In honor of Indigenous People’s Day we would like to recognize Danielle Boyer, a 22 year old Ojibwe inventor and youth advocate in the tech community. She is known for her dedication to making STEM education accessible to all. She has founded several initiatives aimed at empowering youth through robotics and technology. Her work not only bridges the gap in STEM education but also fosters inclusivity and diversity, inspiring countless young minds to pursue their passions in tech.
Danielle Boyer grew up homeschooled in a creative yet supportive environment. She had a passion for tech and robotics from a very young age and her family encouraged her to pursue it. Her indigenous heritage played a significant role in shaping her values and commitment to community service.
Throughout her education she saw firsthand how technical education was disproportionately accessible to indigenous youth and knew she wanted to bring change. She recalls starting to educate technology to kids at just ten years old and her passion for accessible education flourished ever since. In high school Danielle decided to join her school’s robotics team and quickly realized she didn’t fit in.
“I felt like I had to fight for respect that I’d never receive as a girl who loves robots. I created my organization because every child deserves to have a safe place to learn and grow and because STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education should be accessible to all youths.” –Danielle Boyer
After high school Danielle Boyer made it her life goal to make STEM education accessible to all. She founded The STEAM Connection, an organization dedicated to providing free and affordable educational resources in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. One of her notable projects is the creation of EKGAR, a low-cost, customizable robot designed to teach students about robotics and engineering. She has developed numerous educational kits and programs that have reached thousands of students across the globe. Her work has earned her multiple awards and recognition, including being named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list. Through her innovative initiatives, Danielle continues to inspire and empower the next generation of young scientists and engineers.
Danielle Boyer has brought huge change to minorities in the STEM field but it wasn’t always easy. From being bullied in the robotics team in high school to being undermined in the tech community based on her ethnicity, Danielle has faced significant challenges. She stresses that “Indigenous peoples were always scientists and innovators but a lot of that was taken from us because of colonization.” Despite these obstacles, her perseverance and dedication have made a lasting impact on the STEM community, particularly for underrepresented groups.
Danielle Boyer, despite her young age, has already accomplished so much and continues to break barriers in the STEM field. Her relentless determination and innovative spirit have led her to create impactful educational programs and resources that empower young minds, particularly those from underrepresented communities. Danielle’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and importance of inclusivity in education. As she continues to inspire and lead, there is no doubt that her contributions will leave a lasting legacy, paving the way for future generations of diverse scientists and engineers.
Hear more about Danielle Boyer’s journey and projects for the future here!
Food for thought
What are your thoughts on robotics teaching kids to learn? Were you surprised at how young Danielle is? How do stories like this inspire you?
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