‘Every challenge is an opportunity to inspire the next generation’

Jasmine Uboma is a 17-year-old visionary educator, entrepreneur, and advocate for equity in education. She is the founder of BeyondMath Educational Services Foundation, where she empowers under-represented youth through mentorship, AI training, and STEM-focused events. Her self-published BeyondMath Analytical Workbooks aim to make math more engaging and accessible to students in Grades 4–8. Recognised by CBC and honoured with awards such as Black Champion and Youth Change Leader, Jasmine has become a role model for aspiring changemakers, working tirelessly to close the diversity gap in STEM fields and inspire the next generation of innovator

The Spark Behind BeyondMath
During the COVID pandemic, my mom encouraged my brother and I to find something meaningful to do with our time instead of just scrolling through TikTok. I’ve always had a passion for math, so I decided to channel that energy into giving back to the subject I love. That’s how BeyondMath was born—my way of making math more fun and engaging for students.

Reimagining Math and STEM Education
I believe that math doesn’t have to be boring or intimidating. With the workbooks and workshops, we run, I aim to present math in a way that excites students. As the world changes, so should our teaching methods. At BeyondMath, we work on making STEM fields, especially math, more accessible and relatable, especially for kids who might think it’s too difficult.

Advocating for Education Equity
For me, the key to equity in education is creating opportunities for kids to engage with math in a fun, game-like manner. I think we need more after-school programs that bring math to life for students. Kids today have different learning needs, and making math more approachable will help build resilience for them to continue in STEM. I’m particularly passionate about advocating for Black kids, who are often steered toward athletics rather than STEM. I want to show them that they can excel in math and science too.

Navigating the Challenges of Self-Publishing
The biggest challenge I faced with self-publishing was getting the initial investment. Printing and publishing books on your own is no small feat, but I was lucky to have support from my mom, who really believed in the project. We also used Kickstarter to raise some funds, and that helped us get the project off the ground.

The Power of Mentorship in STEM
Representation is everything. It’s crucial that students see someone who looks like them at higher levels in STEM fields, as it shows them that they can do it too. I’ve been fortunate to have a mother who works in STEM, and that’s been a huge inspiration to me. Having mentors and role models is key to empowering the next generation.

Celebrating Student Success
One of the highlights of BeyondMath is our annual math competition. It’s always amazing to see kids rise to the challenge and show what they’re capable of. We also host end-of-year events where we celebrate the students’ hard work and achievements. It’s a fun way to reward them for their dedication and just enjoy each other’s company.

Advice for Future STEM Entrepreneurs
My advice for aspiring STEM entrepreneurs is to reach out to teachers or guidance counselors who can help navigate the pathways into STEM. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance from those who’ve been there. I’m always happy to help, so feel free to reach out to me anytime at [email protected].

Leadership and Advocacy as a Young Black Woman in STEM
Being a young Black woman in STEM has definitely shaped my approach to leadership and advocacy. I’m often the only Black student in my advanced math classes, and that drives me to push for more Black students to enter these fields. There’s still a long way to go, but I believe we need more people who look like us in STEM, and I’m committed to being one of those voices.

Memories of Recognition
Receiving recognition like the Ontario Scroll and the CBC feature has been surreal for me. Hearing my story shared on the radio and seeing the article posted on my school’s website made me realize the impact of what we’re doing. I’m also incredibly grateful for the letter I received from my university president acknowledging my work.

BeyondMath’s Lasting Impact
At the end of the day, I want to see more Black students entering STEM-related fields. We are smart, and we bring fresh perspectives to the table that are needed in these industries. I also hope that students start to shift their attitudes toward math—it’s challenging, yes, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

Being a Woman of Rubies
Being a Woman of Rubies means leading by example and showing younger kids that no dream is too big to achieve. It’s about demonstrating that with perseverance, you can overcome challenges. My journey highlights that you don’t have to do it alone, and it’s a message I’m passionate about sharing.

Inspiration from Powerful Women
I’m inspired by a number of women who have made an impact in my life and the world. My mom, Dr. Nnenna Uboma, is my biggest role model. I also look up to Beyoncé, who embodies the pursuit of excellence, and Olamide Olowe, the founder of Topicals, who has built a brand that celebrates people of colour. These women motivate me to keep pushing forward and aim higher.