Chanda Jefferson

I attribute my success to my values, particularly service, purpose, and leadership. I’ve always believed that when you understand your purpose and use it to serve others, opportunities have a way of opening up. For me, that purpose has always been connected to education, working with young people, and helping others reach the next level. I often call what I do “heart work” because I genuinely care about the people and communities I serve. I want to know that the work I’m doing is adding value and creating opportunities for someone else. Leadership has also played an important role in my success. I believe leadership is about more than having a title. It’s about building relationships, listening to people, bringing people together around a shared vision, and creating an environment where others can grow and succeed. I’m also a lifelong learner. I’m always looking for ways to grow, learn from others, and become a better leader. I think that combination of service, purpose, relationships, and continuous learning has really been the foundation of my success.

The best career advice I’ve received is to never be afraid to think differently and bring something new to the table. I’ve learned that growth often comes from being curious, asking thoughtful questions, and looking for ways to make things better. I’ve also learned the importance of not dimming your light. Sometimes, especially as women, we may hesitate to share our ideas or fully use our voice. But our experiences and perspectives have value, and sharing them can create opportunities for others as well. For me, the best advice has been to trust what you bring to the table, continue learning, and use your voice in a way that creates positive change.

My advice to young women entering this field would be to always stay connected to your why, your passion, and your purpose. There will be challenging moments, and remembering why you started can give you the perspective and motivation you need to keep moving forward. I would also encourage young women to find great mentors. Having someone you trust who can listen, offer guidance, and help you see situations from a different perspective can make such a difference in your journey. And finally, believe in what you bring to the table. Continue learning, stay open to new opportunities, and don’t be afraid to use your voice. You belong in the spaces you’ve worked hard to enter, and your perspective can make those spaces better.

I think one of the biggest challenges and opportunities in K–12 pre-college STEM education is making sure we start early enough. If we want to prepare the next generation of scientists, engineers, researchers, and innovators, we have to create opportunities for young people to develop those skills and see themselves in these fields early. Early exposure and strong preparation can help students build the knowledge, confidence, and experiences they need to pursue STEM pathways. It is not only about preparing students for college; it is about preparing the next generation to solve problems, develop new scientific solutions, and help us remain competitive as a global leader in STEM. What makes me optimistic is seeing higher education leaders recognize and embrace the importance of this work. There is a tremendous opportunity to connect K–12 education, higher education, research, and communities to build stronger pathways for the future.

The values that are most important to me are faith, family, relationships, fairness, and joy. These values keep me grounded and guide how I treat people, make decisions, and lead. I believe in treating others with kindness and respect, creating opportunities for others, and finding joy in the work that I do. Ultimately, I want my values to be reflected in how I live, serve, and lead.