Charlotte nonprofit Project Scientist has a new president and CEO to oversee its mission of encouraging young girls to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and math.
The organization is now led by Patrice Johnson, former chief program officer at Black Girls CODE — a nonprofit focused on providing tech and computer science education for Black girls and girls of color.
Johnson replaces Sandy Marshall, founder of Project Scientist, who left the organization to focus on offering nonprofit-consulting services, according to a spokesperson. Marshall had led the nonprofit since its inception in 2012.
Prior to joining Project Scientist, Johnson bolstered Black Girls CODE's global movement of putting Black girls first in technology, according to the Charlotte organization. She also joined forces with members of Congress as vice president of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Center for Policy Analysis and Research.
Johnson previously led partnerships and programming at Boys Hope Girls Hope in Detroit as its executive president. She additionally served as the youngest elected mayor pro tem of Muskegon Heights, Michigan, according to Project Scientist.
Johnson earned a doctorate of education in organizational leadership and development from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She obtained a bachelor's degree in social relations and public policy from Michigan State University, as well as a master's in ministry leadership from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary.
"At Project Scientist, I'm overjoyed to boldly continue igniting STEAM confidence in girls nationwide and abroad while advocating for gender and racial equity," Johnson said in a statement. "Project Scientist is the catalyst of future innovators and disruptive creators. I'm confident our students will change the face of STEAM and change the world."
Project Scientist strives to boost girls' confidence through virtual, in-person and hybrid summer and after-school STEAM programs taught in English and Spanish. The national organization is designed for underserved girls and non-binary youth ages 4 to 18. It has hosted more than 20,000 girls across 26 U.S. states and in Mexico through its programs.
Project Scientist isn't the only group with girl-focused STEM programs in Charlotte. Smart Girls HQ, Discovery Place Science and Digi-Bridge, among others, all have girls-in-STEM programs.
