In this episode, I talk about The Next Generation of STEM and why it’s so important to highlight young innovators who are already making a difference in science, technology, engineering, and math.

I’m joined by the Summer 2025 STEM Crew Magazine Cover Features:
✨ Sean Atitsogbe – Sean the Science Kid
✨ Bandana Kaur – Security Research Engineer, APISec | HackWitHer
✨ Ava N. Simmons – Ava The S.T.E.M. Princess® | Team Genius Squad

These trailblazers are proving that STEM has no age limits — they’re creating content, building businesses, securing our digital future, and inspiring kids everywhere to believe that they, too, belong in STEM.

Here are some of the questions I ask our guests:

• Sean, how did your journey as “The Science Kid” begin, and what inspires you to make science fun and accessible?
• Ava, how has STEM helped you overcome challenges and grow as both an innovator and entrepreneur?
• Bandana, what motivated you to step into cybersecurity and launch your platform HackWitHer, to inspire others?
• Why is representation and visibility in STEM so important for the next generation?

Here are some key points discussed in this episode about The Next Generation of STEM:

• How young leaders are breaking barriers and building communities in STEM.
• The role of creativity, positivity, and storytelling in making science engaging.
• How cybersecurity, innovation, and entrepreneurship intersect for today’s youth.
• Why magazines, media, and platforms must amplify diverse voices to ensure every child sees themselves in STEM.

This episode is proof that the future of STEM is bright — and it’s already here.

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.