Pivoting with Purpose: Resilience and STEM Education with Yvonne Thevenot
In this episode, we welcome Yvonne Thevenot, founder of STEM Kids NYC, whose extraordinary journey will leave you inspired and motivated. From surviving breast cancer and going through a divorce to leaving a successful corporate career, Yvonne shares how she followed her heart, reclaimed her peace, and turned her passion for education and STEM into a thriving nonprofit that’s transforming the lives of Black and Brown children across NYC and New Jersey.
She opens up about the life-altering moments that led to her career pivot, the love for teaching that fuels her every step, and how her father’s encouragement shaped her lifelong belief that she could do anything. Yvonne discusses the challenges of scaling a nonprofit, the joys of seeing her students blossom, and how she's building a lasting legacy—one child at a time.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Yvonne’s courageous pivot from Wall Street to the classroom How personal trials led to clarity, purpose, and passion The origin and evolution of STEM Kids NYC Why representation and STEM equity matter How Yvonne teaches kids to see themselves as engineers, coders, and scientists The power of community partnerships and how you can support
About Yvonne Thevenot: Yvonne is the founder and executive director of STEM Kids NYC, a nonprofit dedicated to bridging the gap in STEM education for underserved communities. A former tech executive turned educator, she’s combining her deep corporate experience and love for teaching to unlock the potential in every child, especially those who rarely see themselves reflected in science and technology spaces.
Connect with STEM Kids NYC: Website: www.stemkidsnyc.org Instagram: @stemkidsnyc Facebook: STEM Kids NYC For New Jersey programs: @stemkidsnewjersey
Support the Mission: Want to get involved or support STEM Kids NYC? Visit www.stemkidsnyc.org and click the Contact Us button to reach out directly. Sponsorships, donations, partnerships, and volunteers are always welcome!
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