to prepare students for a rapidly changing future.

Deirdre also shares why she believes “The World is Your Laboratory!” and what happens when children are given opportunities to build, experiment, question, create, and see themselves belonging in STEM.

This conversation is also a reminder that teachers cannot—and should not—have to build a child’s entire STEM ecosystem alone. Parents, schools, nonprofits, industry, and communities all have a role to play.

Because our kids don't have a curiosity problem.

The question is: do they have the access?

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Black Girls Do Engineer: The Podcast.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a parent, educator, mentor, or young person who needs to hear it.

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review—it helps our stories reach more families and future innovators.

📲 Follow us on social @BlackGirlsDoEngineer for behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming events, and community highlights.

💖 Support the mission: Your donation helps us create access, confidence, and opportunity in STEM for girls nationwide. Donate at https://bit.ly/Donate2BGDE

Because this was never just a program—it’s a promise.

Send us Fan Mail

Good grades matter—but is your child truly prepared for what comes next?

In this Parent Perspective episode of the Black Girls Do Engineer Podcast, Kara Branch continues the conversation from “An Administrator’s Perspective: What Kids Really Need to Know” and brings it back to the parents.

Kara explores three important questions: Are we preparing our children beyond the report card? Do we actually know our child’s teachers, counselors, principals, and administrative team—and do they know our child? And are we building a village around our children instead of expecting the school to be the entire village?

From self-advocacy and critical thinking to building relationships with school leaders and finding opportunities beyond the classroom, this episode challenges parents to take an active role in preparing their children for college, careers, and adulthood.

Because our goal isn’t simply to raise children who can pass the next test.

We’re raising future adults—and parents, we have homework too.

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Black Girls Do Engineer: The Podcast.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a parent, educator, mentor, or young person who needs to hear it.

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review—it helps our stories reach more families and future innovators.

📲 Follow us on social @BlackGirlsDoEngineer for behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming events, and community highlights.

💖 Support the mission: Your donation helps us create access, confidence, and opportunity in STEM for girls nationwide. Donate at https://bit.ly/Donate2BGDE

Because this was never just a program—it’s a promise.

Send us Fan Mail

What do our children really need to know to be prepared for life beyond the classroom?

In this episode of the Black Girls Do Engineer Podcast Back-to-School Series, Kara Branch sits down with educator and administrator Dr. Sharon for a transparent conversation about what she has learned from seeing education from the administrator’s chair.

They discuss the realities facing students, teachers, and families today; the difference between passing and truly being prepared; and why skills like critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, adaptability, self-advocacy, and technology literacy matter just as much as what appears on a report card.

Sharon also shares her perspective on parent-teacher partnerships, staffing and resource challenges, STEM and career exposure, supporting educators, and the role community organizations and industry can play in helping schools create more opportunities for students.

Most importantly, this conversation is not about placing blame on teachers, parents, or schools. It’s about recognizing that education is a partnership.

Teachers are part of the village. Administrators are part of the village. Parents are part of the village. And community organizations, mentors, universities, and industry all have a role to play.

Because our goal shouldn’t simply be getting our children through the next grade.

We have to prepare them for the world they’re walking into.

🎧 Listen to “An Administrator’s Perspective: What Kids Really Need to Know” anywhere you get your podcasts or on the Black Girls Do Engineer Podcast.

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Black Girls Do Engineer: The Podcast.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a parent, educator, mentor, or young person who needs to hear it.

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review—it helps our stories reach more families and future innovators.

📲 Follow us on social @BlackGirlsDoEngineer for behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming events, and community highlights.

💖 Support the mission: Your donation helps us create access, confidence, and opportunity in STEM for girls nationwide. Donate at https://bit.ly/Donate2BGDE

Because this was never just a program—it’s a promise.