They Made It: Kisha Bradley
Summary
Ruth interviews Kisha Bradley, founder of Brightbox Makerspace, about her journey from a working-class background in the US to becoming an engineer and social entrepreneur. They discuss Kisha’s unconventional career path, including working in the US Senate and moving to the UK, and her mission to make STEM inclusive for marginalized communities. The episode highlights the importance of lived experience in design, overcoming barriers to entry, and encouraging young people to explore their interests without fear of failure.
Topics discussed
Introduction to Ruth, Kisha, and Brightbox
Kisha's background: Indiana, engineering, and moving to the UK
Early influences: role models and the path to engineering
The decision to study engineering and school experiences
University life, uncertainty, and career doubts
Working as a US Senate page and the impact of D.C.
Critical thinking, mentorship, and non-linear life paths
Rejecting a linear career path and embracing risk
Founding Brightbox: inclusive making and community focus
The importance of representation and diverse design perspectives
Engaging disadvantaged youth and overcoming barriers
Making STEM relevant: climate change and employable skills
STEAM vs STEM: integrating arts and real-world context
How to talk about engineering: big picture vs technical details
Discussing failures: the electrical engineering internship
Biggest risks: moving to D.C. and Germany
Challenges of moving: culture shock and identity questions
The exhaustion of activism and being in the spotlight
Advice for those unsure of their career path
Closing remarks and show notes
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