September is National Workforce Development Month, a nationwide celebration of the programs, partnerships, and people building a stronger, more skilled workforce. There’s no better way to honor the month than by spotlighting someone who embodies BOT’s mission from every angle: an educator, a mentor to the next generation of STEM leaders, and a small business founder who grew through our programs.
Meet Dr. Maya Byfield, a STEM educator and founder of Phenomenal STEM(ist) and Associates. Maya turned access to new technology into a transformed classroom and a thriving business.
About Dr. Maya Byfield
Dr. Byfield is an award-winning professor and the founder and director of Phenomenal STEM(ist) and Associates, a STEM identity and workforce development platform focused on strengthening long-term STEM participation and economic mobility. With a passion for teaching and STEM, Maya is always pushing the boundaries in her field.
Like many educators in STEM fields, Dr. Byfield faced a familiar barrier: the tools and technology needed to teach cutting-edge concepts. This gap in tech knowledge is where she found BOT, formerly known as Black Orlando Tech. While looking for a way to learn and integrate technology, Dr. Byfield attended a BOT-hosted event. Maya noticed that what initially started as a meetup quickly transformed into a community looking to bridge the gap in technology access and education.
“They were really great at training and teaching us exactly what’s going on in technology… and they were open to all, everyone, whether you have experience in technology or not.”
BOT’s impact
Through BOT programming, Dr. Byfield gained hands-on access to new technology and equipment that had previously been out of reach. These resources and training directly translated into richer lessons and transformation for her business.
“Being a part of a cohort was critical. My business flourished and transformed because of the training I got from BOT… being a part of a cohort taught me to use Canva.”
But BOT’s impact didn’t stop at helping Dr. Byfield develop new tech skills. BOT team members recognized Maya’s drive and complementary vision to educate and grow the STEM field. With this recognition, Dr. Byfield increased her participation with BOT, serving as a speaker on panel discussions, providing her expertise to help others in the community thrive.
Watch Maya’s full impact video on BOT’s YouTube channel.
Why this story matters for National Workforce Development Month
National Workforce Development Month reminds us that building a skilled, resilient workforce takes more than good intentions; it takes access: access to technology, mentorship, funding, and community. Dr. Byfield’s story shows what happens when that access is provided to anyone, no matter which stage of their career they’re in.
At BOT, we believe workforce development isn’t just a single program; it’s a mindset that runs through everything we do, from our K–12 and educator initiatives to our startup cohorts and mentorship network. BOT continues to push the boundaries in access and technology by offering programs, workshops, and cohorts that directly impact participants.
Start your BOT journey
Whether you’re an educator looking to bring new technology into your classroom, a founder ready to grow your business, or someone just starting your tech journey, BOT has a program for you. Ten years in, our mission hasn’t changed: learn, build, scale. Stories like Maya Byfield’s prove what’s possible when a community invests in its people.
Ready to write your own story? Explore our programs, attend an event, or sign up for our newsletter below to stay connected as we celebrate 10 years of impact all year long.
Celebrate with BOT
Grab your ticket for our Brilliance in Orbit gala and celebrate 10 years of impact with the BOT community.