Breakfast with Atiyah Harmon
Today we’re having breakfast with Atiyah Harmon, SBC member and Founder and Executive Director of Black Girls Love Math!
We don't meet for breakfast anymore, but if we did, what would you want on the table?
Creme brulèe french toast from Green Eggs!
Can you share a little about what you do and what drives your work?
Black Girls Love Math (BGLM), we partner with schools, community organizations, and families to provide programming and workshops. Our mission is to exponentially increase the number of Black girls in STEM. I manage and lead the organization's strategic priorities, align with partners, donor stewardship, and key stakeholders to scale our impact in Philly and nationally. We work in New Jersey and Brooklyn, too. The key factor that drives my work is access, representation, and opportunity. Over the past 5 years, the interactions and experiences that resonate the most are the emotional outcomes of the work. Our girls and their families ease their anxiety, increase their joy and confidence. You can see and feel the burden of math as a negative word leaving after being in our program. At BGLM, we know mindset is the key factor to confidence and pursuing higher-level math and careers. When you see the city thriving in Life Sciences, I often challenge myself, peers, and others to envision, imagine, and intentionally include Black girls in the landscape. My drive is to include the girls in STEM spaces to contribute to the rich diversity and also elevate the possibilities of diverse groups in the sector.
What’s one thing about your background or journey that might surprise people?
I've never played Sudoku, and I'm not interested at all in playing!
Who in Philly inspires you right now, and why?
I'm inspired by the increase interest and support in Women's Sports. The Philly Sisters WNBA team will be exciting for the city. There's also this momentum with girls’ flag football that's inspiring. My nieces and the girls at our schools are competitive and really excited about the sport. I love the inclusion and how that opens doors for different math careers in sports.
If you could invite anyone (living or dead) to an SBC event, who would it be and why?
Quinta Brunson. She has a great pulse on the city and understands the needs in education. She uses her celebrity and influence in a positive way to support Philly schools. It would be great to learn more about her perspective on elevating the city.
What’s one book, podcast, show, or other piece of content you’re enjoying right now?
I'm always enjoying Bob's Burgers and I love the show Community.
Whether she’s reimagining what math can feel like, opening doors to STEM spaces where Black girls belong, or pushing all of us to think more intentionally about who gets included in the future of our city, Atiyah leads with vision and heart. We’re grateful to have her as part of the Club. Thanks for having breakfast with us, Atiyah.