Don’t Lose Yourself on the Way Up

Building My Lane in STEAM, AI & Education

In this episode, Dr. Renée Jordan returns with a deeply personal episode reflecting on the journey that led to the creation of Black-Liberation.Tech [http://Black-Liberation.Tech]. From a STEM magnet program in elementary school to working in IT, teaching high school biology, earning a PhD in Instructional Technology, and building an Open Educational Resource ecosystem focused on AI literacy and digital empowerment, this episode is both a testimony and an invitation. In this conversation, Dr. Jordan shares: * how curiosity shaped her interdisciplinary pathway * why representation in STEAM matters * lessons learned from setbacks, persistence, and pivots * the role of community, mentorship, and Ubuntu in her journey * how AI can function as a “thinking partner” rather than a shortcut * why Black, Afro-Latina, and Latina girls and women belong in tech spaces * the importance of culturally responsive digital literacy * how Black-Liberation.Tech [http://Black-Liberation.Tech] was created to support learners, families, educators, and future innovators This episode also serves as a reintroduction ahead of upcoming summer workshops with students and communities exploring STEAM, AI, career exploration, and digital futures. Whether you are a student trying to find your lane, an educator supporting the next generation, or someone learning to navigate emerging technologies with confidence, this episode is a reminder that your journey matters—and that you do not have to fit a traditional mold to thrive in tech-saturated spaces. “Don’t wait for someone else to open the door—build your own.” Listener Reflection Questions 1. What experiences first sparked your curiosity about technology, creativity, or problem-solving? 2. Where have you been taught to think too narrowly about your future possibilities? 3. What interdisciplinary interests might actually be clues to your future pathway? 4. How has community shaped your educational or career journey? 5. What does it mean to use AI as a “thinking partner” rather than a replacement for learning? 6. How can culturally responsive technology spaces help more students feel seen and empowered? 7. What would it look like to “build your own lane” instead of waiting for permission? 8. Which setbacks in your life later became redirections or growth moments? 9. How do your lived experiences shape the way you approach innovation and learning? 10. What kind of future do you want technology to help create for your community?

Balancing School, Work & Burnout

Staying Grounded During the DIY Hustle The beginning of a journey often feels exciting. The finish line brings celebration. But the middle? The middle is where many dreams get tested. In this episode of Black-Liberation.Tech [http://Black-Liberation.Tech], Dr. Renée reflects on what it means to persist through the “messy middle” of academic, professional, and personal growth—especially for students and early-career professionals balancing heavy course loads, financial pressure, side projects, internships, caregiving responsibilities, and burnout. Drawing from her own seven-year Ph.D. journey while working full-time, Dr. Renée shares practical and liberation-centered strategies for sustaining momentum without sacrificing your health, peace, or identity. This conversation explores: * Why slow progress is still valid progress * The importance of pacing and sustainable ambition * Taking fewer classes without shame * Rest as maintenance, not laziness * Breaking overwhelming goals into smaller wins * Protecting your peace while pursuing your purpose * Letting creativity and joy exist alongside responsibility * Asking for help, extensions, and support when needed * Choosing completion over perfection For anyone building while tired, stretching resources, and trying to move forward without burning out: This episode is your reminder that success does not require constant suffering. Liberation Lens Reminder Grinding is not the only path to growth. Rest, strategy, pacing, and self-compassion are forms of wisdom too. Reflect Mode Questions 1. What part of your current hustle needs adjustment right now: your pace, expectations, schedule, or self-compassion? 2. Have you ever felt pressure to move faster than your mind, body, or finances could realistically sustain? 3. What is one small “winnable step” you can complete this week to rebuild momentum? 4. What would change if you stopped equating rest with failure? 5. Which parts of yourself have been neglected while chasing productivity? 6. What does sustainable success look like for you—not performative success, but real sustainability? 7. Are you giving yourself permission to grow at a pace that protects your health and peace? 8. What is one boundary you need to set in order to continue your journey without burnout? You are allowed to build your future without abandoning your health, your peace, or your humanity.

Don’t Lose Yourself on the Way Up

Naming Your Non-Negotiables Early When you’re just starting out, every opportunity can feel urgent. Internships. Projects. Free resources. New spaces. It can feel like you have to say yes to everything just to get your foot in the door. But here’s the truth: Not every open door is meant to be walked through at the cost of yourself. In this episode of Black-Liberation.Tech [http://Black-Liberation.Tech], Dr. Renée explores what it means to identify your non-negotiables early—especially for women, and girls navigating academic, digital, and professional spaces. Through real experiences from her doctoral journey, she breaks down the difference between flexibility and self-erasure, and shares the values you must protect as you grow: * Protecting your cultural identity and voice * Taking up space and asking questions with confidence * Setting boundaries around time, energy, and privacy * Staying connected to community while advancing This episode also expands the conversation on boundaries in real, everyday ways: * Knowing when to ask for extensions instead of burning out * Prioritizing quality over perfection * Understanding that “free” opportunities can still come with hidden costs * Learning when to say no—even when something looks prestigious Because success is not just about getting in the room. It’s about remaining whole once you get there. Liberation Lens Reminder: The goal is not just access. The goal is alignment, dignity, and sustainability. Reflect Mode: Before your next opportunity, ask yourself: What is one boundary, value, or part of your identity that I will not negotiate—no matter how “good” the opportunity looks? This episode is for anyone who is: * building while tired * navigating new spaces * carrying family dreams * learning in real time * trying to grow without losing themselves You are allowed to rise with your identity intact. Continue this reflection inside the Black-Liberation.Tech [http://Black-Liberation.Tech] OER with our workbook prompts and AI-supported reflection tools.

Balancing Progress, Rest, and Purpose Through the Hard Parts

What do you do when you’ve made it past a major milestone—but you’re exhausted? In this final episode of the Q&A series, Dr. Renée Jordan shares what it really takes to sustain momentum through the hardest parts of a long journey. Drawing from her experience earning a PhD while working full-time, she offers a grounded, honest perspective on resilience, flexibility, and balance. This isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about moving forward with intention. You’ll learn: * Why remembering your “why” is critical when motivation fades * How tracking your progress can help you keep going * Why rest, joy, and celebration are essential—not distractions * How flexibility includes adjusting your goals and protecting your quality of life Because resilience isn’t just about endurance—it’s about sustaining yourself along the way.

You Don’t Have to “Go Into Tech” to Be in Tech

Do you have to “go into tech” to benefit from it? In this episode, Dr. Renée Jordan challenges the idea that tech careers are limited to computer scientists or engineers. Drawing from her own journey—from biology to education to instructional technology—she explores what it means to work in a technology-saturated world. This conversation reframes tech as something you engage with across fields—not just something you specialize in. You’ll learn: * Why tech isn’t just for those who build it—but for those who use it * How everyday roles (like teaching) are deeply connected to technology * Why expanding this definition opens doors for more women and girls * How AI tools can support exploration—even if “tech” isn’t your goal Because in today’s world, learning how to use technology is part of building your future.