We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gladys Bolding Ph.D. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gladys below.

Gladys , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

I want people to remember me as someone that tried to make STEM content relatable, engaging, and conversational globally for all ages. Moreover, someone born in Harlem was raised in the Bronx, New York, and was a brown girl raised by a single parent and achieved more than she could imagine through perseverance, dedication, and believing anything is possible.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I am a Scientist, Entrepreneur, Science Textbook Author, and International STEM educator. I consider myself a late bloomer in the sciences because I was already a wife with four children when I completed my degree. However, I like to say that science found me because the more science courses I took, the more I wanted to learn. Although the journey has not been easy, it has been gratifying. oI was honored to receive the 2020 WIT (Women of the Year Award in Science) for my work at BioLogue Laboratorum. The lack of people of color in my profession led me to start BioLogue Laboratorium, a nonprofit hands-on STEM lab for youth as young as five through young adults. Students have an opportunity to explore an array of STEM content that include microscopy, chemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, CRISPR, and more. In addition, I have expanded my reach to work with youth and educators in Tanzania and Nigeria.

My ability to engage science content with all ages sets me apart. Through my program, many students are considering a STEM career. However, most people of color never saw STEM as an option because they were not aware of the professions and how it could change the trajectory of their life via finances and opportunities. The skill sets that are acquired through STEM are applicable in all disciplines.
I am proud to see much youth in my program considering STEM as a career choice. Many have said they want to be a scientist. Even if they do not pursue a STEM career, they now know it is an option.

I feel truly blessed to be in a STEM profession, and my goal is to continue to educate the world by making them comfortable with a topic that can be very abstract.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Being the only person of color in a space, I once worked in led to many challenges. I was ridiculed, ignored, and disrespected because someone was not comfortable with my presence. Many times during the situation, I wanted to quit and leave, but then I thought I had done nothing wrong and I did my job well, so I decided I would stay and defend myself. Although things looked bleak, I realized that people often quit before they know the outcome, so I decided whatever the result, I would fight, and I was victorious.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn believing people. There were many promises made by people that never materialized. I recall speaking with an organization that I thought would be an excellent partnership for BioLogue Laboratorium, and they appeared to agree. However, when I followed up to see how we would proceed, it was as if we had never had the conversation. The partnership would have provided access for more youth of color, and I already had the equipment and space. All I wanted was the overflow of students to access the same STEM experiences. Furthermore, my organization was not invited to participate in any agreed-upon activities.

Contact Info:

• Website: BioLoguelaboratorium.org
• Instagram: BioLoguelaboratorium
• Facebook: BioLogue Laboratorium
• Linkedin: GladysDelancey-Bolding
• Twitter: @BioLoguelab
• Youtube: BioLogue Laboratorium