We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tiffani Teachey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tiffani below.

Tiffani, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Certainly! Let’s dive into the story from a first-person perspective:

Picture me standing in front of a classroom full of bright-eyed students, ready to share my passion for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). As an engineer, I’ve been invited to speak to these young minds, to inspire them and show them the wonders of the STEM world.

I start my presentation with a simple question: “Have you ever met an engineer?” I look around the room, and only a few hesitant hands go up. It’s a scene I’ve seen many times before, and it always fills me with a sense of determination to make a difference.

But then comes the turning point. As I delve into my presentation, I see the students’ eyes light up with excitement. We dive into hands-on activities, and I can feel the energy in the room shift. When I ask the question again—”Have you met an engineer?”—this time, every hand shoots up eagerly. It’s a powerful moment, one that fills me with a sense of pride and purpose.

That’s when it hits me: representation matters. These kids need to see themselves reflected in the world of STEM, to know that they belong and that they have a place in shaping the future.

I throw myself into the process of writing and publishing, pouring my heart and soul into creating a book that celebrates STEM careers in all their diversity. “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z” is born—a colorful, engaging alphabet picture book that introduces children to a wide range of STEM professions.

As I hold the finished book in my hands, I know that this is just the beginning. With Thrive Edge Publishing, I’m determined to continue amplifying diverse voices and breaking down barriers in STEM fields. Because I know that by showing children that they can be anything they dream of, I’m not just changing individual lives—I’m shaping the future of innovation and discovery for generations to come. And that, to me, is the most worthwhile endeavor of all.

Tiffani, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I wear many hats in the world of STEM advocacy, children’s literature, and entrepreneurship. Let me take you on a journey through my story and the work I do.

My journey into the world of engineering and STEM advocacy began with a deep-rooted passion for problem-solving and innovation. I pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, followed by a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Consistency with changing the 19 years in the industry to align with the nearly 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of working on various projects that have fueled my love for STEM and its potential to shape the future.

But beyond my professional endeavors, I’m deeply committed to inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders. As a TEDx international speaker and host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia, I’ve had the opportunity to amplify my message of STEM empowerment to audiences worldwide. Through my children’s books, including “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z” and the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, I aim to spark curiosity and excitement about STEM fields in young minds.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the creation of STEM Crew Magazine, a platform dedicated to showcasing diverse voices and stories in the world of STEM. Through this publication, I strive to provide representation and visibility to underrepresented groups in STEM, fostering a more inclusive and equitable industry.

As the founder of Thrive Edge Publishing and the owner and publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing, I’m on a mission to help underrepresented industry and business leaders share their stories through children’s books. By empowering these leaders to publish books about their fields, we’re inspiring the next generation to see themselves reflected in STEM careers.

What sets me apart is my holistic approach to STEM advocacy, blending my expertise as an engineer with my passion for storytelling and empowerment. Whether it’s through speaking engagements, children’s books, or mentoring young people, I’m dedicated to creating a more diverse, inclusive, and vibrant STEM community.

Therefore, I want you to know that my work is deeply committed to making STEM accessible and empowering for everyone, whether you are a potential client, follower, or fan. Together, we can inspire the next generation of innovators and change-makers, one story at a time.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe several factors have contributed to building my reputation in my market. Firstly, my commitment to representation in STEM careers has resonated strongly with audiences. By creating engaging children’s books that showcase diverse STEM professionals, I’ve been able to fill a much-needed gap in the market and establish myself as a voice for representation in the industry.

Additionally, my extensive experience as an engineer lends credibility to my advocacy efforts. With nearly 20 years in the field, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my work, allowing me to connect with audiences on a deeper level and provide valuable insights into the world of STEM.

Furthermore, my involvement in various media platforms and speaking engagements has helped amplify my message and reach a wider audience. From TEDx talks to radio shows and magazine features, I’ve leveraged these opportunities to share my passion for STEM empowerment and inspire others to join the movement.

Lastly, the recognition and accolades I’ve received, such as being named one of the Top 100 Influential Women in Business and receiving distinguished awards from my alma mater, UNC Charlotte, have further solidified my reputation as a leader in the field. These achievements serve as a testament to my dedication and impact within the industry, earning me the trust and respect of clients, followers, and peers alike.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience from my journey occurred when I encountered resistance and skepticism from individuals about the importance of representation in STEM fields.

Despite my passion and conviction, there were instances where I faced pushback from individuals who didn’t see the need for initiatives aimed at increasing representation in STEM. Some questioned the relevance of highlighting underrepresented voices or doubted the impact that children’s books could have on shaping career aspirations.

In the face of this resistance, I could have been discouraged or deterred from pursuing my mission. However, I chose to channel that negativity into fuel for my determination. Instead of allowing skepticism to dampen my spirits, I used it as motivation to double down on my efforts.

I sought out opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations, educate, and advocate for the importance of representation in STEM. I collaborated with like-minded individuals and organizations, leveraging collective voices to amplify our message.

Through persistence and resilience, I gradually began to see attitudes shift. As more people became aware of the significance of diversity in STEM and the impact of representation on young minds, the tide began to turn. Slowly but surely, I witnessed a growing recognition of the importance of my work and a greater willingness to embrace diversity in STEM.

This experience taught me the power of resilience in the face of adversity. I was able to stay true to my mission and make a positive impact on the world around me by refusing to give up. It’s a reminder that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from setbacks—it’s about using challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tiffaniteachey.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/tiffaniteachey
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tiffaniteachey
• Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffaniteachey
• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tiffaniteachey
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tiffaniteachey

Image Credits
Rhayna C Photography Ariel Enid Photography