10 Black Women in STEM Your Students Should Know
While this isn't a full comprehensive list, here are 10 Black Women in STEM your students should know. The world of STEM professions is very one-sided and geared towards a certain type of person. We need to provide our students to see heroes in STEM that represent their race, religion, and gender to help change that projection.
According to start-engineering.com,
“While the numbers of minorities and women are growing, the workforce in STEM-related field remains predominantly white, 89 percent, and male, 72 percent…Over the last 25 years, these rates of participation in the STEM workforce represent a 67 percent increase for black and Hispanics, from 6.6 to 11 percent, and 24 percent increase for women, from 22.9 to 28.4 percent.”
Click here to grab these forever-free printable resource to add to your classroom!
For me, transitioning from being a former classroom teacher to a K-5 STEM teacher, this is an area I am growing at in my STEM space. As a white woman, I know that I have a one sided experience.
I took time to read, research and reflect. I found that there were a limited amount of diverse resource out there for students to connect to in STEM. So, I created one, and continuing to create; for my students and for yours.
Below are the 10 Black Women highlighted in this free resource. Don't feel like you need to copy & paste this all; I made this all pretty for you to print and share digitally, which you can find here!
Black Women in STEM #1: Aprille Ericsson-Jackson
Most Known for: Aerospace Engineer at NASA Goddard
Highlights about her:
- Began working with robotics, then later worked on satellite design and other projects
- Reaches out and speaks around the world and is passionate about more diversity within engineering roles
- Has her Ph.D in mechanical engineering from Howard University & doctorate in engineering from NASA
Resources for kids to Learn more about her:
#2: Mae Jemison
Most known for: NASA Astronaut, teacher, physician & tech founder
Highlights about her:
- First African-American woman in space; space shuttle Endeavor
- Worked in the Peace Corps while teaching as a medical officer and researching
- Has a college degree in chemical engineering, Afro and African -American studies (Stanford University) and a doctorate in medicine (Cornell University)
Resources for kids to learn more about her:
Black Women in STEM #3: Angela Benton
Most known for: Founder of online platform, NewMe Accelerator
Highlights about her:
- Helps minority led companies raise funds to build their business capital
- Involved with Kuyere!, a project that provides solar energy to homes in Africa
- Has won many awards for her difference in technology & diversity
Resources for kids to learn more about her:
- Use this YouTube Video Link to hear Angela talk about how and why she created her tech company, NewME and how she is helping with diversity disparity with minorities within technology
- All About Angela Benton
- Kuyere!
#4: Gillian Bowser
Most known for: Ecologist & Research Scientist
Highlights about her:
- Research scientist at Colorado State University
- Currently studying ecology factors on climate change
- Has researched a variety of animal species
- Used to monitor butterflies and insects at national parks worldwide
Resources for kids to learn more about her:
- YouTube Video link interviewing Gillian, it’s long, I would suggest the first couple of minutes
- Article Introduction about Gillian & getting more people of color in the STEM field
- Short Bio about Gillian
Black Women in STEM #5: Erica Baker
Most known for: Engineer
Highlights about her:
- Worked in IT for the University of Alaska
- Used to work at Google, Slack, Patreon and now Microsoft
- On board of directors for Girl Develop It and tech mentor for Black Girls Code
- Passionate about genealogy work
Resources for kids to learn more about her:
- Wikipedia Biography article about Erica
- Erica's website
- Video about the need for diversity in the tech company (this might be long for younger students, but she makes excellent points in the beginning. Preview first and assess if it’s a right fit for your class)
#6: Bessie Coleman
Most known for: Airplane pilot
Highlights about her:
- First African-American woman to earn her pilot license
- Taught herself French and moved to France to earn her pilot’s license from the Caudron Brother’s School
- Had a special talent in stunt flying and parachuting
- Had a nickname ‘Queen Bessie’ for her flying talents
Resources to learn more about her:
- YouTube Video Link biography for kids about Bessie Coleman
- Bessie Coleman biography for kids
- Great video from The Smithsonian with real images & clips
- Another article about Bessie for kids
#7: Kimberly Bryant
Most known for: Electrical Engineer & Founder of Black Girls Code
Highlights about her:
- Founded Black Girls Code to inspire girls of color to pursue a career in STEM
- Has won many awards like Champions of Change for Tech Inclusion
- Has a degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Vanderbilt University
Resources for kids to learn more about her:
- Video with Kimberly and her talking about Black Girls Code
- Interview article with Kimberly Bryant for kids
- Kimberly Bryant Mini Biography
- Great Video of Kimberly being open of Kimberly about her experience and where she got where she is today
Black Women in STEM #8: Chavonda Jacobs-Young
Most known for: Federal Scientist
Highlights about her:
- Has had many important scientific jobs including director of the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service
- Received degrees from North Carolina State University and American University
- Has a PhD in paper science
- Got a college scholarship in high-jumping to help pay for her college degree and three-time ACC track champion
Resources for kids to learn more about her:
- This whole video is GREAT! And she is talking to kids but it’s long; to hear Chavonda talk about her story, play from 2:07-7:25
- About Chavonda
- Interview with Chavonda
- Inspirational Video message from Chavonda
#9: Ashanti Johnson
Most known for: Chemical Oceanographer
Highlights about her:
- Mentors students through a NASA program to help them connect with scientists all over the world and achieve their science dreams
- Has won many awards including the presidential award for excellence in science, mathematics, engineering mentoring
- Has a degree in marine science from Texas A&M University Galveston & PhD in chemical oceanography from Texas A&M College Station
Resources to learn more about her:
- Great video autobiography about Ashanti and her story
- Interview video with Ashanti and a snapshot of her mentoring
- All About Ashanti
- Ashanti is part of the leadership team of Black Girls Dive
Black Women in STEM #10: Katherine Johnson
Most known for: Mathematician & NASA “Computer”
Highlights about her:
- Solved geometry and math equations like a traditional computer before they existed
- Katherine’s math calculations helped NASA launch a rocket for the U.S. to land on the moon successfully
- Attended West Virginia State College and graduated with high honors
Resources to learn more about her:
- Use this YouTube Video Link about facts about Katherine
- All About Katherine
- NASA Biography for kids about Katherine
- Video Biography with real photos and video clips from history
Who else would you add to the list that has inspired you in the STEM field? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ and I would love to chat with you!
