Our Team

Dr. Shy is a graduate from Jackson State University (BS) and Tennessee State University (MS; PhD) with degrees in Biology and Biological Sciences. A native of Buckatunna, MS, Dr. Shy is a trained biochemist and has specialized in areas of research such as exercise science, sports physiology, bioinformatics, immunology, and cancer biology. Her experience in working with students encompasses Scientist in the Classroom with Vanderbilt University and Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, Million Women Mentors Youth Mentoring, Mosaic Academy at PepsiCo, and numerous science-related community events. Dr. Shy is devoted to connecting with youth to help them discover their true identity through self-awareness. Her favorite self-quote is: “If I can be a stepping stone to help one student get to where they desire to go quicker than I did, then I have served my purpose as a human being”.

TaAqua, a native of Chicago, IL, is a Quality Food and Safety Manager. TaAqua attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she earned a B.S. in Agricultural and Biological Engineering. Her specialization is in food processing applications such as manufacturing control processes, food safety and quality system design. Specifically, she loves working with food to help not only nourish people but also promote good health. TaAqua has volunteered with mentor programs for the last 20 years. One of her favorite quotes is "“We should all be concerned about the future because we have to live there”. That quote resonates with TaAqua's purpose in mentoring young girls in STEM as they are the future designers of this world, and they hold the vision to make this world better. TaAqua is dedicated to helping young girls by instilling in them the encouragement and focus to realize their dreams.

Gerie, a native of Chicago, IL, is a CPA. Gerie attended the University of Illinois at Chicago where she earned a B.S. in Accounting and Psychology and her M.S.A. in Accounting and attended the University of Phoenix to earn her MBA in Global Business. Although she has a business background, she also is well versed in philanthropy taking her to various countries bringing her talents and volunteering with local and international programs over many years. Gerie is looking forward to mentoring young girls in STEM, encouraging them to take the leap and become the leaders that can advance this mission, while also helping the next generation of young women and future STEM professionals reach their academic goals.

Lalynn is a seasoned social media manager and graphic designer with a three-year tenure in the industry. Her mission is fueled by a dedication to empowering young girls through STEM education and self-awareness strategies. Through her expertise in graphic design, Lalynn creates captivating visuals that inspire confidence and curiosity in STEM subjects. Her passion lies in equipping young minds with the knowledge and self-assurance to pursue their dreams within the world of STEM and beyond.

Yulissa Luna, is a rising third-year undergraduate student at the University of Chicago. With a major in Chemistry, Yulissa plans to pursue a career in medicine because helping people and making a positive impact on their lives is ultimately what drives her forward. She participated in exceptional STEM programs during her middle and high school years. Those opportunities paved a way for her to explore and deepen her understanding of science. Yulissa joined Building Bridges, Inc. because the idea of creating opportunities for young girls, just as she had received during her formative years, deeply resonated with her. She is committed to breaking barriers and overcoming challenges in her journey toward becoming a physician and as she continues to learn and grow,  during her time at Building Bridges, Inc.,  she hopes to make a positive impact on the lives of aspiring young girls and encourage them to follow their dreams just as she is pursuing hers in chemistry and medicine. 

Zara is a graduate from the University of Maryland with a degree in Public Health Science. She is currently working as a medical assistant in a Primary Care Practice and plans to pursue a career in medicine. She aspires to incorporate her knowledge in public health to have a more holistic approach in her practice in the medical field. Zara joined Building Bridges Inc. to help expand opportunities and continue working towards equity in the STEM field. During her time at Building Bridges Inc. she hopes to help young girls understand the variety of ways they can implement their passions into the STEM field and inspire confidence to pursue careers in this field.

Dr. Stephanie Adams is an award-winning STEM educator and curriculum developer. Throughout her career, she has also had the privilege to serve as a mentor to many educators, and has been hailed as a “problem-solver” by colleagues. Her career in STEM education started over thirty years ago, at which point she attended Illinois Institute of Technology (Chicago, IL) to study Chemical Engineering. Her love for science and her knack for teaching led her to complete her Bachelor of Arts in Education with a specialization in math and science. Dr. Adams went on to obtain a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision and a Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.

Throughout her educational career, Dr. Adams has instructed K-12, public and private students in math and science. After retiring from one of the largest public school districts in the country in 2023, Dr. Adams has embarked on a journey to bring quality STEM instruction to students of all backgrounds and in all locations, whether from direct instruction, through evidence-based curriculum or by ensuring the presence of quality STEM-educators in the classroom.

David Allen is a retired Food Scientist who has worked in the food industry for over 30 years. During this time, he worked in both Research and Development and Quality Assurance/Control and launched many domestic and global food and beverage products. As a Food Scientist, David was actively involved in college campus recruiting students at HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) for internships in Food Science and Chemical Engineering. He also has served as a mentor for junior scientists and a charter member of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Council at his former company.

David holds degrees in Biology and Food Science from Savannah State University and Alabama A&M, respectively. He is currently a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership at Arkansas State University, where his future plans are to become a college administrator in student success and career development. Furthermore, David is a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Bryan has 25+ years of industrial experience discovering and developing medicines to improve the lives of patients with cancer, chronic kidney disease, hepatitis C and other indications. He has led diverse teams, designed programs, and participated in STEM equity throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Bryan advocates for equity in STEM and healthcare and believes grassroots organizations, like Building Bridges, create the most impact to benefit under resourced communities.

Bryan received a B.S. in Biology from Indiana University-Bloomington, a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Vanderbilt University and completed postdoctoral studies at University of Chicago.

Dr. Tony E. Summers has extensive postsecondary education experience. His experience includes Chief Executive Officer of the University of the District of Columbia Community College, Vice President for Student Development at Richland College (one of seven independently accredited colleges in the Dallas County Community College District), Director of Financial Aid and the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at the Community College of Allegheny County, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Adjunct instructor at the University of Southern Utah‘s Graduate Program in Public Administration. Dr. Summers is a published author of the text, The Reflective Administrator, a Leader Centered Focus.

Dr. Summers completed his bachelor’s in political science at Duquesne University, his Maters of Education at the University of Pittsburgh, and completed his Doctoral Degree in Adult Learning and Higher Education at Walden University.