Meet The founder

Kara Branch is an award-winning chemical engineer, 2025 Engineer of the Year awardee, and the Founder & CEO of Black Girls Do Engineer (BGDE). Inspired by her daughter’s early curiosity in STEM, Kara launched BGDE to address the persistent gaps in representation, access, and confidence for girls and young women in science and technology

Kara Branch is an award-winning chemical engineer, 2025 Engineer of the Year awardee, and the Founder & CEO of Black Girls Do Engineer (BGDE). Inspired by her daughter’s early curiosity in STEM, Kara launched BGDE to address the persistent gaps in representation, access, and confidence for girls and young women in science and technology.

With over a decade of experience across engineering, technology, and executive leadership—including serving as an Engineering Manager for a Fortune 100 tech company—Kara brings industry insight and heart-centered leadership to BGDE’s mission. Since its founding, BGDE has empowered thousands of girls nationwide through hands-on STEM education, mentorship, workforce readiness, and innovation-driven programs.

Kara is passionate about building pathways that prepare girls not just to participate in STEM—but to lead it. Through BGDE’s expanding programs, partnerships, and EdTech initiatives, she continues to champion a future where girls are confident creators, problem-solvers, and innovators shaping the world.