Dr. Patrice Johnson stands at the forefront of transformative STEM education, championing the cause of underserved and marginalized girls through her role as CEO and President of Project Scientist. A seasoned leader with a rich background in education and community, Dr. Johnson has been a driving force in shaping initiatives that empower girls in science, technology, engineering,and math (STEM).
Dr. Johnson assumed leadership at Project Scientist, following her tenure as Chief Programs Officer at Black Girls CODE. Her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry is evident in her extensive experience, including collaborations with the U.S. Congress as Vice President for the Center for Policy and Research at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.
With an illustrious career that includes being the youngest elected Pro Tempore Mayor and Councilwoman for the City of Muskegon Heights, Michigan, she brings a wealth of leadership experience to her current role. She has consistently strived to empower individuals and communities, transcending titles and embracing a leadership philosophy centered on authenticity and impact.
Project Scientist, a non-profit organization, serves as a catalyst for change, aiming to bridge educational inequities by offering STEAM programs to girls aged 4 to 18. She envisions a future where the girls in Project Scientist's programs become the driving force behind scientific breakthroughs, cancer cures, and Nobel Prize-winning achievements. Under her leadership, the organization has set ambitious goals, aiming to double its impact in the next three years and expand its presence to 12 major U.S. cities and two to three global communities.
The organization's emphasis on integrating the arts into STEM education aligns with Dr. Johnson's belief that the arts serve as a catalyst for creativity. She envisions a holistic approach that nurtures the whole child, fostering creativity and confidence in STEM. Her leadership is characterized by a dedication to holistic education and a recognition that systemic injustices, particularly in underprivileged communities, perpetuate educational disparities.
In her pursuit of equitable education, she acknowledges the challenges of addressing not only gender but also class and racial disparities. Drawing inspiration from Jonathan Kozol's "Savage Inequalities," she advocates for a holistic approach that focuses on the needs of the whole child, ensuring high-quality education regardless of a child's upbringing.
Authenticity stands as a cornerstone of her leadership style. Encouraging her team to embrace their authentic selves, she believes in creating a safe space for individuality where team members can take risks without fear of failure. This approach aligns with her own journey of relinquishing perfectionism and embracing authenticity.
Dr. Johnson's leadership extends beyond Project Scientist, as she serves on various boards, including the International Advisory Panel of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the NYSE Board Advisory Council, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Foundation, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Catalyst. Her recent appointment to the U.S.-Brazil CEO Forum in 2023 reflects her influence on a global scale.
As she navigates her leadership journey, she remains dedicated to creating a lasting impact and instilling confidence in the next generation of women leaders in STEM. Through Project Scientist, she envisions a future where girls from diverse backgrounds have equal opportunities to excel in STEM fields, contributing to a more inclusive and innovative world.