How can your teaching and instruction influence STEM Innovation & Entrepreneurship?
For me, integrating 21st Century Entrepreneurial & Business Concepts into STEM Curricula is important because it will impact the number of U.S. patents and help improve STEM business ownership.
Hello & Welcome!
I am Dr. Kamela Joy Goodwyn
My professional calling is understanding and sharing the crucial nature of integrating entrepreneurship into STEM curriculum in K-12 and collegiate education learning environments. I believe this shift will impact STEM innovation and STEM-related business ownership in the U.S. and highlight the contributions of diverse populations.
For nearly two decades, I have worked in higher education, championing pathways in entrepreneurship and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). My passion for this work stems from my doctoral research on underrepresented populations in STEM and STEM entrepreneurship, completed as part of my doctorate in educational leadership.
That research revealed a critical gap: minimal innovation, research, and entrepreneurship coursework within STEM curricula at the college level. This lack of integration impacts the pipeline of STEM-related businesses and the emergence of scientific research and innovation. Without embedding business principles into STEM education, opportunities for breakthroughs in science, technology, and engineering are diminished.
As an accomplished public speaker, I engage diverse audiences at STEM conferences across the U.S. and internationally. I’ve presented at events hosted by the American Association of Colleges and Universities, Tri-State STEM, and the World Congress on Education, where I share curriculum design methodologies that integrate entrepreneurship into STEM education. These sessions foster exchange among K–12 and higher education professionals and offer practical applications for classroom implementation.
My education and professional experiences have led to partnerships with national and international STEM advocacy organizations, including the National Science Foundation, the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation, and the European Science Education Research Association. These partnerships support my mission by advancing STEM workforce development, educator training, and program funding.
In addition to my academic work, I bring more than 20 years of experience in entrepreneurship, as a former business owner, certified business plan instructor, small business counselor, and loan committee member for a Community Development Corporation.
My life’s mission is to bridge educational gaps in the STEM ecosystem by demonstrating the powerful intersection of science, technology, engineering, math, and entrepreneurship. My goal is to shape K–12 and collegiate curricula and inspire educators to elevate their content delivery.
I hope to share ideas that expand your understanding of STEM entrepreneurship and open new possibilities for the future.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
My Achievements
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Led the development and launch of the STEM Educational Center at Milwaukee Area Technical College during her tenure as Dean
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Featured BizTimes article “The Pathway to Leadership”
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2021 Fuel Milwaukee panelist “STEM is growing, but minorities underrepresented.”
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Featured in STEMForward blog “Let’s talk about equity in STEM: A local perspective.”
NOTABLE SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Where I’ve Spoken
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American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) – National conference on equity and innovation in higher ed
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Tri-State STEM at the University of Cincinnati – Regional initiative advancing STEM learning
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Carolinas STEM Conference at UNC Charlotte – Professional conference for STEM educators
SUCCESS QUOTE
Key Point
"My life’s mission is to bridge educational gaps in the STEM ecosystem by highlighting the relevancy of entrepreneurship in science, technology, engineering, and math."
