meet our FOUNDER & executive director

Auntaria, a South Florida native raised in Miami-Dade County, grew up surrounded by inspiring educators and community advocates. Despite the challenges and stigma of growing up in the inner city, she earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Barry University, followed by a master’s degree and an Educational Specialist degree (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership. With lifelong learning emphasized from an early age, she always knew she would become an educator. A Florida-certified teacher, Auntaria has more than 25 years of experience serving diverse learners in K–12 schools, adult education, and professional training.

Motivated by the significant underrepresentation of minority women in STEM, Auntaria founded TDP in 2012 to address the lack of quality STEM opportunities in her community. Under her leadership, TDP’s outreach programs have served thousands of youth and families across South Florida’s tri-county area.