EP#38 - INSPIRING STEM THROUGH CHILDREN'S LITERATURE with Sierra Williams

Read It Right Radio Show

In this episode, I talk with Sierra Williams, author and engineer, and owner of Shohan Press, about inspiring STEM through children's literature.

Here are some of the Questions I ask Sierra:

• How did you get started in what you are doing?
• Who do you help in your business and how do you help them?
• How did you transition from an engineer to a children's book author?
• How do you incorporate themes of problem-solving and confidence in your books?
• How do your books ensure inclusivity for all young readers?
• What advice do you have for young individuals interested in writing, engineering, or both?
• How can parents and educators help instill confidence in children, especially in STEM-related pursuits?
• What are the biggest challenges you've faced in your journey, and how have you overcome them?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Inspiring STEM through Children's Literature:

• Personal Motivation: Sierra shares how her experience during the pandemic with a young virtual learner inspired her to write children's books featuring characters that look like him, fostering representation and inclusion.
• Integrating STEM into Everyday Life: Sierra emphasizes making STEM relatable by incorporating everyday scenarios in her books, such as travel and cooking, to teach problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Representation and Diversity: Her books feature Black characters and aim to fill the gap in early literacy materials that reflect diverse backgrounds, ensuring that all children see themselves represented.
• Building Confidence in Young Readers: Sierra discusses the importance of instilling confidence in children by making them the main characters in her stories and including practical, everyday problem-solving activities.
• Challenges and Community Support: Sierra highlights the role of community in overcoming challenges, both in her engineering career and as an author. She emphasizes the importance of finding supportive networks and resources.
• Advice for Aspiring Authors and Engineers: Sierra advises young individuals to be confident, take initiative, and find a supportive community to help them achieve their goals.
• Role of Organizations like NSBE: Sierra speaks about the impact of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) in her life, providing opportunities for scholarships, internships, and professional growth, underscoring the importance of such communities in STEM fields.

About the Host: Tiffani Teachey
Tiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z,” the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three empowerment books. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. Tiffani owns Thrive Edge Publishing and is the owner/publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

As an engineer with over 19 years of experience, Tiffani is passionate about inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift—the 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book—at www.stemistheway.com.