When did your love of STEM begin?

My love for STEM sprouted at a young age. I have always been naturally curious and into exploration. I've always wanted to understand why things work the why they do. I have also been very intuitive when it comes to creation some would call what I do art. I like to think as a beauty chemist I create pigments and products for all women. As I learned more about myself and who I wanted to be in high school I knew I had to be a scientist. Once I was in college and able to do my own experiments I knew my heart desire to be a scientist was only a degree away. Once I received my B.S. in Chemistry I knew that with my knowledge base and love science I could spread it into even more hearts in my community. Science has never just been numbers and research to me. I believe Science is expression and being able to see something for more that what it is. I like to think STEM gave me my voice to stand up for myself and even others.

What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?

I love having my own lab and being able to create space for all children to be able to explore. Coming from corporate where my intelligence and capabilities were always questioned I found it pertinent to create a space for people who are curious and marginalized based on race and ethnicities to create a space for them. MySpaceLaboratories and ForHerCosmetics were created for these exact reasons. I found a unique way to combine two of my passions and make them profitable. I also just love it when people question that I'm a chemist. It's pretty cool telling people I'm a chemist and i actually get to exercise the title daily!

What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?

I say go for it! And if it doesn't scare you then you aren't thinking big enough. I was terrified going into a field that no one in my family had ever explored. I am from a family of educators and lawyers, and I wanted to be something different. I wanted to be a scientist that made beauty products. I found that the intimidation and being unsure wasn't going to stop me from pursing me dreams in fact it motivated and pushed me harder to get what I wanted. I think young girls should know that no task, assignment, degree is too hard to obtain. The hardest obstacle is overcoming your own fear of success. Be amazing and know that you are in everything that you do!