Women’s History Month: shaping the future in STEM

Crystal Alexander, a manager in the Mathematics Department, is inspired by women who break barriers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. And, since becoming a math teacher with Dallas ISD, she is an inspiration to the next generation of trailblazers. 

One of the ways she has done this is through the annual Dallas ISD STEM Expo—the largest STEM expo in Texas. After 11 years of managing the event, Alexander believes it is one of her greatest projects, exposing over 3,000 students each year to exploration and design within technology.

She believes these events are crucial to inspiring the next generation of innovators.

“In today’s world, success isn’t just about intelligence or skill, it’s about knowing where to find opportunities and having the confidence to pursue them,” Alexander said.

A Dallas native and graduate of the Business and Management Center, now the Marvin E. Robinson School of Business and Management at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center, Alexander said her passion for the Dallas community stems from her family and her mother.

“My interest in STEM was sparked by my childhood curiosity—breaking things and trying to fix them before my mom got home. I had an early instinct to repair, troubleshoot and put things back together,” Alexander said. 

“I’m very active in promoting the cause, sharing information and participating in research. So many people my age are dealing with their parents who are transitioning into that stage,” Alexander said.

After losing her mother, Alexander has expanded her purpose to advocacy, researching ways to help others prepare for life changes.  She prioritizes wellness, recognizing that our bodies change over time and require intentional care.

In her work in STEM, Alexander is inspired not only by her mother but also by the women who have broken barriers in mathematics and STEM, despite it being a male dominated field.

 “Women like Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn and Mary Jackson are important because their work at NASA helped change history,” Alexander said. “Dr. Evelyn Boyd inspires me because she is one of the first Black women to earn a PhD in mathematics.”

“For me, women’s history is about recognizing the challenges women face in leadership positions within education,” Alexander said.