Building My Lane in STEAM, AI & Education

In this episode, Dr. Renée Jordan returns with a deeply personal episode reflecting on the journey that led to the creation of Black-Liberation.Tech. From a STEM magnet program in elementary school to working in IT, teaching high school biology, earning a PhD in Instructional Technology, and building an Open Educational Resource ecosystem focused on AI literacy and digital empowerment, this episode is both a testimony and an invitation.In this conversation, Dr. Jordan shares:how curiosity shaped her interdisciplinary pathwaywhy representation in STEAM matterslessons learned from setbacks, persistence, and pivotsthe role of community, mentorship, and Ubuntu in her journeyhow AI can function as a “thinking partner” rather than a shortcutwhy Black, Afro-Latina, and Latina girls and women belong in tech spacesthe importance of culturally responsive digital literacyhow Black-Liberation.Tech was created to support learners, families, educators, and future innovatorsThis episode also serves as a reintroduction ahead of upcoming summer workshops with students and communities exploring STEAM, AI, career exploration, and digital futures.Whether you are a student trying to find your lane, an educator supporting the next generation, or someone learning to navigate emerging technologies with confidence, this episode is a reminder that your journey matters—and that you do not have to fit a traditional mold to thrive in tech-saturated spaces.“Don’t wait for someone else to open the door—build your own.” Listener Reflection QuestionsWhat experiences first sparked your curiosity about technology, creativity, or problem-solving?Where have you been taught to think too narrowly about your future possibilities?What interdisciplinary interests might actually be clues to your future pathway?How has community shaped your educational or career journey?What does it mean to use AI as a “thinking partner” rather than a replacement for learning?How can culturally responsive technology spaces help more students feel seen and empowered?What would it look like to “build your own lane” instead of waiting for permission?Which setbacks in your life later became redirections or growth moments?How do your lived experiences shape the way you approach innovation and learning?What kind of future do you want technology to help create for your community?