We had the good fortune of connecting with LaRhonda “Ronnie” Frost and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LaRhonda “Ronnie”, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My biggest inspiration for launching Frost Equity Initiative (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) and Frost Equity Initiative was to address the lack of diversity in the tech industry. I’ve worked in tech for over twenty years and have never worked with a Black female software engineer, and only once with a Latina.

In my corporate roles, I noticed a skills gap between the high school interns I mentored on the job—many from prestigious schools that offered rigorous tech programs—and the underrepresented students I taught in non-profit STEAM programs. Like many of the underrepresented youth, I was a first-generation college student, and that challenge inspired me to help level the playing field and make quality STEAM programming and mentorship accessible to all learners.

I started my first STEAM program in college. A sixth grader approached my Mother and me about starting a tutoring program for elementary students with my Mother’s non-profit. Soon after launch, we received a grant to fund a technology lab. I was fascinated with how fast the students learned and was inspired to continue on this path after moving to Chicago and now to Los Angeles, volunteering in nationally recognized STEAM programs.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, I attended a conference hosted by Lisa Nichols in Newport Beach, where we had to pitch an idea related to our passion on the spot. I was also volunteering for a Black Girls Code in Newport Beach that weekend, which sparked my idea to pitch STEAM clubs in schools. That exercise inspired me to launch Frost Equity Initiative, and since we’ve partnered with several schools throughout Los Angeles and Chicago.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Frost Equity Initiative is a 501(c)(3) that partners with schools to launch STEAM enrichment programs (Science, Coding, and Money Clubs) in underrepresented communities, tackling the issue of diversity in the STEAM industry. We also host free community STEAM events with our community partners.

I have volunteered for some of the national youth STEAM programs over the years, and several things separate my organizations from those programs. First, I launched my programs after over fifteen years of working as a software engineer, and I have spent over a decade teaching youth how to code and tutoring them in various school subjects. In addition to hands-on knowledge of the tech industry and insight into what skills are important for a successful career, I have extensive experience working hands-on with youth nationwide.

During my six years in the gaming industry and as someone who suffers from diagnosed ADHD, I understand the importance of keeping our programs engaging and fun by empowering students to create their own adventures and offering differentiated learning experiences. Also, our students develop their leadership skills while assisting their peers and presenting their work. Our exercises incorporate math, physics, and physical science principles in projects, which can put our scholars ahead of their peers. We also encourage a growth mindset while teaching our scholars to reframe failure as learning and to see challenges as opportunities. This teaches them to appreciate and cultivate patience for the rigor needed to succeed in STEAM.

In addition, I only hire technical instructors who are enthusiastic about educating underrepresented youth and technology. Also, I still work as a software engineering tech lead and keep up with the latest industry developments to weave subjects such as artificial intelligence (AI) into our scholars’ instruction. We’re also advised by professionals and teachers who are passionate about education. One of my biggest supporters and long-term mentors, Sharon Frost Roth, Ed.D, was previously a Chicago Public Schools Teacher of the Year and trains tomorrow’s teachers.

We recognize that assessments and data are also critical to our continuous success. We are obsessed with ensuring that our scholars are learning key objectives and that we are actively meeting their desire for fun and engaging material. Our students and their teachers have been delighted with our instruction.

We plan for 2024 to be a growth year. We seek to increase the number of students we regularly support through corporate sponsorship and grant opportunities with Frost Equity Initiative.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Of course, we would visit Venice Beach. I would follow that with a visit to one of my favorite restaurants, Wurstküche– I love German sausage and fries, and they have supported my non-profit. Downtown Los Angeles would be a must. I love the Broad Museum and the Last Bookstore. While in DTLA, I would follow up with dinner at the historic Hotel Figueroa. My friends love the opportunity to try good vegan food, so I would also track down my favorite food trucks, including Vegan or Nah and Voo Doo Vegan. Of the studio tours, I would recommend Universal Studios. They have a lot of immersive rides, including a new Mario Kart Augmented Reality experience. For the night spots, I would take my guests to 1010 Winery in Inglewood; their vibe is everything. I’m also active in the LGBTQ+ community and frequent events throughout the Valley and West Hollywood.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this article to Doris Johnson, my Mother, who taught me the importance of giving back to my community. Sharon (Shira) Frost Roth, Ed.D., has been a mentor and inspiration throughout this journey. She’s also a founding Frost Equity Initiative (FEI) Board Member. I also thank FEI Board Member Sonyl Nagale for being an early morning sounding board for many ideas. FEI Board Members Keisha Falls, Ph.D.. and Jenepher Lapp have also been pivotal to our success. I may not have realized my purpose had it not been for Lisa Nichol’s speaker’s conference. I appreciate her for taking time with me during a conference break. My cousins (Lakisha Keys, Sherry Holliman, Ashlee Kelly, Ph.D., Sherline Hawkins, and Cee Cee Greene) have pushed me to roll through my challenges confidently. Additionally, actress and New Day Foundation founder Dawnn Lewis has provided invaluable encouragement over the years. Lastly, I would like to thank my Sigma Gamma Rho Western Region Sorors, who have supported me with key connections to make launching my company a reality.

Website: https://frostequityinitiative.org
Instagram: https://instagram.com/frostequity
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frostequity
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frostequity

Image Credits
Jordan Ferrer and LaRhonda Frost

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