Engineering Dreams, Coding Futures, and Reaching for the Stars: Meet Shayla Givens
For our STEM Leaders series this April, we are proud to feature Shayla Givens, a multifaceted Mechanical Engineer with a Master’s in Systems Engineering focused on space systems. With over a decade of experience creating educational content on social media, Shayla also shines as a STEM educator, app developer, visual artist, animator, and devoted mother of three. Her passion for uplifting youth comes to life through mentorship, curriculum development, and advocacy.
Tell us about your journey.
At my core, I am an explorer and a problem solver driven by discovery. My journey has always been about uncovering the unknown, piecing together mysteries, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. As a child, I dreamed of excavating dinosaur bones and uncovering lost artifacts like a real-life Tomb Raider. That curiosity led me to astronomy, then to marine biology, and eventually, to space—where exploration has no limits.
This passion for discovery shaped me into an engineer. Engineering is about solving problems, making sense of complexities, and finding better ways to approach challenges. Whether troubleshooting technical issues, optimizing everyday tasks, or coding solutions, I thrive on refining and improving processes. Coding, in particular, became a space where I could experience the immediate satisfaction of problem-solving—writing lines of logic and seeing them come to life. Every challenge is a puzzle, every obstacle an opportunity to learn, and I embrace the journey with the same excitement I had when I first dreamed of exploring the world.
What pivotal experiences shaped your current path?
In middle school, I attended Davidson Fine Arts, a school that nurtured both artistic and academic excellence. At the same time, I was deeply involved in basketball, playing at a competitive level. As I transitioned into high school, I faced a difficult decision: continue pursuing basketball or remain at Davidson to further my education in the arts and academics. My parents, while supportive, left the choice entirely up to me. I was torn because I loved both. Basketball gave me camaraderie and competition, but Davidson provided an enriching academic and artistic environment where I played the viola, sang, and thrived in a challenging curriculum.
Ultimately, I chose to stay at Davidson. Looking back, I’m grateful for that decision because it allowed me to develop both technical and creative skills, shaping my ability to think innovatively. Even though I left competitive basketball behind, I gained an education that balanced structure with artistic freedom—something that continues to influence me today.
Another pivotal moment came when I graduated high school and attended Tuskegee University through their fast-track program, which earned me a scholarship. From the beginning, I was focused on space research and engineering, but at one point, I considered transferring to Georgia Tech, believing it might offer better opportunities in aerospace and space exploration. A friend who attended Georgia Tech even encouraged me to make the move. However, I ultimately decided to stay at Tuskegee, a choice that proved invaluable.
The education I received there was rigorous, with professors who emphasized work ethic, professionalism, and perseverance. Tuskegee’s unique community and rich history deeply impacted me, reinforcing the importance of excellence, representation, and discipline in engineering. Being part of the university’s legacy gave me a sense of purpose that I might not have experienced elsewhere.
Further into my journey, the most transformative moment was becoming a mother. Parenthood fundamentally changed how I saw the world and how I approached problem-solving. Before having children, I was highly structured and detail-oriented, preferring things to go according to plan. But children don’t operate on schedules—their needs require flexibility and patience.
Raising my children has taught me to adapt, stay steady in moments of frustration, and balance productivity with compassion. It has also strengthened my ability to lead, teach, and communicate—crucial skills in both parenting and my professional life. My children remind me daily of the importance of honesty, resilience, and being a role model—not just for them but for the broader community I influence.
What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career similar to yours?
Math is a fundamental skill that opens doors to countless opportunities, especially in technical fields like engineering and scientific research. Many people dismiss complex math as unnecessary, but mastering it enhances problem-solving, logical thinking, and pattern recognition—skills essential in both professional and everyday life. Recognizing patterns allows engineers and scientists to predict outcomes and make informed decisions.
For those aspiring to work in STEM, developing strong skills in calculus, trigonometry, and statistics is crucial. Learning to code, particularly in Python, is also highly valuable, as scripting and automation are becoming essential across industries. Additionally, understanding Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software like SolidWorks or CATIA provides an advantage in engineering and product development.
Beyond technical skills, engaging in space research and scientific communication offers exciting career paths. Programs like NASA’s Solar System Ambassadors allow individuals to educate the public on space exploration, while citizen science projects enable hands-on contributions to real research. Joining advisory councils and participating in STEM outreach can also help build expertise and credibility.
The key to success in these fields is continuous learning and involvement in technical communities. By embracing math, coding, and scientific engagement, individuals can shape their futures and contribute meaningfully to advancements in technology and space exploration.
What drives your desire to contribute and make a difference?
Teaching has always been a part of my life, and a big influence has been my dad, who has a doctorate in education. I’ve been tutoring since high school, and my passion for helping others understand complex topics has only grown over the years.
One of my most memorable tutoring experiences happened during a summer in college at Tuskegee. My dad often tutored students in math, but at the time, he was busy working on his dissertation. One of his students, an adult taking a course to earn a promotion, needed help with calculus. My father asked me to step in, and I gladly accepted the challenge.
I believe anyone can master a subject with the right support. This student was determined to succeed, and I worked with him to break down difficult concepts in a way that made sense. Seeing his confidence grow with each session was incredibly rewarding. He ultimately passed the class, secured his promotion, and was deeply grateful for the support. That experience reinforced my love for teaching, particularly in adult education, where gaining new skills can have a direct impact on someone’s career and quality of life.
Over the years, I’ve taken workshops to refine my teaching skills, focusing on how people absorb and process information. The joy of watching someone have that “lightbulb moment” when they truly grasp a concept is incredibly rewarding. True teaching is not just about transferring information but about fostering confidence, curiosity, and mastery.
If you could go back and advise your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self: Focus on your studies and commit fully to becoming an engineer first. If you have dreams of test pilot school, apply as an engineer. Stay disciplined in your academics because it will open doors for you.
At the same time, don’t stop doing martial arts. It will teach you discipline, resilience, and confidence—qualities that will serve you in every aspect of life. Most importantly, don’t stress so much about the future. It’s easy to get caught up in worrying about what’s next, but focusing on the present will help you build a strong foundation. Things will work out, even if they don’t go exactly as planned.
And remember—stop worrying about what others think of you. Stay focused on your goals, embrace both the technical and creative sides of yourself, and surround yourself with people who genuinely support you. Trust yourself because you’re capable of more than you realize.
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