Meet the Team

Crafted by Creative Tinkerers

Say

"hello"

to the brilliant minds behind Dear Smart Girl!

The tinkerers of Dear Smart Girl are not just a team; we're a collective force of innovation, passion, and empowerment. Comprising diverse backgrounds in STEM, education, strategy, and creativity, each member brings a unique perspective and expertise to the table.

Our team is driven by a common mission: to inspire the next generation of young women to explore the exciting world of STEM. Through our meticulously crafted STEM kits and products, we aim to ignite curiosity, foster critical thinking, and instill confidence in every smart girl out there.

Abi Olukeye

Founder & CEO

Abi Olukeye is the founder and CEO of Smart Girls HQ, the learning platform behind Dear Smart Girl. Founded in 2018, her vision is to create an ecosystem of products that when used together are a powerful catalyst for sustaining long-term engagement in STEM for young girls.

Her work has been supported by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Education through the Small Business Innovation Research(SBIR) Awards, the NC Idea Foundation, and the Vela Education Fund.

Previously, she led Internet of Things (IoT) strategy development and digital transformation projects at Ingersoll Rand. She has over fifteen years of professional and leadership experience spanning new product development, technology commercialization, process improvement, and strategy.

Abi is a member of the Computer Science K12 Standards Committee for North Carolina and serves on the board of CSEdResearch.org. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Virginia Tech and an MBA from Indiana University. Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, she and her husband live in Charlotte, NC, and have two young daughters who greatly inspire her work.

Jesudamilare Ibitoye

Operations Manager

Damilare Ibitoye serves as the Operations Manager at Smart Girls HQ, where she leads a dedicated team in producing the Dear Smart Girl kits, as well as manages the logistics of the supply chain. Her role is vital in enabling girls to transition from curiosity to career by igniting a passion for STEM through engaging experiences.

With a Master’s Degree in Data Science and Business Analytics, alongside a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Damilare brings a solid educational background to her work. Prior to joining SGHQ, she gained valuable experience in the banking industry and excelled as an educator, earning high praise for her teaching capabilities in Computer Science.

Damilare seamlessly transitioned from her Nigerian roots to the energetic atmosphere of North Carolina. She excels in structured environments and values efficiency and organization but will step outside of her ISTJ zone for a quick round of karaoke. She brings a regal charm to her work and leisure activities alike.

Sarah Sciascia

Multimedia Designer

Sarah Sciascia serves as the Multimedia Designer at Smart Girls HQ. She oversees various design projects spanning from social media, packaging, booklet illustrations, and so much more. Her boundless creativity and insightful vision bring life to the brand.

Originally joining as an intern in 2021 while pursuing full-time collegiate studies, Sarah started her career as a production assistant. During this time she quickly took on the task of video editing and filming for STEM activities. This was where her unique eye and talent for design were uncovered. Upon completing her degree, she transitioned to a full-time role within the Smart Girls HQ team.

In 2023, Sarah earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies with a Concentration in Mass Media and a Minor in Journalism from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Throughout her undergraduate tenure, she served as Sophomore Class Council Press Secretary, where she oversaw social media endeavors.

Sarah is originally from Harrisburg, NC, which is where she still calls home. Despite lacking prior design experience before joining SGHQ, her innate creativity has always been evident. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, painting, upcycling clothes, lifting, and spending time with her cat Cleo.

Erica McLaurin

Learning & Curriculum Manager

Erica McLaurin serves as the Learning & Curriculum Manager at Smart Girls HQ. This role is tasked with crafting engaging lessons and activities that foster interest in STEM careers. Beyond content development, Erica also leads Smart Girl Squad, which is an in-school program tailored for 5th-grade girls.

With a Master’s Degree in Middle & Secondary Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Erica brings over 15 years of experience as an educator. Her journey began as a middle school math teacher, before stepping into leadership roles as a Curriculum and Technology Specialist. Alongside teaching, she has led extracurricular activities like yearbook and journalism design, Girls on the Run, and several programs fostering minority student empowerment.

Originally from Virginia, Erica now resides in North Carolina happily with her loving husband and two vibrant children– a curious pre-teen daughter and an energetic toddler son. One of her amusing quirks is her tendency to impulsively purchase grocery items that have been labeled with “new” stickers. Whenever time permits, she enjoys traveling and exploring new places both near and far, dancing, gardening, and arts and crafts.

Sam Kaiser

Products & Partnerships Manager

Sam Kaiser serves as the Product & Partnerships Manager at Smart Girls HQ, where she maintains relationships with various people as well as assists in marketing endeavors. While in college, she contributed to the team as a Marketing & Sales Intern, beginning in 2022. Upon completing her undergraduate studies, Sam transitioned to a full-time position within the organization.

Obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing, alongside a Minor in Spanish, Sam graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in May of 2023. During her time in undergrad, she held leadership positions within her sorority, Kappa Delta, where she was also involved in philanthropic endeavors and community outreach with local Girl Scout troops.

Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Sam moved to Charlotte, NC to pursue her education and embark on a new journey. She currently resides in Raleigh, NC. In her free time, Sam enjoys walking her two dogs, Ginger and Moose, journaling, working out, and spending time with friends and family.

Contact Information

abi@dearsmartgirl.com

linkedin.com/in/abiolukeye

Abi Olukeye

Founder & CEO

Abi Olukeye is the founder and CEO of Smart Girls HQ, the learning platform behind Dear Smart Girl. Founded in 2018, her vision is to create an ecosystem of products that when used together are a powerful catalyst for sustaining long-term engagement in STEM for young girls.

Her work has been supported by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Education through the Small Business Innovation Research(SBIR) Awards, the NC Idea Foundation, and the Vela Education Fund.

Previously, she led Internet of Things (IoT) strategy development and digital transformation projects at Ingersoll Rand. She has over fifteen years of professional and leadership experience spanning new product development, technology commercialization, process improvement, and strategy.

Abi is a member of the Computer Science K12 Standards Committee for North Carolina and serves on the board of CSEdResearch.org. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Virginia Tech and an MBA from Indiana University. Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, she and her husband live in Charlotte, NC, and have two young daughters who greatly inspire her work.

Jesudamilare Ibitoye

Operations Manager

Damilare Ibitoye serves as the Operations Manager at Smart Girls HQ, where she leads a dedicated team in producing the Dear Smart Girl kits, as well as manages the logistics of the supply chain. Her role is vital in enabling girls to transition from curiosity to career by igniting a passion for STEM through engaging experiences.

With a Master’s Degree in Data Science and Business Analytics, alongside a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Damilare brings a solid educational background to her work. Prior to joining SGHQ, she gained valuable experience in the banking industry and excelled as an educator, earning high praise for her teaching capabilities in Computer Science.

Damilare seamlessly transitioned from her Nigerian roots to the energetic atmosphere of North Carolina. She excels in structured environments and values efficiency and organization but will step outside of her ISTJ zone for a quick round of karaoke. She brings a regal charm to her work and leisure activities alike.

Contact Information

damilare@dearsmartgirl.com

linkedin.com/in/jibitoye

Contact Information

sarah@dearsmartgirl.com

linkedin.com/in/sarahsciascia

Sarah Sciascia

Multimedia Designer

Sarah Sciascia serves as the Multimedia Designer at Smart Girls HQ. She oversees various design projects spanning from social media, packaging, booklet illustrations, and so much more. Her boundless creativity and insightful vision bring life to the brand.

Originally joining as an intern in 2021 while pursuing full-time collegiate studies, Sarah started her career as a production assistant. During this time she quickly took on the task of video editing and filming for STEM activities. This was where her unique eye and talent for design were uncovered. Upon completing her degree, she transitioned to a full-time role within the Smart Girls HQ team.

In 2023, Sarah earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies with a Concentration in Mass Media and a Minor in Journalism from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Throughout her undergraduate tenure, she served as Sophomore Class Council Press Secretary, where she oversaw social media endeavors.

Sarah is originally from Harrisburg, NC, which is where she still calls home. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, painting, upcycling thrifted clothes, lifting, and spending time with her cat Cleo.

Erica McLaurin

Learning & Curriculum Manager

Erica McLaurin serves as the Learning & Curriculum Manager at Smart Girls HQ. This role is tasked with crafting engaging lessons and activities that foster interest in STEM careers. Beyond content development, Erica also leads Smart Girl Squad, which is an in-school program tailored for 5th-grade girls.

With a Master’s Degree in Middle & Secondary Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Erica brings over 15 years of experience as an educator. Her journey began as a middle school math teacher, before stepping into leadership roles as a Curriculum and Technology Specialist. Alongside teaching, she has led extracurricular activities like yearbook and journalism design, Girls on the Run, and several programs fostering minority student empowerment.

Originally from Virginia, Erica now resides in North Carolina happily with her loving husband and two vibrant children– a curious pre-teen daughter and an energetic toddler son. One of her amusing quirks is her tendency to impulsively purchase grocery items that have been labeled with “new” stickers. Whenever time permits, she enjoys traveling and exploring new places both near and far, dancing, gardening, and arts and crafts.

Contact Information

erica@dearsmartgirl.com

linkedin.com/in/ericamclaurin

Contact Information

sam@dearsmartgirl.com

linkedin.com/in/sammkaiserr

Sam Kaiser

Products & Partnerships Manager

Sam Kaiser serves as the Product & Partnerships Manager at Smart Girls HQ, where she maintains relationships with various people as well as assists in marketing endeavors. While in college, she contributed to the team as a Marketing & Sales Intern, beginning in 2022. Upon completing her undergraduate studies, Sam transitioned to a full-time position within the organization.

Obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing, alongside a Minor in Spanish, Sam graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in May of 2023. During her time in undergrad, she held leadership positions within her sorority, Kappa Delta, where she was also involved in philanthropic endeavors and community outreach with local Girl Scout troops.

Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Sam moved to Charlotte, NC to pursue her education and embark on a new journey. She currently resides in Raleigh, NC. In her free time, Sam enjoys walking her two dogs, Ginger and Moose, journaling, working out, and spending time with friends and family.