Meet The Authors
DR.VALERIE BENNETT
Dr. Valerie Bennett received a B.E. Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Vanderbilt University, a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and an EdD in Higher Educational Leadership from Clark Atlanta University. As a scholar, researcher, and authority on STEM Equity and Curriculum and Program Design, she has led teams to exceed school and state standards by providing Professional Development & Training on STEM Integration and culturally relevant pedagogical practices. Among her accolades, she was selected as a Smithsonian Science Mentor, UNCF Faculty Fellow, and was recognized by the White House Initiative as an HBCU Scholar. Dr. Bennett has secured nearly $3 million in funding for STEM programming for adults and youth. She is co-author of the blog “Chalkboards to AI” for the National Science Teacher Association. Her innovative applications for using robotics, coding, drones, design thinking, and artificial intelligence contribute to her research in STEM equity. With her 25 years of experience in the STEM industry and author of 7 books, as a professor, coach, and author, Dr. Bennett strives to ensure that there is more representation in STEM in corporate, universities, and to make sure that our classrooms are equitable. She is intentional with setting kids up on the right track to succeed and thrive in STEM.
DR.NATOSHIA ANDERSON
Dr. Natoshia Anderson is a powerhouse in STEM education, equity, and advocacy, with a career that bridges mechanical engineering, curriculum design, and transformative leadership. As Founder and CEO of The Anderson Strategy Group, she helps schools, nonprofits, and companies design scalable, equitable STEM programs that prepare students for thriving futures. A former Mechanical Engineer turned educator, she has written award-winning curriculum, trained thousands of educators, and impacted more than 100,000 students worldwide. She has secured over $1.85 million in funding for schools and nonprofits and hosts STEMming in Stilettos, a global podcast that amplifies the voices of women of color in STEM.
As an author, Dr. Anderson has published children’s books like ABC Engineering and London Gets Curious, co-authored Triumph in the Trenches: Navigating Success for Black Professionals, and, most recently, contributed to Black in the Middle: Navigating Power, Politics, and Purpose in Higher Education.
