The EdUp L&D Podcast
From Stage to STEM: Dr. Jennifer Berry on Designing Delight, Doing Hard Things, and Driving Real-World Skills
In this inspiring episode of EdUp L&D, host Holly Owens welcomes Dr. Jennifer Berry, CEO of SmartLab, to share her unconventional and powerful journey—from professional dancer to STEM education leader.
Dr. Berry discusses how curiosity, storytelling, and resilience shaped her path to the C-suite, and how SmartLab is transforming STEM learning across the country through its career-connected, hands-on learning ecosystem. She dives deep into STEM identity—the belief that students belong, can master rigorous challenges, and that their ideas matter—and why this mindset is essential in an AI-powered world.
Whether you’re a teacher, instructional designer, L&D professional, or aspiring CEO, this episode delivers rich insights on leadership, innovation, and preparing students for the careers of tomorrow—especially those that don’t exist yet.
We’re not just putting things in classrooms—we’re creating environments where students can struggle productively and succeed meaningfully.
Chapters & Key Topics
1. From Dance to Leadership
Dr. Berry’s early journey in storytelling through movement, theater, and her start in retail.
2. Transition into Education
Why she left corporate retail to pursue a mission-driven career in education—and what she learned across roles in tutoring, afterschool, teacher training, and special education.
3. Becoming CEO of SmartLab
What led Dr. Berry to SmartLab and how she unified her career experiences into a leadership philosophy grounded in operational excellence and mission alignment.
4. What Is STEM Identity?
Defining SmartLab’s core belief: STEM identity is the belief that I belong, I can master rigorous challenges, and my ideas add value
5. Inside the SmartLab Ecosystem
An overview of SmartLab’s five ecosystem components:
- Customized Learning Environments
- Hands-On Tools & Equipment
- Career-Connected, Project-Based Curriculum
- Facilitator Support & Professional Learning Communities
- Long-Term Partnership & Sustainability
6. Preparing Students for a World That’s Changing Fast
Why AI makes STEM identity more important than ever.
AI can code, but it can’t think critically. Students with STEM identity will lead the way.
7. The STEM Identity Story That Stuck
A moving anecdote about an 8-year-old girl, a broken leg, and a moment of clarity that led her to become a doctor—and what it taught Dr. Berry about engineering environments for discovery.
8. STEM Identity Day – November 7
Dr. Berry invites educators nationwide—SmartLab or not—to participate in STEM Identity Day, a hands-on community event to help students explore career pathways through real-world connections.
9. Advice for Aspiring CEOs and EdTech Leaders
Dr. Berry shares three powerful pieces of advice:
- Be curious — Seek out stories and mentorship.
- Say yes to stretch roles — Growth often lives in discomfort.
- Lead with values — Anchor yourself in mission over title.
Whatever your role, you should be moving the needle—making this world a better place.
Listen Now & Be Inspired
Whether you’re building a career in learning, dreaming of the C-suite, or simply passionate about changing education, this episode will challenge and uplift you.
Learn more about STEM Identity Day: https://www.smartlablearning.com/smartlab-stem-identity-day/
Join the movement: https://www.smartlablearning.com/partnerships/