Yasmeen Neal - Founder, Fly Minds Youth Development Club

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I founded Fly Minds Youth Development Club to provide free structured programs to students in underserved communities and increase their exposure to different learning activities. Fly Minds’ programs include STEM, media and communications, field trips, outdoor activities, and the arts. Additionally, we also give students an opportunity to participate in community service events, such as wreath-laying at the Arlington National Cemetery and packaging and delivering food to senior living communities. Our primary initiative is a robotics program, which gives participants an opportunity to have hands-on learning experiences, practice team building, and improve communication skills. Our robotics programs are located in Arlington, VA at two recreational centers in the city. I was also selected as the 2021 recipient of the Black Engineer of the Year (BEYA) Stars and Stripes National Guard Bureau Award. You can check out my virtual awards ceremony here.

Why is diversity in STEM important?

If a team is full of people who look like and think like them, a learning gap will develop due to the lack of collaborating with individuals who have different life experiences. Diversity of thought breeds opportunities for individuals on the team to challenge each other’s thinking in a constructive way that leads to new ideas. This is especially important in STEM career fields.

What is your greatest career accomplishment?

Starting a youth development nonprofit that creates structured programs to expose underserved youth to STEM.

What advice would you give to youth interested in your career field?

If it makes you happy keep doing it and growing in it! Be a lifelong learner and share your knowledge with others who are coming behind you.

Connect with Yasmeen on social media:

Facebook: @flyminds2016