Vision Statement

Chocolate Babies in STEM, LLC aims to bridge the educational gap in STEM for students of color, addressing issues of representation and engagement. Our vision is to inspire and prepare the next generation of STEM professionals of color to make significant contributions to their communities and the world. By focusing on transformative teaching, we seek to cultivate each student's intellect, talents, and character within a community that values academic excellence, personal responsibility, and service to others.

  • Founder and CEO

    The Founder and the Executive Director is Taylor Ratliff and she has 10+ years of experience working in the STEM field. She received her B.S. in Chemistry from Spelman College, M.S. in Organizational Leadership from Lehman College, and is a current Doctoral candidate in Business Administration at Capella University. She has worked in diverse communities spanning from Minnesota to New York. She understands the needs of students within the STEM field.

  • Chief SPED Officer

    Mrs. Ratliff is a seasoned and dedicated champion for children, serving as a Consultant and Special Needs Advocate. With a wealth of experience, she excels in child-centered assessment, program evaluation, and the intricacies of the special education system. Her expertise extends to crafting tailored student plans that pave the way for academic and life success. Mrs. Ratliff holds certifications in Education from St. Cloud University, a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the University of WI-Oshkosh, and mediation training from Hamline University Law Mediation Center. She is also a certified Home and Community-Based Service Provider through the MN Dept. of Human Services.

  • Sr. SPED Consultant

    For the past 14 years, Tessa has dedicated herself to the field of Special Education, teaching students across grades 1 through 12. With a particular passion for English and a background as a former news reporter, she thrives on guiding students through the intricacies of writing. Tessa's teaching style is marked by humor and animation, as she believes in fostering strong connections with her students. In addition to her expertise in academics, she specializes in Transition support, ensuring students are equipped for life beyond the classroom. Having grown up along the East Coast in New York, Maryland, and Florida, Tessa brings a diverse perspective to her teaching. She holds a master's degree in Journalism from Florida International University and a master's in Special Education from George Washington University. Her teaching experience spans both the DC area and New York.

  • Sr. SPED Consultant

    Syieda Penson is a dedicated certified Educator with over 15 years of experience as a Special Educator and Counselor in NYC. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees from St. John's University and the University at Albany. She is deeply committed to helping children achieve their fullest potential. Syieda is passionate about creating environments where children can thrive. She believes that every child can live up to their fullest potential when given the right opportunities and resources.

  • Saleemah Madyun's passion for science ignited at the tender age of four. Even as a preschooler, she displayed a penchant for dismantling toys, challenging herself to reassemble them. Although she managed to piece them back together, they never quite functioned the same, eliciting a smile. Initially aspiring to be a mechanic, her dreams were momentarily dashed by a distant relative's gendered remark.

    However, fate intervened when Saleemah was tasked with researching Dr. Daniel Hale Williams for a black history project. She was captivated by his pioneering heart surgeries, sparking a profound interest in cardiology. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Coastal Carolina University and a Master of Art in Teaching Adolescent Science Education from Brooklyn College, Saleemah now imparts her knowledge as a chemistry and advanced placement environmental science teacher in the Bronx. Additionally, she educates pre-service teachers at Brooklyn College and spearheads Enhanced Thoughts, a science workshop fostering curiosity in children and families alike.