As a child growing up in Texas, Mercadi Crawford, Break Through Tech diversity associate in the College of Engineering and Computing at George Mason University, loved taking things apart.
“I liked to see how things like the telephone and different toys I had worked from the inside out,” says Crawford. “No one realized at the time that it was the beginning of an interest in engineering.”
Although Crawford chose a different major in college, she says a STEM education may have been a path forward for her, had she known during her grade school and high school days that it was not only an option, but something she had an aptitude for.
“I think there were misconceptions when I was in school about STEM,” says Crawford. “It wasn’t seen as an area for women or those from underrepresented communities. You had to be really good in math and the best in science. But that isn’t always the case.”
In her role with the Office of Diversity, Outreach and Inclusive Learning, Crawford says it’s very important to her that no matter who they are or where they come from, all Break Through Tech students at Mason can see themselves in STEM. She adds that a STEM career can be perfectly attainable today with the right education, resources, and support, such as the opportunities that Break Through Tech offers.
“When I work with students, and they tell me they never considered STEM before because of various reasons, I make sure they know it can be an option for them,” says Crawford. “Through joining a group like Break Through Tech, they can be comfortable knowing they will have support and they will see others like them as they navigate their education and, later, job opportunities.”
She says in the coming months, she’s excited to spread awareness about Break Through Tech and growing the network, so that students are kept up to speed on opportunities such as Sprinternships, the annual Grace Hopper conference, and networking events.
“Technology is ever growing and it continuously changes. There is a seat at the table for everybody,” says Crawford.