Black Girls Do Engineer Podcast
Welcome to the Black Girls Do Engineer Podcast — where culture, creativity, and STEM collide. Black Girls Do Engineer (BGDE) is a national EdTech nonprofit transforming the STEM landscape for girls of color. Founded in Houston, Texas—with expanding regional hubs in Brooklyn and Detroit—we are on a bold mission to empower 1 million Black girls ages 6–21 to thrive in science, technology, engineering, and math. This podcast takes you inside the world of STEM like never before. Every episode is a journey — a day in the life of engineers, innovators, creators, and world-shapers from across the globe. Hear their real stories, their paths, their challenges, and their visions for the future of AI, robotics, aviation, biotech, clean energy, cybersecurity, software, finance tech, gaming, and more. Our goal? To expose, elevate, and inspire. To show our girls—and the world—that brilliance comes in many shades, styles, voices, and cultures. To make STEM feel accessible, exciting, and attainable. Tap in, level up, and join us on this powerful cultural STEM journey. Black Girls Do Engineer — and we’re just getting started.
Episodes
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 impo...
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 actua...
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;...
When should parents start preparing their children for STEM opportunities and careers? Earlier than many of us think.
In this Parent Perspective episode of the Black Girls Do Engineer Podcast, Kara Branch responds to the conversation from “The STEM Gap Starts Early: What We’re Missing in K–8” and breaks down what early STEM exposure means from a parent’s point of view.
Kara challenges par...
If we wait until high school to introduce our children to STEM careers, we've already missed some of the most important years for building curiosity, confidence, and a sense of belonging in STEM.
In this episode of the Black Girls Do Engineer Podcast's Back-to-School Series, Kara Branch sits down with Shane Woods, Executive Director of Girlstart and longtime STEM education leader, for a transparent conversation about...
Season 2 of the Black Girls Do Engineer Podcast is officially here, and we’re kicking off our Back-to-School Series with a conversation every parent needs to hear.
Our teachers are working hard—but they cannot and should not have to carry the entire responsibility of preparing our children for the future.
In this episode, Kara Branch gets transparent about what families are walking into this school year. T...
What happens when young women are given the opportunity to take flight?
In this special episode of the Black Girls Do Engineer Podcast, we hear directly from participants of the BGDE Drone Pilot Training as they reflect on their journey through hands-on aviation and drone technology.
From learning the fundamentals of drone operations and flight safety to building confidence behind the controls, these young women share...
What happens when engineering becomes more than just a career—and turns into impact?
In this episode, Kara Branch sits down with Tai Prince, engineer, leader, and STEM advocate, to talk about how engineering skills can be used far beyond technical work to create real change in communities, organizations, and future generations.
Through this “Day in the Life” conversation, Tai shares how problem-solvi...
What better way to celebrate Black Girls Do Engineer Day and seven years of impact than by hearing directly from the girls who are living the mission?
In this special anniversary episode, the microphones are turned over to some of our youngest Future of Tech Summer Camp participants. Through their own voices, they share what Black Girls Do Engineer means to them, what they learned during camp, and how hands-on experi...
What does it really mean to “see the whole picture” in STEM?
In this episode, Kara Branch sits down with Krystal Porter, Systems Engineer and technology leader, to break down what systems engineering actually looks like in the real world. From solving complex problems to connecting technology, strategy, and people, Krystal shares how systems engineers help organizations think bigger and operate smarter.
Th...
When people think about technology, they often focus on coding—but behind every app, website, and digital platform is someone intentionally building the experience users interact with every single day.
In this episode, Kara Branch sits down with Tamara Trotter, frontend engineer and technology leader, to break down what frontend engineering really looks like beyond the screen. From designing user-friendly exper...
There’s a narrative out there about HBCUs, but the results tell a different story.
In this episode, Kara Branch sits down with Kia Smith, Regional Supplier Quality Manager, to talk about what it really looks like to go from an HBCU to leading at a high level in STEM. From managing global teams to overseeing multi-million-dollar portfolios, Kia’s career reflects what strong preparation and execution look l...
What separates someone who follows instructions from someone who leads, solves, and innovates?
In this episode, Kara Branch breaks down one of the most important—and often overlooked—skills in STEM: critical thinking. While many students are taught what to learn, far fewer are taught how to think, analyze, and solve problems in real-world situations.
Through the lens of a “day in the life” in S...
What does life really look like after you graduate with an engineering degree?
In this episode, BGDE founder and CEO Kara Branch sits down with Cameron Bonds, a recent LSU graduate and Manufacturing Engineer, to talk about the transition from college to career—and what it actually feels like to step into your first role in STEM.
Cameron shares her journey from early STEM exposure to navigating college as a mecha...
What does it really take to build a career in STEM—and know you belong in every room you walk into?
In this episode, BGDE founder and CEO Kara Branch sits down with Nasha Ross, a Senior Project Manager, engineer, entrepreneur, and leader with over 20 years of experience navigating and leading in STEM spaces.
Through real conversation, Nasha breaks down what “Project Manager life” actually looks like&...
What does it look like when you combine data, creativity, and purpose into one career?
In this episode, BGDE founder and CEO Kara Branch sits down with Isabel, a Senior Data Advisor whose journey proves that you don’t have to choose between technical and creative—you can build a career that blends both.
From studying computer science to working in business intelligence and transitioning into user experienc...
What if the future workforce isn’t just hired—but intentionally built?
In this episode, BGDE founder and CEO Kara Branch sits down with Kalynn Brown, a Human Resources Business Partner, to unpack what HR is really seeing behind the scenes when it comes to talent, skills, and the future of work—especially in STEM.
Kalynn brings a powerful perspective from the front lines of workforce development, wher...
What does it look like when a parent becomes a true partner in their child’s STEM journey?
In this episode, BGDE founder and CEO Kara Branch sits down with Tiffany, a BGDE parent and leader in digital transformation, learning, and technology, to talk about the real impact of early STEM exposure—from both a professional and personal perspective.
Tiffany shares how she discovered Black Girls Do Engineer, wha...
The future is not waiting—and neither can we.
In this episode, Kara Branch breaks down why investing in STEM training for our children is no longer optional, but essential. As technology continues to reshape industries and redefine careers, the gap between those who are prepared and those who are not is growing fast.
This conversation goes beyond inspiration and gets into the reality: early exposure builds confi...
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a trend — it’s infrastructure.
It’s shaping hiring decisions, automating jobs, influencing classrooms, and redefining entire industries in real time. The question is no longer whether our children will use AI. The real question is whether they will understand it.
In this episode, Kara Branch breaks down why AI literacy is becoming as foundational as reading and ma...
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