May 26
In this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy introduces you to Raven Baxter. Raven is also known as , she is an award-winning science communicator, educator and molecular biologist who is working to share science and champion for inclusivity and diversity in STEM. Raven is also the founder of Science Haven, a non-profit organization that operates at the intersections of science, education, and the public. Science Haven houses a live web series that connects the public with science and technology professionals, and a group that works to build relationships in the science community, equipping others with the knowledge and resources necessary to share science with the world in their own flavor.
Raven is an entertainer and content creator known for her unique style of combining science and hip hop music that teaches and empowers those in STEM and beyond. She has recently been featured in Fortune Magazine’s 40 under 40 List of the most influential young leaders for the year, BuzzFeed News, Mother Jones Magazine, on the mayor of Buffalo’s social media accounts trying to convince teenagers to stay home in the age of Covid; and of course, she has her own TedX Talk.
Raven shares: The circumstances surrounding both her ADHD diagnoses, The tweet that she shared regarding her struggle to memorize even small snippets of text, What has changed since her last diagnosis, Why she started her science rap music videos, What she thinks the key to living successfully with ADHD is. ADHD brains work so that they too may discover their amazing strengths. And your reviews really help in that regard.
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""I really want my unapologetic self to shine. And I want to do that while sharing science and teaching the public about how cool science is, and all of the different ways that scientists can look like and walk and talk."
- Raven Baxter
"We do need this community, especially because of the stigma, and all the nuances that are around ADHD that people don't understand that aren't impacted by this."
- Raven Baxter
"I think that coming to terms with the fact that you simply are just different. And understanding what that means and not interpreting your differences. And your neurodiversity as something negative and understanding that you're just simply different."
- Raven Baxter
- Raven shares her expertise and makes science exciting and informative for the audience.
- Raven Baxter struggled with repeating lines during filming due to ADHD, requesting a teleprompter or screen with the script but was refused.
- Raven shares personal experience with ADHD, receives supportive responses from followers.
[09:13 - 19:50] ADHD Diagnosis and Its Impact on Academic Performance
- Raven shares her experience with ADHD diagnosis and medication as a child.
- Raven describes her experience in special education and the Gifted and Talented program, feeling at home in both and enjoying the challenges.
- Raven was diagnosed with ADHD in high school and received accommodations in college, such as extra time on tests and a quiet place to take exams.
[19:50 - 26:54] ADHD Diagnosis, Accommodations, and Science Rap Music
- Raven discusses her experiences with ADHD, including her struggles and successes, and emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting one's neurodiversity.
- Raven believes that creating a supportive community and offering accommodations can help individuals with ADHD live successfully, and encourages others to do the same.
- Raven combines science and rap music to make learning fun and accessible.
Instagram: @raventhesciencemaven
Twitter: @ravenscimaven
Facebook: raventhesciencemaven
Website: scimaven.com
