Hi Taylor, it’s nice to meet you! Please introduce yourself and tell us your STEM story.
TS: I’m Taylor Shead, the Founder and CEO of Stemuli. My journey in STEM began with a passion for using technology to transform education and make it equitable and accessible for all learners. About 15 years ago, I left Loyola Marymount University with a newfound mission. I realized that not everyone had access to the educational resources I did, especially when it came to essential math skills. This revelation fueled my determination to bridge this gap.
I’m proud to be a black, LGBTQ+ woman who, despite facing learning disabilities, has dedicated her life to education and workforce development. Stemuli was founded in 2020, and since then, our mission has been to turn brands into metaversities, ensuring that anyone can navigate a fulfilling career, both intellectually and economically.
Our journey has led us to become a founding industry partner of Pathways to Technology Early College High Schools in Dallas ISD, where we work closely with high school students to prepare them for the workforce. What sets Stemuli apart is our commitment to diversity, both in our team and our work. I’ve worked diligently to create a company culture that reflects these values.
Under my leadership, Stemuli has achieved remarkable milestones. I’m proud to say that I’m the 94th black woman in history to raise over $1 million in venture capital, a testament to Stemuli innovative approach and my unwavering determination. My resilience, foresight, and communication skills have been instrumental in driving Stemuli’s success.
What inspired your journey as a woman in tech and can you talk more about Stemuli and its benefit and impact on teachers and students? What unique perspectives do you bring to Edtech?
TS: My journey as a woman in tech was inspired by the urgent need to address educational inequalities that I faced and I knew others with less access would encounter. Thirty days after I graduated high school, the iphone launched revolutionizing how we interact with the world, yet how we interact with education hasn’t changed in hundreds of years. Stemuli’s mission is to revolutionize education and career navigation, creating metaversities through gaming. We envision a world where education is accessible to all 8 billion people on this planet, regardless of their background or circumstances.
In the edtech space, my unique perspective stems from my experiences and determination to bridge educational gaps. As someone who faced learning disabilities and overcame educational challenges, I understand the importance of personalized and accessible education. This perspective drives Stemuli’s mission to provide equal opportunities at every level of the educational journey.
Diversity and inclusion are hot topics in tech. What challenge(s) if any, have you faced being a woman of color in STEM and how did you overcome it/them? How do you believe your experiences contribute to a more inclusive and equitable tech community?
TS: Being a woman of color in STEM comes with its unique set of challenges. Throughout my journey, I’ve encountered skepticism and barriers that have often made my path more challenging. The tech industry has historically been dominated by a certain demographic, which can create a sense of exclusion for women and people of color.
One of the key challenges I faced was gaining recognition and securing funding for Stemuli. Black-owned businesses, especially in tech, receive less than 1% of venture capital funding. My journey to become the 94th black woman globally to raise over $1 million in venture capital was far from easy. It required persistence, determination, and a refusal to give up on my vision for Stemuli.
To overcome these challenges, I surrounded myself with mentors and allies who believed in Stemuli‘s mission. Having a strong support network played a significant role in our success. Additionally, I learned to advocate confidently for our ideas and solutions. It’s crucial to articulate the value and impact of your work, especially in an industry that needs more diversity.
My experiences and the challenges I’ve faced have contributed to making the tech community more inclusive and equitable. Stemuli reflects these principles through our diverse team and our work in underserved communities. We actively promote diversity and inclusion, not just as a buzzword but as a core value that drives our mission and approach. I’m proud that Stemuli is recognized for its diversity, and we’re committed to fostering a culture of equity in tech.
Can you highlight a specific project or accomplishment that you’re particularly proud of, and discuss how your background influenced your approach and success in that endeavor?
TS: One of Stemuli‘s standout projects is the launch of the country’s first educational metaverse, developed within a video game, in collaboration with the Dallas Independent School District. This project took flight in August 2021, just 30 days before Facebook changed its name to Meta, emphasizing the significance of our work.
During the first year of our program, we received invaluable feedback from teachers, students, and parents. We’ve improved student engagement and learning outcomes through AI-driven content personalization. Our Navigator users have accelerated their math proficiency by 2.89 years, while non-users experienced learning loss. Stemuli students have outperformed their peers by more than 10 points in Math, Science, and Reading district assessments. Our platform also enhances teacher effectiveness with AI-based data analytics and intelligent feedback mechanisms.
My background and experiences have been instrumental in approaching this project. Understanding the value of personalized and accessible education from my own journey, I was determined to create a solution that addresses these needs. My commitment to diversity and inclusion, driven by my own experiences, has influenced our hiring practices and our mission to serve underserved communities.
You are the 94th Black woman in history to have raised over $1M in venture capital. Black-owned businesses receive less than 1% of venture capital, so that’s very impressive! As a role model for aspiring Black women in tech, what advice do you have for those looking to overcome challenges and thrive in this industry?
TS: My advice to aspiring Black women in tech is to believe in yourself and your vision. Challenges are inevitable, but they are also opportunities for growth and innovation. Surround yourself with mentors and allies who share your passion and believe in your mission. Advocate confidently for your ideas and solutions because your voice matters. Stay authentic to your values and the impact you want to make in the tech industry. The more you embrace your unique perspective and experiences, the more you contribute to a more inclusive and equitable tech community. Representation matters, and the tech industry needs diverse voices and perspectives to thrive.
What’s next for you and how can our readers connect with you?
TS: The journey ahead involves continuous improvement of our product, strengthening partnerships, and doing our best to impact the lives of learners around the world positively. I’m excited about the future of education and workforce development, driven by technology and innovation. Readers can connect with me on social media @misstaylorshead. I welcome conversations, collaborations, and the opportunity to work together in advancing the cause of equitable and accessible education for all. Let’s stay in touch and make a difference together!
Taylor Shead is the Founder and CEO of STEMuli (Website: https://stemuli.net/), a gaming company at the intersection of AI, education, and workforce development. STEMuli’s mission is to make education and career navigation accessible to 8 billion people by turning brands into metaversities, while helping anyone navigate an intellectually and economically fulfilling career. As the CEO, Taylor oversees the company’s vision, drives sales, and fosters growth. She is the 94th black woman globally to raise over $1 million in venture capital and is recognized for her impact on education and diversity in tech. (Photo Credits: Kathy Tran. Daniel Rocket, and Vicky Boudta)
