Meet Tiffani Teachey | Author | TEDx Speaker | Engineer | STEM Advocate | Publishing Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tiffani Teachey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tiffani, what do you attribute your success to?
The most critical factor behind the success of my brand lies in the fusion of passion, purpose, and persistence. As a Sr. Mechanical Engineer and STEM advocate, my journey embodies a relentless commitment to inspire young minds towards Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields. Through my books, radio shows, podcasts, and magazines, I aim to empower underrepresented industry leaders to share their stories and expertise, fueling children’s aspirations in these domains.

My success stems from a deep-seated passion for bridging the gap in STEM education, coupled with a clear purpose to amplify diverse voices in these industries. This passion drives me to persistently pursue avenues to impact and influence young individuals, promoting inclusivity and diversity in these critical fields.

Furthermore, building a brand that resonates with authenticity and credibility is pivotal. Leveraging my extensive experience as an engineer, coupled with a commitment to continuous learning, reinforces the credibility and depth of the resources I offer.

Ultimately, the confluence of passion, purpose-driven initiatives, perseverance, and a commitment to authenticity defines the bedrock of my brand’s success, enabling me to propel the next generation towards fulfilling careers in STEM.

What should our readers know about your business?
My journey in business encompasses a multifaceted approach deeply rooted in STEM advocacy, publishing, and mentorship. What sets my endeavors apart is the fusion of my engineering background with a profound commitment to inspiring young minds through literature and empowering underrepresented voices in the publishing world.

Thrive Edge Publishing, alongside Inspired Authors Publishing, embodies a unique venture focused on amplifying diverse narratives in children’s literature, particularly in the STEM domain. I take pride in offering a platform for underrepresented industry leaders to publish children’s books, fostering curiosity and aspiration among young readers.

My excitement lies in the transformative impact these initiatives have on shaping young minds and breaking barriers in traditional publishing. This path wasn’t effortless, but challenges have fueled my determination to carve a space for diverse representation in STEM literature.

Overcoming hurdles involved navigating a predominantly homogenous publishing industry and advocating for inclusivity. Persistence, resilience, and strategic networking were key in surmounting obstacles, allowing me to establish partnerships and alliances that furthered my mission.

The journey taught me invaluable lessons. I learned the importance of perseverance in championing a cause, the significance of strategic collaborations, and the necessity of creating opportunities where none exist. Every setback became a stepping stone, reinforcing the need for diverse voices in literature and publishing.

What I want the world to know is that my brand isn’t merely about publishing books; it’s about transforming mindsets. It’s about instilling belief in young individuals that their dreams in STEM fields are valid, regardless of their background. My story echoes the essence of resilience, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of equity and diversity in the literary landscape and beyond.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Absolutely, here’s an itinerary to showcase some of the best experiences in Columbia, SC for a week-long trip:

**Day 1 (Saturday):**
– **Morning:** Start the day at Soda City Market, a vibrant and lively farmers’ market in downtown Columbia, offering an array of local produce, food trucks, art, and live music.
– **Lunch:** Head to California Dreaming or Railroad BBQ for a delicious meal showcasing southern cuisine with a twist.
– **Afternoon:** Take a stroll along the Riverwalk, a scenic path along the Congaree River offering beautiful views and a serene atmosphere.
– **Evening:** Explore the Vista, an artsy district filled with galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and bars. Enjoy the lively nightlife and diverse culinary options.

**Day 2 (Sunday):**
– **Morning:** Visit downtown Columbia to explore its historical sites, State Capitol for a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage.
– **Lunch:** Delight in local cuisine at one of the downtown eateries.
– **Afternoon:** Explore the campuses of Benedict College, Allen University, and the University of South Carolina to admire their architecture and learn about their histories.
– **Evening:** Spend time in 5 Points, a bustling neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Throughout the week, ensure to mix in local experiences, perhaps attending cultural events, exploring the local art scene, and discovering hidden gems. Columbia has an array of parks, museums, and cultural sites that offer unique insights into the city’s identity and history.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to several individuals, groups, and organizations whose unwavering support, guidance, and inspiration have been instrumental in shaping my journey and success.

First and foremost, my heartfelt dedication goes to my mother, Ruth Teachey, whose unwavering belief in the power of education and the mantra “if you believe it, you can achieve it” has been my guiding light. I also hold a deep reverence for the memory of my father, Bobby Teachey I, whose legacy continues to inspire me daily.

My brother, Bobby Teachey II, deserves immense credit for being a constant source of encouragement and support, always lifting me up whenever I needed it.

Recognizing the impact of organizations on my path, I extend my gratitude to the National Society of Black Engineers, where I am a lifetime member, for fostering an environment of support and opportunity. Additionally, I am indebted to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and The Links, Incorporated, for their invaluable contributions to my personal growth and community engagement.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of education, I owe a debt of gratitude to my alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. It’s an honor to have received the UNC Charlotte Distinguished Alumni Award and the UNC Charlotte College of Engineering Alumni Champion of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Award, reflecting the university’s commitment to diversity and excellence.

I’m currently pursuing a Leadership Studies Ph.D. at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, representing my dedication to learning and advancing leadership in STEM, particularly at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Lastly, I draw inspiration from Shirley Chisholm’s powerful words: “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living here on earth” and “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” These quotes encapsulate the ethos of service and resilience that fuels my mission to advocate for education, diversity, and inclusion.

In essence, my journey is a testament to the collective support, mentorship, and encouragement I’ve received from these individuals, groups, and organizations, all of whom have played an integral role in my success.

Website: www.tiffaniteachey.com ; www.stemcrewmagazine.com; www.stemistheway.com; www.iapublishagency.com; www.publishtherightbook.com

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/tiffaniteachey; http://www.instagram.com/iapublishagency; http://www.instagram.com/stemcrewmag

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffaniteachey

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tiffaniteachey; http://www.twitter.com/iapublishagency; http://www.twitter.com/stemcrewmag

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tiffaniteachey; http://www.facebook.com/iapublishagency; http://www.facebook.com/stemcrewmag

Youtube: http://youtube.com/@tiffaniteachey

Image Credits
Rhayna C Photography Ariel Enid Photography