Myesha C. Wallace

I attribute my success to the strong network of people around me. Whether in my professional life or at home, I am fortunate to have a supportive team and community. By giving and receiving support, we create an environment where everyone thrives, and that has been key to my personal and professional growth.

The best career advice I ever received came from a mentor, Dr. Thomas Seen Lee. I remember feeling completely exhausted, trying to maintain my credentials while teaching full-time. When I expressed how overwhelmed I was, she shared a powerful lesson, likening challenges to the walls of Jericho. She explained that in any fight, obstacles will inevitably appear, and success comes from persistence and determination in overcoming them. That lesson about staying persistent through challenges has guided me throughout my career.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to never let anyone tell you that your gender limits what you can achieve. This field is incredibly rewarding, especially when you consider the impact your work can have on the world and the people around you. In STEM, we are problem solvers, and much of what we do involves finding solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives.

One of the biggest challenges in education today is ensuring accessibility, particularly as technology continues to evolve. As a state supervisor in Mississippi, I see firsthand how some rural counties and small towns lack the same access to resources as more urban areas. For teachers in technical fields, limited hands-on experience and professional development opportunities can make it difficult to stay current. Additionally, funding—especially from federal sources—remains a critical factor in ensuring schools have the equipment and resources they need. Overall, the challenge and opportunity lie in making technology, development, and experiences accessible to all educators so they can effectively prepare their students.

The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are consistency, persistence, and perseverance. Growing up in Mississippi as a Black woman pursuing a career in STEM, I’ve faced many obstacles, and I’ve seen my students face similar challenges. I’ve learned not to let circumstances define what I can achieve. Overcoming challenges builds character, teaches resilience, and shows how much we are truly capable of enduring.