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From Bagging Groceries to Earning a PhD: Dr. Justin Rittenhouse’s Journey from Grit to Guidance
“There’s no way I can bag groceries for the next 40 years.” That’s the moment it shifted. That was when Dr. Rittenhouse had the epiphany, the desire to go to college. But how would he navigate college? He had no idea what he would major in. No one in his family had ever gone to college. He would be the first-generation Rittenhouse who would go to college. Dr. Justin Rittenhouse didn’t come from legacy academia or a long line of engineers. He came from a working-class family,
Ayo Olufade
Dec 31, 20253 min read
From Bagging Groceries to Earning a PhD: Dr. Justin Rittenhouse’s Journey from Grit to Guidance
“There’s no way I can bag groceries for the next 40 years.” That’s the moment it shifted. That was when Dr. Rittenhouse had the epiphany, the desire to go to college. But how would he navigate college? He had no idea what he would major in. No one in his family had ever gone to college. He would be the first-generation Rittenhouse who would go to college. Dr. Justin Rittenhouse didn’t come from legacy academia or a long line of engineers. He came from a working-class family,
Ayo Olufade
Dec 31, 20252 min read


From Charity to Equity: The $100 Billion Opportunity We Are Missing
We celebrate African billionaires, but is wealth at the top the right metric to inspire us all? While that is inspiring, are we aware of the barriers that might hinder our own investments in Africa and how to overcome them? Addressing these concerns can help us move from inspiration to action. Yes, representation matters. But wouldn’t it be more transformative for people of African ancestry to focus on structural leverage and wealth that they can easily achieve by diversify
Ayo Olufade
Dec 11, 20253 min read


The "Great Dying": A Profound Historical Lesson for a Warming World
Are We Nearing the “point of return” when it comes to global warming and climate change? Lessons from Earth's "Great Dying" As a...
Ayo Olufade
Jul 2, 20253 min read


Bridging the Gap: STEM Education, Outreach, and Workforce Development
Bridging the Gap: STEM Education, Outreach, and Workforce Development 🎙 Introduction In a thought-provoking episode of the STEAM Sparks...
Ayo Olufade
Mar 16, 20253 min read
The Erosion of U.S. Economic Security: Scaling Back DEI, Firing STEAM Workers, and the Impact on Innovation and National Resilience
The Erosion of U.S. Economic Security: Scaling Back DEI, Firing STEM Workers, and the Impact on Innovation and National Resilience...
Ayo Olufade
Feb 22, 20254 min read


🌟 New Podcast Episode: A Conversation with International Bestselling Author Cathy Derksen on The Evolution of Leadership in STEM: Women Catalyzing Change 🌟
In this powerful episode of the STEAM Spark Think STEAM Career Podcast , I had the privilege of speaking with Cathy Derksen , an...
Ayo Olufade
Dec 14, 20242 min read


Your Story Matters: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Through Community and Resilience
Are you holding yourself back because of something I like to call the bug known as Imposter Syndrome? Yes, you heard me—a bug! That...
Ayo Olufade
Dec 6, 20244 min read


If You Don't Know Where You've Been or From, You Don't Know Where You're Going
This powerful sentiment resonates deeply, especially as there is a renewed awakening among Africans in the diaspora and African Americans...
Ayo Olufade
Oct 27, 20242 min read


Exploring the Nexus Between Scientific Principles and Art & Inspiring the Next Generation of STEAM Innovators via Art and Science of Color Creation
I know, I know, the heading of my article is wordy, and maybe some simple phrases could convey my point about inspiring the next...
Ayo Olufade
Jun 2, 20242 min read


This Calls for Celebration. InTouch - Think STEAM Careers, Podcast With Dr. Olufade Has Published
As the InTouch Think STEAM Careers Podcast host, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the wonderful guests who have graced my...
Ayo Olufade
Apr 29, 20232 min read


Where Are They Now? Ever Wonder If Your Former STEM Students Follow Thru with Pursuing STEM Degrees?
I am an educator. I have always wondered what ever happened to my former students in #steameducation. Do they ever follow through,...
Ayo Olufade
Mar 5, 20232 min read
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