Each year, on National STEM/STEAM Day, we honor those doing incredible work in our classroom and school communities in this field. This year, we spotlighted three remarkable Teach For America alumni who are leading the way in Baltimore’s STEM and STEAM fields. These leaders are making waves in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, each with a unique approach to empowering and uplifting the city’s youth.

Melanie Weiskopf, our Manager of Special Projects, had the opportunity to engage with our incredible alumni who have made the transition from corps members to change-makers in their fields. Through in-depth interviews, we delved into their journeys, from their teaching experiences and memorable moments in the corps to the lessons that continue to guide them today. We also discussed their current efforts to use STEM and STEAM to advance educational equity. These inspiring stories reflect the transformative work being done in Baltimore and demonstrate how STEM and STEAM are creating a brighter, more inclusive future.

Meet Our STEAM Alumni

Andrew Pham '09: Co-Executive Director of Code in the Schools, is committed to expanding access to quality computer science education and creating career pathways for young people. During our conversation, he shared his profound belief: “The digital divide and the gap is not about ability; it’s a gap in opportunity... This is something that can be solved. Give kids computers. Give teachers the ability to instruct. Let students solve problems. All of this is solvable.”

We are deeply proud of Andrew’s impact, the transformative work he is doing for Baltimore’s youth, and his resilience in closing the opportunity gap in tech education. Click here for the full interview.

Aliemma Kanu ‘21: A passionate special educator who, with the support of the Courtney Cass Catalyst Fund, established a STEAM lab at her school in West Baltimore. In our time with Aliemma, she shared what fuels the work she is so passionate about, even recalling this fond memory: “One of my most memorable moments was when we hosted our first STEAM fair. It was a reminder of the impact that creating inclusive, empowering learning experiences can have. It also reinforced the importance of making space for students who are often overlooked to share their talents and shine academically.”

We are incredibly grateful for Aliemma’s dedication to creating inclusive spaces where all students can thrive and expanding opportunities for youth in Baltimore. Click here for the full interview.

Dr. James Sadler ‘13: Director of Research at Baltimore’s Promise, uses youth data to take bold action against inequitable systems. In our interview, Dr. Sadler expressed how he is harnessing the power of youth data to challenge inequitable systems and drive systemic change in Baltimore. He shared, 'I think data can be a huge tool towards advancing equity in itself, and there needs to be an acknowledgment that data can absolutely and has been historically harmful to our Black and brown youth, especially in Baltimore.”

We are excited for the compelling contributions of Dr. Sadler’s work. His efforts serve as a powerful example of how data, when used thoughtfully and with community input, can help reshape systems, empower young people, and create a more equitable future for Baltimore’s youth. Click here for the full interview.

Together, these alumni are not only advancing equity in their fields but also inspiring the next generation of leaders in Baltimore, proving that when passion and purpose intersect, transformative change is possible.