As a woman of faith, I carry with me confidence and a belief rooted in Psalm 1: 1-3.  It is this verse that led me to establish Feet Planted, LLC.  While in graduate school, I struggled and found myself at the point of quitting.  I am here to share my experience - the triumphs and failures with transparency so that early career professionals can thrive in STEM.

Builder

I am a product of educators and history makers who motivated me to be confident with the gait of my own stride. My father,  Spencer Mayfield, Jr., was a prolific basketball coach and teacher, and my mother, Dr. Carolyn Mayfield, is an accomplished educator, community leader, and entrepreneur.  They both instilled in me values that transcended academics. With tough love and high expectations, I was always encouraged to reach beyond my current circumstances and pursue excellence.  I am honored to continue their  commitment to outreach and education.
 

Geek

My STEM journey started way before college with a dirty penny, a cup of cola, lots of curiosity and an awesome chemistry teacher.  I am thankful to have earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Norfolk State University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Norfolk, Virginia, and a Master of Engineering degree in chemical engineering from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York.  I consider it a blessing and a gift to have led engineering teams, recruited, mentored, and hired students in both the private and public sectors.

STEMinist

In 2017, I received the Women of Color in STEM Technology All-Star Award.  It was a tremendous honor to meet and be in the presence of so many women who are trailblazers in their fields.   I remember being surrounded by 100's of accomplished women and listening to them talk about their families and the sacrifices some made in their careers; the struggles and disappointments.  What stuck with me were the words of wisdom, stories of triumph in how we as women must not give up. That moment encouraged me to keep showing up; to take ownership of my own career and create opportunities for others.  I don't just speak for me, but I create a community for girls and women in STEM to thrive, be seen, heard and know the impact they can and will make in this world. It starts with me!