Did you know that 65% of jobs in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields are still held by men, and only 35% by women? Even more startling is the fact that only 5% of underrepresented females from racial minorities hold positions in STEM careers.
But there’s hope. Joanna Smith, founder of Daley Smith STEM, is changing the narrative and proving that STEM isn’t just for a select few. In episode 9A of How She Got Here, she takes us through her inspiring journey. Cass Cross, our host and VP at Cronix, chats with Joanna about challenging the status quo and blending digital innovation with education.
In this blog, we give you a sneak peek into the episode. Let’s dive in and learn how Joanna Smith is paving the way for future STEM leaders!
Who is Joanna Smith?
Joanna Smith is an award-winning geotechnical engineer, educator, and nonprofit founder on a mission to bring STEM education to life for students from underrepresented communities. Her nonprofit, Daley Smith STEM, combines hands-on learning, like roller skating with math, or coding with music, to make education engaging and fun.
As an engineer who’s worked on billion-dollar infrastructure projects, Joanna saw firsthand the diversity gap in her field. So, she decided to tackle it at the root—with students! Her goal is to create a world where students can see themselves in STEM roles, not just as consumers of technology but as creators and innovators.
Once you tune into episode 9A, it becomes clear that Joanna has dedicated her life to making complex fields like math and science accessible.
Key Takeaways from Joanna Smith’s Journey
Joanna Smith’s story proves the power of persistence and grit. Here are the key takeaways from her journey:
- Adopt the Unconventional – Sometimes, the best way to spark curiosity is through unexpected combinations. Students love it when learning feels like playing or experimenting.
As part of Daley Smith STEM’s curriculum, students can understand STEM concepts with activities like roller skating and music. Joanna tries to engage students in a way that feels natural, fun, and exciting.
This hands-on, real-world approach helps break down the intimidating barriers that often surround math and science. - Representation Matters – Joanna saw firsthand how a lack of diversity in her field impacted her career. Being a farsighted individual, she decided to change that for the next generation.
By exposing young students to a variety of STEM careers early, she’s helping to rewrite the narrative about who belongs in these fields. - The Importance of Early Exposure – As HSGH‘s deep conversation progressed with Cass, Joanna agreed that waiting until high school to inspire students is not enough.
Joanna’s work focuses on engaging kids from K-8, ensuring that they have the confidence and curiosity to tackle complex subjects before they hit adolescence.
How Joanna Thrived With eCommerce & Digital Innovation
Joanna didn’t stop at local workshops. Today, she’s continuously expanding her reach with a music and math sticker book series, available in both digital and physical formats through her website. This interactive product is a smart, scalable digital transformation solution designed to bring STEM learning to students worldwide.
During the conversation, she recalls meeting Cass at an eCommerce running meetup and just wanted to understand how to take her educational projects to the next level digitally! eCommerce development services helped her translate her courses and other materials to reach people internationally as well.
Overcoming Challenges
Every successful journey has its share of bumps along the way, and Joanna’s story is no exception. For instance, she worked in male-dominated industries, was offered leadership roles without the right mentorship, and even started a nonprofit during the pandemic! She was also unsure of her eCommerce strategy to grow her presence online and help more and more students across the world.
Even with her vision and tech know-how, Joanna opened up about the very real challenges of growth. Yet, through every obstacle, Joanna remained focused on her mission: to provide the resources and opportunities to empower future STEM leaders.
The Role of Technology in Scaling eCommerce
One of the most powerful tools Joanna has used to amplify the impact of Daley Smith STEM is technology. She focused on digital transformation solutions that allowed students to learn remotely from anywhere in the world. eCommerce solutions that promote her innovative STEM education programs play a central role in scaling her nonprofit.
Joanna’s story puts the spotlight on technology as an essential growth driver. By integrating digital tools into her workflow, she’s been able to reach thousands of students, extend her program’s impact, and build a thriving brand in the process!
How Cronix Empowers Businesses with Digital Solutions
At Cronix, we’re all about empowering businesses through digital innovation services. With 15+ years of expertise in eCommerce design, development, and digital marketing, we help businesses like Joanna’s expand and succeed in the digital space.
Cronix’s experienced team implements advanced strategies for online success and takes your eCommerce business to the next level.
Final Thoughts
Joanna Smith’s episode of How She Got Here is packed with valuable insights for everyone! Her solid principles remind us that technology and creativity go hand in hand. And that, with the right support, every person can overcome challenges and reach new heights.
So, listen to the complete conversation on Spotify or watch on YouTube and get inspired! You can follow HSGH on TikTok, LinkedIn, and Instagram to stay updated on everything our podcast stands for – women empowerment, eCommerce growth, and uplifting stories of femme-identifying individuals.
Happy listening!
How She Got Here is proudly sponsored by Cronix! We aim to bring the most inspiring stories of women forging their own paths in tech, business, and beyond.