Meet CaTameron Bobino

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to CaTameron Bobino. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

CaTameron, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I found my purpose through a combination of my upbringing, education, and experiences. Growing up in Oakland, CA, with two parents originally from the South, I was immersed in Black culture and resilience from a young age. My parents instilled a strong sense of identity and pride in our heritage, teaching me the importance of perseverance and community.

Attending an HBCU further solidified these values. I attended Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, AL. The environment at my HBCU was one where Black excellence was not just encouraged but expected. I saw people who looked like me excelling in various fields, which reinforced my belief in my potential and the importance of contributing to our community’s legacy.

After completing my education, I moved back to Oakland. Here, I encountered a recurring sentiment from people who said they had never met a Black Scientist before. This was eye-opening for me. It made me realize that while Black scientists certainly exist, our presence is not widely recognized or mainstream. This realization gave me a profound sense of purpose: to excel in my field and be visible and accessible, to inspire and pave the way for future generations of Black scientists, and to share stories of others in the fields of STEM from all walks of life and diversity.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

What is special about my story is the multifaceted approach I’ve taken to make an impact in STEM and my community. I’ve channeled my passion into various platforms and initiatives. I host a podcast called “In The Know with CaT Bobino,” where I interview diverse individuals in STEM, showcasing their stories and breaking stereotypes. This podcast is a platform for voices that often go unheard, and it helps to highlight the diversity and richness within the STEM fields.

In addition, I created a children’s book series called “Carter Can Be,” based on my son, to inspire young minds and show them that they too can achieve greatness in STEM. These books are designed to spark curiosity and confidence in children from a young age.

My advocacy extends beyond media and literature. I’ve spoken nationwide and internationally on the importance of parents knowing and supporting their children in STEM. I believe that parental support is crucial in nurturing the next generation of innovators and thinkers.

To further this mission, I founded a nonprofit called Communications in STEM. Through this organization, I work to bridge gaps and provide resources to make STEM more accessible and inclusive. I’ve also appeared on television and radio to promote the idea of demystifying and diversifying STEM, reaching broader audiences and spreading this important message.

Moreover, I host hands-on programs for families, creating interactive and engaging STEM experiences. These programs are designed to foster a love for science, technology, engineering, and math in a fun and collaborative environment.

Each of these efforts is a piece of a larger puzzle. Together, they reflect my commitment to making a tangible difference, ensuring that the presence and contributions of diverse scientists and individuals in STEM are recognized, celebrated, and expanded.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I believe the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were my ability to break down complex science ideas, my approach to public speaking, and my educational background in Biological Sciences.

First, my ability to simplify complex scientific concepts has been invaluable. This skill has allowed me to make STEM more accessible and engaging for a wide range of audiences, from young children to adults. My advice for those early in their journey is to practice this skill regularly. Start by explaining complicated ideas to friends or family members who might not have a science background. Use analogies and everyday language to make the concepts more relatable. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at making science understandable and interesting.

Second, my approach to public speaking has played a crucial role. Being able to communicate effectively and confidently in front of an audience is essential. To develop this skill, I recommend seeking out opportunities to speak in public as often as possible. This could be through local community events, school presentations, or online platforms.
I also offer this advice: Everyone has an opinion, and their opinion of you does not define you.
Lastly, my educational background in Biological Sciences provided a strong foundation for my career. It gave me the technical knowledge and analytical skills necessary to understand and communicate scientific information. For those starting out, I suggest immersing yourself in your chosen field of study. Take advantage of educational opportunities, seek out mentors, and stay curious. Continuously expanding your knowledge base will not only deepen your expertise but also enhance your ability to share it with others.

In summary, focusing on simplifying complex ideas, improving public speaking skills, and building a strong educational foundation are critical steps in your journey. Embrace opportunities to practice and learn, and you’ll find these qualities will significantly impact your success.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I would like to collaborate with more people in STEM who are interested in sharing their stories. Additionally, I am eager to work with people in the media to bring more STEM stories to television, streaming services, or larger platforms. I would love to be the woman version of Bill Nye, the Science Guy, or Neil DeGrasse Tyson. If you’re interested in connecting, you can reach out to me through my website: www.catbobino.com.

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