OUR ORIGIN
Just like a mosaic, a patchwork quilt is made up of many individual pieces, each with its own unique color and pattern. When combined, these pieces form a beautiful and cohesive whole. In 2022, three visionary founders—Shawna Young, Dr. Tammy Stevens, and Dr. Paris Andrew—established Mo-saiQ with this very essence in mind. Driven by their lived experiences, professional expertise, and illustrious careers in STEM and entrepreneurship, Shawna, Tammy, and Paris have navigated and overcome the very challenges Mo-saiQ seeks to address.
As graduates of prestigious institutions such as MIT and UNC, with advanced degrees in engineering, education, and business, they intimately understand the barriers and recognize the untapped potential of Black and brown scholars. They know firsthand that brilliance exists in every corner of our communities and are dedicated to ensuring that every scholar has the opportunity to shine.
Mo-saiQ was born from their desire to piece together the essential elements—resources, mentorship, and culturally-affirming experiences—that empower young scholars to navigate STEM and entrepreneurship pathways successfully and authentically.
At Mo-saiQ, we believe that by bringing together these individual pieces, we can create a vibrant and inclusive future where every scholar’s unique brilliance is celebrated and cultivated.
Leaving our talent out of the future
Too much exceptional talent is being left out of opportunities to build and transform future innovations due to systemic gaps and inconsistent standards in our educational and societal systems. These barriers have resulted in hundreds of thousands of academically gifted students being overlooked for advanced programs. While gifted programs provide valuable academic capital that positions students for success, research shows that many high-potential students are never identified, depriving them of these enrichment opportunities.
Research shows that students who take advanced math courses have higher four-year graduation rates, GPAs, and postsecondary persistence rates. They also have higher attendance rates at selective institutions. Despite the clear benefits, only 29% of all high-achieving American students take AP/IB calculus by the end of high school. This gap means many talented students miss opportunities that could boost their academic confidence and provide access to advanced educational tools and support networks.
Mo-saiQ bridges these gaps by building social capital, providing equitable academic opportunities, and celebrating all cultural identities. We empower scholars to navigate and excel in their educational and career paths, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and leadership.
Mission
Mo-saiQ provides personalized learning experiences that foster academic and social empowerment. Through a supportive network, AI-enabled platform, and personal development, we equip scholars with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive and lead in STEM and entrepreneurship careers.
OUR Values
Access and Excellence
Mo-saiQ is committed to creating a fair and open environment by ensuring all talented scholars have equal access to opportunities in STEM and entrepreneurship. This value is reflected in our efforts to remove barriers and provide comprehensive resources that support academic and professional achievement.
Empowerment
The organization focuses on empowering young scholars by building their social capital, providing personalized experiences, and fostering a supportive network. This empowerment extends to academic, social, and professional realms, enabling students to navigate and thrive in their chosen pathways.
Innovation and Achievement
Mo-saiQ believes in the potential of varied perspectives to drive innovation and breakthrough discoveries. By supporting talented scholars, the organization aims to unlock untapped potential and creativity, contributing to economic growth and societal advancement.
Authentic Development
Recognizing and valuing each student’s unique background and perspective is a core value. Mo-saiQ promotes asset-based approaches to education and professional development, affirming the diverse experiences and insights that each scholar brings to our community. We cultivate an environment where students can authentically express themselves while developing their academic and professional identities.
Merit-Based Access
Ensuring equitable access to opportunities is a fundamental aspect of Mo-saiQ’s mission. The organization is dedicated to identifying and developing talent from all backgrounds, making merit-based opportunity a key value in our work. We focus on removing barriers to success through targeted academic support, mentorship, and resource access, enabling promising students to reach their full potential.
Meet the team