619:Author Dr. Jean Ryoo on ¡Conectados!, AI Bias & Representation

In this episode of The Latina Mom Legacy, we dive into the world of tech, identity, and representation with educator, researcher, and author Dr. Jean Ryoo, co-creator of the thought-provoking graphic novel ¡Conectados! (Power On!).

As Latina moms raising bilingual and bicultural kids, many of us want to spark interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), but we don’t always know where to start, especially if we didn’t grow up in tech spaces ourselves. Dr. Ryoo shares how we can empower our children, especially girls and BIPOC youth, to not only enter the tech world but to see themselves as changemakers in it.

We explore why representation matters in computer science, how AI and algorithm bias affects real families, and what it truly means for kids of color to take ownership of technology. Plus, Dr. Ryoo shares her personal language journey, how Spanish and storytelling shape her work, and what moms can do to nurture a love for tech, no coding experience required!

Whether your child is tech-obsessed or tech-curious, this episode will inspire you to plant the seeds of confidence, curiosity, and cultural pride in their STEM journey.

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In this Episode You Will Discover:

 

• Why representation in tech and computer science matters ,  especially for Latino and BIPOC kids.
  

• What AI and algorithm bias is and how it impacts families and communities of color.

• How to encourage your child’s interest in STEM — even if you don’t have a tech background yourself.

• Why Dr. Ryoo chose the graphic novel format for ¡Conectados! and how storytelling empowers youth.

• How language, culture, and identity intersect with tech education, and why it matters for raising empowered bilingual children.

About Dr. Jean Ryoo:

• STEM Education Expert – Dr. Ryoo is a leading researcher focused on equity and representation in science and computer science education.
  
• Author of ¡Conectados! (Power On!) – A groundbreaking graphic novel that explores tech, identity, and activism through the eyes of youth.
  
• Director of Research at UCLA’s Center X – She leads projects supporting underrepresented communities in accessing quality STEM education.
  
• Advocate for BIPOC Youth in Tech – Her work centers on amplifying the voices and experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in STEM fields.
  
• Multilingual and Multicultural Perspective – Dr. Ryoo brings her lived experience and research to help families and educators bridge culture, language, and technology.

Resources Mentioned in The Podcast:

Power on!  By Dr. Jean Ryoo and Jane Margolis

¡Conectados!  by Dr. Jean Ryoo and  Jane Margolis

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Connect with Janny on Social Media:

• Instagram:@milegasi
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Additional Apps, Classes, & Resources:

• Online Course: How to Raise a Bilingual Spanish Child