We recently connected with Kara Branch and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kara thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I (Kara Branch) hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, and I have always been the only black woman in all my roles. As a mother of 3 daughters, my oldest daughter inspired this program. When my oldest daughter was 9, she came to me and said she wanted to be a “Software Engineer”. I was very surprised because I never talked about what I did at home with my daughters because of all the trials and tribulations I faced in my role. When she mentioned this to me, I had to do two things: (1) if anyone can help her achieve her dreams is her mom and (2) I wanted to create a space for girls who look like my daughter to come together and do the things they love and are passionate about.

Women makes up 25 percent of S.T.E.M. careers. Women of color makes up 5 percent, but only 2.9 percent are Black women. With my organization we are providing impact and creating change.

Kara, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Here at Black Girls Do Engineer, we are passionate about developing girls and young women ages 6 to 21 in all areas of STEM. Our organization goals are to provide access, awareness, and advocate for two million Black-American girls to pursue STEM careers by the year 2050. Our organization will provide mentoring, personal growth regimens, STEM projects and activities, STEM challenges, and guidance on career paths based on insight from professionals that are leaders in the STEM industry.

Our vision is to increase the presence of Black-American girls and young women in STEM fields by providing experience-based knowledge and Black-American representation. Black Girls Do Engineer will introduce the core of STEM roles, and provide girls and young women with the tools to not only chose STEM professions but excel in the STEM industry.​

We are headquartered in Houston, TX but offer chapters in Los Angeles, CA, New Orleans, LA. as well as a virtual chapter.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I started with 3 volunteers and my own independent investments. We had no idea of where we would meet with the girls nor the structure of the meeting, but we had girls enrolled. My parents drove me to make this happen because they believed in this mission. So, I did it. It’s been a long 3-year journey and a lot of sleepless nights (I work fulltime and do this). Now my business funds itself and I have expanded. We have a few staff members, but we need more to handle the day to day. But most importantly, our organization is still here.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

The initial investment came from my savings account. I believe in investing into my children, community, and most importantly myself. I was ready to invest into myself. So, I did. I needed to first figure out the amount that I took for me to build a successful business and the avenue that I needed to take to get more people to invest into me. I understand not everyone have the funds readily available to invest initially, but the key is to save for that dream that will set you free to do what you love to do.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blackgirlsdoengineer.org
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/blackgirlsdoengineer
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/blackgirlsdoengineer.org