meet our FOUNDER & executive director

Auntaria is a native South Floridan and was raised in Miami-Dade County surrounded by amazing educators and community advocates. Despite the odds and stigma attached to growing up in the inner city, Auntaria obtained a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Barry University, a master’s degree, and an Educational Specialist degree (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership. Continuous learning of all sorts was a top priority growing up, and she knew from a young age, she would become an educator.  As a Florida certified teacher, Auntaria has worked with a diverse population of learners in K-12 and adult education and training for over 25 years.  

Inspired by the profound data of the underrepresentation of BIPOC women in STEM professions, in 2012 Auntaria founded TDP. She recognized the lack of access to quality STEM experiences in her community and did something about it.  Under her leadership, TDP's outreach programs have served thousands of youth and their families throughout the tri-county areas of South Florida.