Remember that scene in the movie, “Apollo 13” where the team of scientists had to come up with a life-saving solution to save the team of astronauts and their spacecraft? Brittany Wheeler does, and it was the combined influence of that scene from her favorite movie, and her high school math teacher, that led her to a career in engineering.
“Their ingenious solution not only saved the astronauts from the grips of freezing space, but also unveiled to me the remarkable capacity of engineers to unravel life-threatening problems,” she says of the scientists in the film. “It was at this moment that my passion for aerospace engineering took root, fueled by the awe-inspiring blend of creativity, problem-solving, and the ever-expanding horizons of discovery within the field.”
She is the co-founder and director of education for Greater Than Tech, a local nonprofit that she and Jasmine LeFlore founded together in 2019 to provide opportunities to girls and underrepresented students to learn STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) and business. Their programming includes robotics clubs, workshops, hands-on activities with drone technology, mentoring with current STEM professionals, college and tech industry tours, and help with homework.
Wheeler, 34, also has a doctorate in engineering management and works at Collins Aerospace as a senior programs operations manager. She lives in Lemon Grove and took some time to talk about her work with Greater Than Tech, the goal in making “unicorns” in tech less common, and her “blerd” side.
Q: Why was Greater Than Tech something you wanted to create?
A: GTT was something that I wanted to create because I was that student who was interested in learning more about STEM and business. Unfortunately during the time and the area I grew up in, there were no programs like ours to feed into that curiosity. Jasmine and I grew up in different regions of the country with different circumstances, both harnessing a similar outsized curiosity and love of learning in math and science. In addition to our programming, I created our GTT Alumnae Club, a network that meets virtually, once a month, providing mentorship from industry professionals, quarterly technology and college tours, and readiness to previous GTT female program graduates. We saw the importance of having more frequent interaction with the girls to help build self-efficacy and confidence to help them succeed in life.
Q: How would you describe what your own experience has been like as a Black woman in tech?
A: My journey in the tech industry has been marked by challenges, yet these adversities have played a pivotal role in shaping the leader I am today. Being a Black woman in tech comes with its unique difficulties, given the underrepresentation of individuals who share my background. Not only is gaining entry into the field a hurdle, but once inside, Black women often encounter additional obstacles that hinder our success. The scarcity of representation can be isolating, making it crucial for those of us who break through to be advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion. In recognizing the broader struggles faced by Black women in tech, I am driven to utilize my position and platform to effect positive change within the industry. I am committed to fostering a more inclusive environment and creating opportunities for others who may follow a similar path.
What I love about Lemon Grove…
I absolutely love living in Lemon Grove in southeast San Diego County. The weather here is fantastic, providing a wonderful climate that I appreciate year-round. What makes it even better is the sense of community with my friendly and welcoming neighbors. Living in Lemon Grove allows me to enjoy a central location, making everything in San Diego easily accessible. Whether it’s exploring the city, trying out new restaurants, or heading to various attractions, the convenience of having everything within a short distance adds to the charm of my neighborhood.
Q: Your website describes something you refer to as a “unicorn” in STEM; what is a “unicorn”? And, from your perspective and experience, what’s wrong with being a unicorn?
A: Within the context of women in STEM, a “unicorn” refers to an exceptionally rare individual, specifically a woman of color, highlighting the significant underrepresentation in technical spaces. While being a “unicorn” may highlight an individual’s exceptional achievements and resilience in the face of adversity, the term also underscores a broader issue: the lack of diversity and inclusion in STEM. Ideally, the goal is not for these individuals to be rare exceptions, but for diversity and representation to be the norm within STEM fields. Achieving this requires addressing systemic issues, fostering inclusive environments, and providing equitable opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to thrive in STEM careers.
In essence, the term “unicorn” is not about disparaging the achievements of women of color in STEM, but rather drawing attention to the need for systemic change to make such achievements more common and representative of the broader population. The ultimate aim is to create an inclusive and equitable STEM workforce where everyone, regardless of gender or background, has the opportunity to contribute and succeed.
Q: Last year, you worked with 200 students from southeastern San Diego, Barrio Logan, and National City from families with a median income of about $35,000. Why is it important to you to get your STEM and business programming to girls and students of color?
A: It’s about breaking down barriers, fostering representation, and creating opportunities for those who have historically been underrepresented in these fields. First and foremost, it’s a matter of equity. Every student, regardless of gender or background, deserves an equal chance to explore and excel in STEM and business. By reaching out to girls and students of color, we aim to bridge the gap in access and provide them with the tools and knowledge to succeed in these crucial domains.
Representation matters profoundly. Seeing people who look like you succeeding in STEM and business can be a transformative experience. We believe that by showcasing diverse role models and mentors, we empower girls and students of color to envision themselves as future leaders, innovators, and contributors in these fields. Diversity fuels innovation. Our world’s challenges are complex and multifaceted, and diverse perspectives are essential for creative problem-solving. By embracing inclusivity in our programs, we enrich the learning environment with a variety of experiences, ideas, and viewpoints, contributing to a more vibrant and innovative STEM and business community. We are dedicated to addressing the historical underrepresentation of women and individuals of color in STEM and business. This commitment is not just about leveling the playing field; it’s about creating lasting change that will shape a more inclusive and representative future for these industries.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A: The best advice I’ve ever received is to “be the change you want to see in the world.” This wisdom encourages a proactive and impactful approach to life. It has guided me to take personal responsibility for fostering positive change, whether in my work or interactions with others. Embracing this advice has been a powerful reminder that each individual has the capacity to contribute to a better world by embodying the values and principles they wish to see reflected in the broader community.
Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to find out about you?
A: One thing people might be surprised to find out about me is that, despite my love for hanging out with friends and attending local events, I am also a “Blerd” (Black nerd). I make it a yearly tradition to attend Comic-Con, particularly enjoying the worlds of Marvel and DC. I have a deep appreciation for both superhero universes and find joy in collecting POPs, especially from my favorite characters like Power Rangers. Additionally, my fascination extends to the realm of scary movies, adding a bit of unexpected thrill to my diverse interests.
Q: Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend.
A: My ideal San Diego weekend typically involves a scenic coastal drive to soak in the breathtaking views. I love spending quality time with friends, exploring new restaurants throughout San Diego, and savoring diverse cuisines. Whether it’s a relaxing day at the beach enjoying the sun, or opting for a cozy day at home to unwind, I find joy in the variety of experiences that San Diego has to offer. The blend of coastal drives, socializing, culinary exploration, and moments of relaxation creates the perfect weekend for me in this vibrant city.