Imagine a world where every young person, regardless of their background, has the chance to dive into the exciting realms of coding, design, and financial literacy. That’s exactly the vision driving Shadeira Nesmith, a passionate software development instructor and proud Caldwell University alumna. Since 2018, she’s been a guiding force at places like the Library Science Center, Black Girls Code, and Coding Black Females, shaping young minds.
From Challenges to Purpose-Driven Leadership
Shadeira’s own journey as a Black woman in tech hasn’t been without its hurdles. She often found herself as one of the few people of color in the room. This experience, however, fueled her determination to not only grow but to lead with a clear sense of purpose. She’s witnessed firsthand the eagerness of students to learn from her and the spark of possibility that ignites when they see what they can achieve.
This realization profoundly shaped her approach to education. “Being a tech educator has shown me how eager people are to learn from me and how excited they are to see what’s possible for themselves. This has changed how I lead and create,” Nesmith shared. It’s this insight that led her to establish Stacked Up Academy in 2021.
Stacked Up Academy: Building Futures
Stacked Up Academy is on a mission to ignite K-12 interest in computer science, graphic design, and financial literacy. Through thoughtfully crafted curricula, engaging workshops, and innovative educational products, the academy aims to significantly increase participation from underserved communities in STEAM fields. The goal? To foster early exposure that paves the way for success in higher education and future careers.
StackCon: A Conference for Young Innovators
The academy’s commitment to hands-on learning was evident at StackCon, a dynamic two-day conference held in Jersey City, NJ, on August 8-9. Designed for youth ages 8 to 15, the event featured over 10 workshops led by seven instructors. Attendees explored a wide array of topics, including tech and coding, graphic design, financial literacy, music and AI, cyber safety, gaming, and LEGO engineering.
Nesmith’s teaching philosophy is all about creating an inclusive and inspiring environment. “I see myself as someone who makes space, especially for young people, to step into tech with confidence. I want my students, no matter their age, to know that learning is not only accessible but also enjoyable,” she told AFROTECH™. Her approach emphasizes an open mind, nurturing curiosity, and helping learners connect knowledge to their own lives.
Empowerment Through Education
What truly drives Nesmith is the belief that education is more than just skill-building; it’s about expanding horizons and showing young people what’s truly possible. “What has shaped my path most is the belief that education is not just about building skills but also about expanding what people believe is possible, by showing kids that they can bring their ideas to life whether that be through coding, design, or entrepreneurship,” she explained. Her leadership is firmly rooted in empowerment and making a tangible impact.
Shadeira at AFROTECH™ Conference
You’ll have the chance to hear more from Shadeira Nesmith at the upcoming AFROTECH™ Conference! Returning to Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center from October 27-31, the event promises to be a hub for innovation, featuring leaders like Nesmith. “For me, AFROTECH™ is all about growth and impact. I consider myself a lifelong student, so I’m always eager to learn and share knowledge…That transformation where learning something and using it to create real change is what makes AFROTECH™ so good, and why I’m honored to be part of it,” she shared.
Are you inspired by Shadeira Nesmith’s work? What are your thoughts on increasing youth representation in STEAM fields? Share your insights in the comments below!