Black Girls Do Engineer Podcast

Send us Fan Mail 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 behin...

Send us Fan Mail 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 sha...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 big...

Send us Fan Mail 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. Fr...

Send us Fan Mail 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 prepar...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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”...

Send us Fan Mail 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 transi...

Send us Fan Mail 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 workfo...

Send us Fan Mail 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 B...

Send us Fan Mail 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 real...

Send us Fan Mail 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 foundation...

Send us Fan Mail College readiness doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built with intention. In this episode, BGDE founder and CEO Kara Branch sits down with Reagan , a BGDE National STEM Ambassador, longtime member, and high school senior preparing for college. Reagan shares how her journey with Black Girls Do Engineer helped her develop confidence, leadership, and real-world skills that go far beyon...

Send us Fan Mail Today, Kara Branch is answering the questions people ask the most—clearly, honestly, and without the confusion. In this episode, Kara breaks down 26 of the most common questions from parents, partners, educators, and community members so there’s no misunderstanding about BGDE’s mission, values, or vision for the future. BGDE centers Black girls because the data demands it—but the...

Send us Fan Mail STEM conversations often focus on who is missing, but this episode expands the conversation to how we build a future that includes all of our children. In this solo episode, BGDE founder and CEO Kara Branch addresses the growing gap facing Black boys in STEM and why early access, representation, and skill-building matter. Drawing from data, lived experience, and years of community...

Send us Fan Mail This episode is a full-circle moment. In this alumni spotlight, BGDE Founder and CEO Kara Branch sits down with Kerrigan , a Black Girls Do Engineer alum now a college freshman studying Chemical Engineering and Law . Kerrigan shares what it’s really like transitioning from STEM programs into college-level coursework and how early exposure, mentorship, and hands-on training shaped...

Send us Fan Mail Some movements begin with a plan. Others begin with a question. In this special episode, BGDE founder and CEO Kara Branch sits down with her daughter to reflect on the moment that sparked the creation of Black Girls Do Engineer. What started as a simple question opened the door to deeper conversations about curiosity, confidence, and what it means to grow up loving STEM as a girl....

Send us Fan Mail STEM education is no longer a “nice to have”—it’s a requirement for economic mobility, workforce readiness, and long-term opportunity. By 2030, the U.S. is projected to have over 1 million unfilled STEM jobs , yet too many students—especially Black girls and students from under-resourced communities—are still being left out of the pipeline. In this episode, BGDE founder and CEO Ka...

Send us Fan Mail The Black Girls Do Engineer Podcast is back. In this welcome-back episode, founder and CEO Kara Branch shares what really happened during the quiet season—why the mic went silent, how the mission never stopped, and what it took to build BGDE with intention, clarity, and peace. This conversation is about growth without burnout, leadership without apology, and staying rooted in comm...

Send us Fan Mail Engineer. Mother. Founder. In this opening episode, meet Kara Branch , the founder and CEO behind Black Girls Do Engineer—and the heart behind the movement. What started as a simple question from her daughter became a lifelong mission: to make sure girls who are curious, brilliant, and full of potential are never overlooked or under-resourced in STEM. Kara shares her journey as an...