In this inspiring episode of TechVisionaires, we sit down with Ayanna Smalls, a dynamic cloud engineer, STEM educator, and entrepreneur. Join us as Ayanna shares her personal journey in the tech industry, highlighting the highs and lows she's experienced along the way. Discover how she is empowering businesses and young minds through her innovative work in cloud solutions and STEM education.

Guest Bio: Ayanna Smalls is the founder of Smalz Consulting, where she specializes in cloud-based solutions that drive innovation and efficiency for small businesses. With expertise in cloud architecture, automation, and security compliance, she has become a sought-after consultant, helping companies streamline operations and enhance data protection.

Beyond her consulting work, Ayanna is the visionary behind Stemlighten, a premier STEM education platform dedicated to fostering innovation and creativity in K-12 students. Through gamification and technology integration, Stemlighten prepares the next generation of tech innovators with engaging STEM camps and workshops. Ayanna’s commitment to making STEM education accessible and impactful is evident in everything she does.

In pursuit of financial independence, Ayanna is also focused on building passive income streams through real estate investments and automated business models. Her long-term goal is to inspire success in STEM entrepreneurship, particularly for women and minorities in tech, while driving forward the future of technology.

Key Takeaways:

• Ayanna's journey into the tech industry and the challenges she faced as a Black woman in tech.
• Insights into her work at Smalz Consulting and the importance of cloud technology for small businesses.
• The impact of Stemlighten and the role of gamification in making STEM education engaging for students.
• Strategies for achieving financial independence through entrepreneurship and real estate.
• Ayanna’s vision for empowering women and minorities in tech and the importance of representation in the industry.

Quotes:

• "Innovation happens when we empower others to explore technology."
• "STEM education is not just about learning; it’s about inspiring a sense of wonder and possibility."

Listen to the Episode: Tune in to this episode of TechVisionaires to learn from Ayanna's experiences and be inspired by her commitment to empowering the next generation of tech leaders.

Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review TechVisionaires on your favorite podcast platform. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear Ayanna's inspiring story!