Q: How did you get the idea to start the STEM Library Lab?

A: I was a science and math teacher in New Orleans public schools and kept wanting to do engaging hands-on lessons with students, but our schools are under-resourced and science equipment is expensive, so I decided to leave the classroom and pursue creating something that can support our local teachers and students.

Q: How did Tulane help you form your business idea, or encourage you to embark in entrepreneurship?

A: I showed up at Tulane with an idea, and through the MBA program, the Taylor Center, and the Lepage Center, learned how to design an organization and start a business. I think the most important piece of advice for current students is explore and take advantage of all the amazing resources and possibilities that Tulane has to offer. To get the most out of your experience, you've got to be willing to dig in.

Q: How many educators do you serve in a year?

A: About 1,000, but quantity is not the benchmark of success. We have some teachers who visit once or twice to laminate posters or get a box of free binders, and other teachers who attend 18 hours of Professional Learning, then create semester long hands-on service learning field trips.  Our goal is to meet all teachers where they are and help them tackle whatever it is they need to be able to bring high engagement teaching to life for their students.

Q: What has been the most exciting moment while building the STEM Library Lab?  That moment when you realized this was going to be a success.

A: Starting a new business or nonprofit, that moment happens over and over, and is so invigorating. When we lent our first piece of science equipment to a teacher, secured our first sale, hired our first staff member, moved into our permanent home, there have been so many milestones and I'm most excited by the one that is yet to come.

Q: What advice would you give someone interested in exploring social/non-profit entrepreneurship?

A: This is your project and your baby, but you're new at this. Sometimes, you'll get advice, and you'll embrace it because you're still learning how to grow a business. Sometimes, you're going to get advice, and you'll decide to trust your gut and ignore it because you know best about the business you're creating. And sorry, I've got no idea how to tell which time is which- when you should listen to the experts or when you've gotta trust your gut. Good luck!

Q: Do you anticipate the STEM Library Lab expanding to more locations? If so, where?

A: With a business, the goal is sell more products. With a nonprofit, the goal is have the most positive impact on your community. We're still working to make sure that what we're doing is the best possible version of what it can be for the teachers and students of the greater New Orleans area.  Once we figure that out, I'd love to think about how we grow our geographic footprint, but for now it's still one step at a time.

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To learn more about STEM Library Lab and membership details, visit https://stemlibrarylab.org/.