Episode: Empowering the Next Generation of Ethical Hackers with Bandana Carr

Keywords

ethical hacking, AI safety, cybersecurity, youth empowerment, API vulnerabilities, representation in STEM, women in tech, Bandana Carr, Hack with Her, digital safety

Episode Summary

In this compelling episode of the Read It Right radio show, host Lady T sits down with cybersecurity expert Bandana Carr to explore the critical intersection of ethical hacking and AI safety. Bandana, a passionate advocate for youth empowerment in tech, shares her inspiring journey into cybersecurity and discusses the urgent need for API security in our increasingly connected world.

The conversation delves deep into the importance of representation in STEM fields, particularly for young women and girls who are underrepresented in cybersecurity. Bandana emphasizes how youth voices are essential in shaping digital policies and creating a safer cyberspace for everyone. Throughout the discussion, she advocates for curiosity-driven learning, collaborative approaches to security challenges, and the power of inclusive decision-making in the digital realm.

Key Takeaways

• Curiosity is essential for success in cybersecurity
• Representation in tech inspires the next generation
• Youth must be involved in shaping digital policies
• API vulnerabilities are critical to internet security
• Collaboration is key to improving cybersecurity
• AI presents both opportunities and threats in tech
• Young girls can thrive in STEM by being authentic
• Cybersecurity is a human rights issue
• Inclusivity starts with small decisions online
• Communication skills are vital in tech careers

Featured Guest

Bandana Carr - Young cybersecurity expert and advocate for youth empowerment in tech, associated with Hack with Her initiative

Episode Highlights

"Cybersecurity is a human rights issue." Bandana emphasizes the fundamental importance of digital safety as a basic right in our interconnected world.

"Your curiosity is your biggest asset." A powerful reminder that the drive to learn and explore is the foundation of success in cybersecurity.

"Representation matters in tech." The conversation underscores how seeing diverse voices in technology fields can inspire and empower the next generation.

Chapter Breakdown

• 00:00 - Introduction to Ethical Hacking and AI Safety
• 03:01 - Bandana Carr's Journey into Cybersecurity
• 06:13 - Understanding API Vulnerabilities
• 09:51 - The Role of Yo

About the Host: Tiffani Teachey
Tiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z,” the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three empowerment books. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. Tiffani owns Thrive Edge Publishing and is the owner/publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

As an engineer with over 19 years of experience, Tiffani is passionate about inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift—the 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book—at www.stemistheway.com.

In this episode, I talk about The Next Generation of STEM and why it’s so important to highlight young innovators who are already making a difference in science, technology, engineering, and math.

I’m joined by the Summer 2025 STEM Crew Magazine Cover Features:
✨ Sean Atitsogbe – Sean the Science Kid
✨ Bandana Kaur – Security Research Engineer, APISec | HackWitHer
✨ Ava N. Simmons – Ava The S.T.E.M. Princess® | Team Genius Squad

These trailblazers are proving that STEM has no age limits — they’re creating content, building businesses, securing our digital future, and inspiring kids everywhere to believe that they, too, belong in STEM.

Here are some of the questions I ask our guests:

• Sean, how did your journey as “The Science Kid” begin, and what inspires you to make science fun and accessible?
• Ava, how has STEM helped you overcome challenges and grow as both an innovator and entrepreneur?
• Bandana, what motivated you to step into cybersecurity and launch your platform HackWitHer, to inspire others?
• Why is representation and visibility in STEM so important for the next generation?

Here are some key points discussed in this episode about The Next Generation of STEM:

• How young leaders are breaking barriers and building communities in STEM.
• The role of creativity, positivity, and storytelling in making science engaging.
• How cybersecurity, innovation, and entrepreneurship intersect for today’s youth.
• Why magazines, media, and platforms must amplify diverse voices to ensure every child sees themselves in STEM.

This episode is proof that the future of STEM is bright — and it’s already here.

About the Host: Tiffani Teachey
Tiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z,” the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three empowerment books. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. Tiffani owns Thrive Edge Publishing and is the owner/publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

As an engineer with over 19 years of experience, Tiffani is passionate about inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift—the 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book—at www.stemistheway.com.

In this episode, I talk about what happens when passion meets purpose — especially in the classroom.

I’m joined by Matt Green, aka The Rapping Science Teacher and owner of JGM Science Tutors. From dropping bars to breaking down biology, Matt is changing the way students connect with science — one rhyme at a time.

Here are some of the questions I ask Matt:

• How did you come up with the idea to teach through rap?
• What’s been the biggest challenge in making science “cool” for kids?
• How do you balance education, entertainment, and entrepreneurship?

Here are some key points we discuss in this episode about making learning engaging:

• The power of creativity in education
• How Matt uses music to make science stick
• Why culturally relevant teaching can close gaps in learning
• The transition from classroom teacher to business owner

About the Host: Tiffani Teachey
Tiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z,” the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three empowerment books. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. Tiffani owns Thrive Edge Publishing and is the owner/publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

As an engineer with over 19 years of experience, Tiffani is passionate about inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift—the 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book—at www.stemistheway.com.