Taylor Shead is revolutionizing education through AI-driven immersive video game experiences. Her mission is to make education equitable and accessible for all learners. 

Taylor Shead is making waves across the world, both personally and professionally. As the founder and CEO of the Dallas Black-owned tech startup Stemuli, Taylor has become the first Black woman to win the Innovation Factory Award at the United Nations’ AI For Good Summit. This prestigious award recognizes the most scalable AI-powered solution to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Her visionary leadership has propelled Stemuli to new heights, making her the 94th Black woman in history to raise over seven figures in venture capital. Stemuli has garnered significant recognition, including acknowledgment by D Magazine and support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Texas Basketball

Growing up in Texas, Taylor’s upbringing was deeply influenced by the state’s strong sense of pride, competition and innovation. These values were evident in her early years as she excelled academically and athletically. As a standout basketball player at Plano West Senior High School, Taylor honed her skills on the court and developed a fierce determination and work ethic that would later define her entrepreneurial career.

Her hard work and natural talent on the basketball court earned her a scholarship to Loyola Marymount University, where she balanced the demanding life of being a Division 1 collegiate athlete with her academic pursuits. Taylor initially had her sights set on a medical career, aspiring to become a reconstructive plastic surgeon.

Entrepreneurial Beginnings

Taylor discovered a passion for technology and its potential to revolutionize education. Fifteen years ago, Taylor embarked on her entrepreneurial journey with a bold vision and unwavering resolve.

She successfully raised nearly $500,000 to launch her first company, dedicated to leveraging technology to transform the educational landscape. Her experience as a student-athlete at Loyola Marymount provided her with the resilience and strategic thinking necessary to navigate the challenges of starting a business.

This initial venture marked the beginning of Taylor’s remarkable career as an innovator and entrepreneur, driven by a commitment to making a lasting impact on the world.

Setbacks in the Classroom

While excelling on the basketball court, she faced significant academic hurdles, particularly in math and chemistry, which were essential for her pre-med studies. This academic struggle culminated in losing her scholarship to Loyola Marymount, a turning point that deeply impacted her. 

This experience served as a catalyst for a profound realization that if she, a dedicated student-athlete, faced such challenges, countless others must be grappling with even greater educational barriers. The inaccessibility of quality education beyond the four walls of the classroom became a pressing issue for her. Taylor shifted her focus from her medical aspirations to addressing educational disparities.

Stemuli’s Inception 

In 2020, Taylor founded Stemuli to address these educational disparities. Her vision was to make quality education accessible beyond the traditional classroom, leveraging AI to provide interactive and engaging learning experiences.

For students, Stemuli is a game-changer. It provides a stimulating alternative to traditional teaching methods, presenting educational content through interactive games and simulations. This approach not only captures students’ attention but also enhances their understanding through hands-on experiences. The result is increased engagement, deeper comprehension and better retention of complex subjects.

By offering interactive simulations and adaptive learning algorithms, Stemuli redefines traditional classroom lessons, turning them into dynamic, virtual environments where students can actively participate and learn at their own pace.

Stemuli and Educators

Educators benefit from Stemuli’s innovative tools and resources to support personalized learning. The platform provides teachers with real-time analytics and insights into student performance, allowing them to tailor their instructional strategies to effectively meet individual learning needs. Stemuli empowers educators to create dynamic lesson plans that cater to diverse learning styles, ultimately improving classroom outcomes and student achievement.

Educational Outcomes 

Stemuli’s AI/ML navigator accelerates math outcomes by 3x the national average, and their programs have prepared thousands of students for jobs paying $60-$70k upon high school graduation, compared to the $30k local average.

To address students’ desire to spend more time in the 3D world, Stemuli developed a quest system driven by AI that helps them interact with avatars, explore the world, and gather gems, STEMbucks, and trading cards. This evolution was a response to feedback from teachers who wanted a curriculum library, students who sought more functionality, and parents who desired data to understand what their kids were learning.

Resilience and Motivation

Q: Taylor, you’ve been open about your past setbacks, including losing your scholarship at Loyola Marymount. How did you turn this experience into motivation to succeed, and how has it influenced your leadership at Stemuli?

A: That experience taught me resilience and the importance of perseverance. It was a turning point that motivated me to succeed and instilled in me a determination to create opportunities for others to navigate their careers. This mindset deeply influences my leadership at Stemuli, where I encourage a culture of overcoming obstacles and continuous growth.

Disengagement in the Classroom

Q: Education Week reports that 75% of students are disengaged in the classroom. Why do you think this disengagement is prevalent, and how does Stemuli work to counteract it?

A: Student disengagement often stems from the rapid advancement of technology outside of the classroom coupled with curriculum tools that look older than MySpace, and lack of personalization driven by poor data utilization. Stemuli counters this by using AI to generate interactive, game-based learning experiences. We make education fun and relevant, thereby re-engaging students and fostering a love for learning.

Stemuli’s Mission

Q: How does Stemuli address educational inequities and promote economic mobility through its platform?

A: Stemuli’s mission is to make quality education accessible to all, regardless of background. Our platform provides equitable learning opportunities, helping bridge the educational divide. We promote economic mobility by equipping students with the skills they need for the future.

Recognition and Achievements

Q: As the first Black woman to win the Innovation Factory Award at the United Nations’ AI For Good Summit, how did this achievement impact you personally, and what does it mean for Stemuli?

A: Winning the United Nations’ AI For Good Innovation Factory competition was deeply meaningful to me. Personally, it was a moment of profound pride and validation, showing little girls, especially those like me, that they too can build technology the world needs and loves. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Stemuli, highlighting our innovative approach to personalized learning and our impact on global education systems. It inspires us to continue pushing boundaries, scaling our initiatives, and empowering learners worldwide to thrive in the digital age.

Stemuli in Texas

Q: How have educational institutions in Texas received Stemuli, and how has it impacted local students and schools?

A: We have received incredibly positive feedback from Texas schools. Educators appreciate the engaging and effective learning experiences our platform offers. We’ve seen measurable improvements in student engagement and performance, and we’re excited to expand our impact further.

Dream Investor

Q: You mentioned Sam Altman as your dream investor. What about his approach or expertise makes him particularly appealing to you, and how would his involvement impact Stemuli’s future growth and innovation?

A: Sam Altman has a remarkable track record of supporting innovative startups and possesses deep expertise in AI and technology. His involvement could provide strategic guidance, valuable resources, and enhanced credibility, significantly accelerating Stemuli’s growth and innovation. My highest hope would be the ability to work alongside Open AI to ensure safe, ethical standards are put in place for kids.

Visionary Leadership

Q: As one of the Dallas 500 Most Influential CEOs, how do you define visionary leadership and apply it at Stemuli?

A: To me, visionary leadership is about seeing beyond the present and inspiring others to achieve a shared goal. At Stemuli, I apply this by fostering a culture of innovation, encouraging my team to think creatively and always keeping our mission to revolutionize education at the forefront.

The Future of Stemuli

Q: What are the next major milestones you hope to achieve with Stemuli in the near future, and how do you plan to scale your impact both in Texas and globally?

A: We have several exciting projects on the horizon, including new product launches and expanding our partnerships. Our goal is to scale our impact by reaching more students in Texas and beyond, leveraging technology to make education more accessible and effective globally.

Stemuli’s Global Impact

 Q: You aim to make education and career navigation accessible to 8 billion people. What steps is Stemuli taking to achieve this ambitious goal, and what challenges do you anticipate?

A: We are focused on strategic initiatives such as developing scalable technology, forming key partnerships, and expanding our reach. Challenges like infrastructure, cultural differences, and funding are anticipated, but we are committed to overcoming them to achieve our mission.

Stemuli: A Force for Good

Taylor’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to transforming education through Stemuli underscore a profound commitment to equity and innovation. From her roots as a student-athlete facing academic challenges to becoming a trailblazing CEO, Taylor’s journey resonates with resilience, hope and purpose. 

Stemuli’s AI-driven approach not only engages students but also empowers educators, bridging gaps in learning and fostering a passion for knowledge. As Taylor and her team forge ahead, their vision for a more inclusive educational landscape continues to inspire, promising a future where every learner has the tools to succeed.

Explore Stemuli’s innovative platform, connect with Taylor Shead’s inspiring vision, and see how you can contribute to making quality education a reality for all learners. Visit Stemuli’s website to learn more, get involved and be part of the change.

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Cover photo courtesy Stemuli

Sara Aguinaga’s passions include reading, creating art, and traveling. She enjoys exploring the culinary diversity across the expansive Lone Star State. As a licensed massage therapist, she strives to bring peace to the lives of others.