Tell us why you became a teacher

I wanted more girls to know that it was ok to love science and math and be good at it! Being a woman who loves things has helped me to inspire others to do the same. More students needed to know the secret to learning math is only partly ability. More of it is your attitude. When you believe you can pass and understand, you will. It all starts with your mindset.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

In 20+ years I've had many but one of my favorite was receiving an email from a young lady after graduation telling me her plans for college and to pursue certifications in IT. The year she had my class she was considering changing her major. A year later, her mother emailed me to say she was doing well in college and was about to obtain her first IT certification.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I want to open a Bookstore with a training center to teach tech skills, programming and writing to youth and those in the community who need those skills beyond what is provided in today's classrooms.