As a little girl growing up in Flint, Mich., Jasmine LeFlore used to watch the planes fly overhead the flight path near her home. She was fascinated, and later, a college tour to the aerospace department at the University Michigan led her to study aerospace engineering and earn a master’s degree in interdisciplinary engineering.
Today, she’s advanced technology solutions lead at Collins Aerospace and co-founder and executive director of Greater Than Tech, a local nonprofit a nonprofit providing STEM and business education outreach programming to girls and other underserved students. Her work has earned her inclusion in New Village Arts’ “Illuminating Women in Science: Celebrating San Diego’s Trailblazers” initiative, which honors 25 women in science and engineering for their impact in the community. This initiative is in celebration of the theater company’s production of “The Half-Life of Marie Curie,” running through Feb. 23, about the friendship between Curie and another female scientist, Hertha Ayrton. Many of the San Diego scientists will attend a discussion at 3:45 p.m. Sunday at the Dea Hurston New Village Arts Center, 2787 State St., Carlsbad. (The performance that day is sold out, but entrance to the discussion is free.)
LeFlore, 32, lives in downtown San Diego, and is “a plant mom to many” and her dog, Cooli O. She took some time to talk about her experience as a Black woman in tech, her own female friendships and how they’ve ed her, and why it’s important to her that girls and students of color are exposed to the possibilities of careers in STEM.
Q: What does it mean to you to be recognized as part of the “Illuminating Women in Science” initiative?
A: Being recognized means a lot, especially as someone who champions diversity in STEM. It acknowledges my perseverance, impact, and how mentorship and community can nurture someone to grow in STEM. With my work in both technology and education, I’m inspiring other girls, women, and those from underserved backgrounds to see what’s possible.
What I love about downtown San Diego…
If anyone knows me, they know I hate driving. I love walking around my neighborhood, whether it’s to go to the gym, walk the Embarcadero, go to restaurants, hang with friends, or lead our Greater Than Tech space prototyping, zero-gravity program at a local high school in partnership with Equity Space Alliance. I love that most of my activities are just blocks away from my door.
Q: How would you describe what your own experience has been like as a Black woman in tech?
A: It’s a loaded question! Honestly, sometimes I forget I’m a Black woman in tech. I’ve been in so many spaces where I was one of the few—or often the only—that I’ve gotten used to blending in. But then, there are moments when I’m painfully reminded, whether through subtle cues or some form of tone or body policing, that I’m unique in my field. My goal is to show up authentically because I don’t want the next Black woman in STEM to feel like she has to assimilate into a work culture where she doesn’t feel represented.
Over time, I’ve felt somewhat immune to the negativity I’ve faced because its impact no longer sticks as much. Being one of the few Black women in my field has forced me to develop resilience. I’ve had to stand up for myself in the face of negative stereotypes and systemic barriers, all while advocating for underserved people in STEM.
One thing I’ve learned is to stay inquisitive, even when I perceive disrespect. Rather than letting bitterness take root, I strive to understand the intent behind it. It’s like a muscle I’ve had to develop—adopting the viewpoint of “positive assumption, positive intent”—which strengthens my ability to stay focused and grounded.
I’m also reminded of the impact of being in STEM when I see young girls of color, especially those I work with, shy away from the field. Some literally choose a different career path because they don’t want to be an “only.” The most wild thing is that it’s not the math or science that deters them, it’s the environment where they don’t feel seen or represented. It’s a powerful reminder of why it’s so important to design spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, represented, and understood.
Q: “The Half-Life of Marie Curie” is focused on the friendship between these two renowned women scientists and the given to help get through difficult times. Can you talk about any female friendships of your own that remind you of this relationship, between women who share both professional interests and personal connection?
A: I have likely formed meaningful friendships with other women in my field who share similar ions and experiences. These friends me both professionally and personally, like my work with Greater Than Tech and my role at Collins Aerospace. My co-founder, Brittany (Wheeler), is a great example of a friend met through work; part of the reason we became friends is our similarity of being Black women in STEM and that’s part of how Greater Than Tech came to be. Even before that, my friend Sydney Hamilton is who I went to aerospace school with where we really ed and leaned on each other to get through the program together.
Q: What are some examples of ways that friendship/friendships have sustained or ed you, or helped you to grow?
A: Friendship has been key in keeping me grounded and motivated, especially when facing challenges. My female friends in both my professional and personal circles have given me a sense of belonging and , offering a balance that helps me continue pursuing my dreams.
Q: From your perspective, why are these kinds of friendships, specifically between women, important?
A: These friendships are vital because they offer mutual understanding, encouragement, and a shared drive to succeed despite obstacles. Women in STEM often face unique challenges, and having a strong system helps foster resilience and keeps you motivated to break down barriers.
Q: On Greater Than Tech’s website, you’ve mentioned you and your co-founder “becoming the role models we once needed as kids.” What kind of role model did you need when you were growing up?
A: I needed someone who showed me that resilience in the face of adversity is key to success, someone who represented both the challenges and triumphs of pursuing a STEM career while navigating societal expectations. I sought a role model who was both grounded and driven, showing me that my dreams were possible, no matter the hurdles.
Q: Why is it important to you to get your STEM and business programming to girls and students of color?
A: It’s crucial because representation matters. Giving these students access to the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in STEM fields, where they are traditionally underrepresented, empowers them to break barriers and pave the way for future generations.
Q: What kind of difference has an exposure to, and career in, STEM and business made in your own life?
A: A career in STEM and business has been life-changing, offering me opportunities to grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact. It has allowed me to turn my ion for aerospace engineering into a career, and later, to found Greater Than Tech, which is reshaping the future of education and access to technology for underserved communities.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A: The best advice I’ve likely received is to stay true to myself and my vision, even when things get tough. Keep going and focus on the bigger picture; everything else will fall into place.
Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to find out about you?
A: I’m like a human jukebox, I love all types of music! I love to dance and do karaoke. I’m a little bit of an aspiring DJ, as well.
Q: Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend.
A: Ideal is whatever my soul craves at the moment, lol. I enjoy random excitement, socializing, and community events just as much as I enjoy solace, self-care, and nature. An ideal weekend would be something like skydiving, eating good food with friends, and going to the spa and getting a pedicure.
