Breaking Boundaries: Dr. Valerie Bennett, A Beacon in STEM Education and Empowerment
In the bustling city of Atlanta, amid the towering skyscrapers and vibrant cultural melting pot, a woman is tirelessly working to reshape the educational landscape, particularly in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Meet Dr. Valerie Bennett, a woman of intellect, resilience, and sheer determination who is an engineer, educator, author, mentor, and trailblazer in the STEM world.
Dr. Bennett is the proud product of a loving and supportive family, where education was always the cornerstone of their upbringing. “Our parents emphasized the importance of education and hard work,” she fondly recalls, attributing her success to the values instilled in her by her parents. Her journey into STEM began when she completed her double major in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics at Vanderbilt University. She further deepened her knowledge by obtaining her doctorate in Mechanical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, focusing on Mechanics and Materials.
Post her academic journey, she ventured into the industrial realm, adding invaluable experience under her belt. However, her passion for teaching and sharing knowledge brought her back to the world of education. She served as a professor of engineering and physics and taught in both public and private high schools. Moreover, she coached and mentored robotics teams, showcasing her multifaceted STEM interests.
Currently, Dr. Bennett is an Assistant Professor, Program Director for Graduate Teacher Education, and Director of Educational Technology and Innovation at Clark Atlanta University in the School of Education. She is also the CEO and founder of a non-profit organization, STEM Compass, Inc., whose mission is to navigate, motivate, and educate underserved groups in STEM careers and entrepreneurship. This venture is currently celebrating its 10th year, a testament to Dr. Bennett and her talented and passionate team’s dedication and perseverance.
In this journey, Dr. Bennett has authored seven books, including a collection of STEM Genius Activity Books and a 10-Day Devotional titled ‘Bible Lessons for Techies – Thriving in Your Relationship with God Through a Technology Lens’ and its accompanying Curriculum. Her contributions to the field are truly remarkable and serve as an inspiration for many.
Her passion for teaching was kindled during her high school years, where she was awestruck by her math and science teachers’ profound knowledge. “I didn’t know it at the time that they were inspiring me to be a teacher. I was just literally in awe of their knowledge,” she shares. Her educational philosophy is deeply rooted in her experiences and is best encapsulated in the African Proverbs, “Those Who Know Must Teach” and “Knowledge is like a garden. If it is not cultivated, it cannot be harvested.”
Her journey shows that Dr. Bennett’s path was not without challenges, especially as a black woman in academia. She faced external challenges of being the only black person or the only female in a setting where her ideas or skills were not readily recognized or accepted. Internally, she battled self-doubt and negativity. However, she overcame these challenges through prayer, faith, as well as perseverance and confidence in her abilities, proving her detractors wrong and silencing her self-doubt.
Despite the hurdles, Dr. Bennett has had her share of triumphs, which she cherishes. Graduating from engineering school as one of the few black females in mechanical engineering is a milestone she holds dear. Another significant achievement was her decision to pursue her second doctorate in Higher Education Leadership. This challenging yet fulfilling experience brought her closer to her passion for bringing STEM equity to underserved communities.
Dr. Bennett firmly believes that her work as a black woman educator can have a lasting impact. She quips, “If they can SEE us, then they can BE us,” emphasizing the importance of representation in education. Her advice to other educators is to realize the profound influence they have on their students’ lives and to use their words wisely to inspire and encourage.
Dr. Bennett is also a contributor to the ‘Centering Our Voices’ anthology, a book that showcases the power, vision, and resilience of women educators. Her chapter details her journey from being a mechanical engineer to becoming an enthusiastic and passionate educator. “I believe my story and my path have meaning and value,” she says, hoping her experiences will inspire others to pursue their passion for education.
She believes this book can make a significant difference in the education community by encouraging and strengthening current teachers and leaders and inspiring a new generation of professionals to enter the education field.
For those looking to connect with Dr. Bennett or order a copy of the ‘Centering Our Voices’ anthology, she can be reached at thestemdoc@gmail.com or through her website, www.stemdoctor.net.
