A Derry native with a flair for 'math with sass,' Katrina Bradley founded Numerasee in October 2021 in response to the educational disruptions caused by Covid-19. Katrina's journey from a background in music and teaching to entrepreneurship underscores her dedication to fostering inclusivity and empowerment. As a STEM Ambassador and mentor for SistersIN, she influences future leaders. Katrina's vision is to revolutionize education and narrow the gender gap in STEM, guided by her mantra 'Empower Minds, Bridge Gaps, Cultivate Confidence.' She is also a founding member of @UKYoung Academy and part of the 25@25 Ulster University leadership cohort.

Katrina is a big part of our AwakenHub community, she is a SheGenerate 1.0 graduate, has been a guest speaker at our community events and is our New County Ambassador for Derry!
You can find more info in joining AwakenClub here.

To get us started - how would you describe yourself in 6 words or less?

Derry lass, teaches math with sass

Describe your business and what prompted you to start it?

A math mindset movement, Numerasee was founded in October 2021 as a response to the unavoidable disruption to children's education, as a result of Covid19. In under 2 years, it has built a vast portfolio including elements of tuition, consultancy, publishing, product design, conferencing and event management, whilst hosting a variety of collaborative projects with Ulster University and Derry City and Strabane District Council.

Tell us a little bit more about you?

Having completed a Bachelor’s Degree and Masters in Music at The Ulster University, I worked with the EA. After 7 years, I completed a PGCE at The Ulster University, receiving the Biggar Award in Educational Studies and Star Award from the GTCNI in 2016. I have worked in Broadbridge PS for the past 6 years. In October 2021 I founded Numerasee, in response to Covid19.

Fill us in on your female founder journey.

My commitment to 'giving back' as a female entrepreneur and math teacher stems from a desire to create a more inclusive, empowered and innovative future by inspiring and mentoring the next generation, regardless of their gender. In my role as a STEM Ambassador, having volunteered and collaborated with several organisations to incorporate mathematics meaningfully into society, I challenge the negative social stigma often attached to the subject. As a soon to be mentor for SistersIN, an ecosystem where schools, businesses and leaders are helping female students unlock a world of potential and develop the leadership skills, I feel extremely privileged using my experience and passion to impact future leaders and change-makers. Personally this is the most rewarding element of what I do.

How has being part of the AwakenHub community helped your business?

The network of fabulous women in the AwakenHub community has been a huge support to me over the past 2 years. I started my AwakenHub journey on SheGenerate and am now County Ambassador for Derry! I have learnt so much from the experiences of the group as there are no silly questions. I have been afforded more recently, new and exciting opportunities, including attendance at and hosting local events, all made possible by AwakenHub members. Thank you!

Have you an ‘ask’ which we can share with fellow #Awakenhubbers?

I'm here to help busy working mums, with the dreaded homework table horrors, at the end of a busy day. My resources will help.

As a founder - what are your non-negotiables?

As an innovative maths teacher committed to eliminating maths anxiety and promoting the participation of girls in STEM, my core values revolve around inclusivity, empowerment, creativity, and fostering a growth mindset.

Where do you see yourself in 12 months and 5 years time?

In 12 months I would like to have made serious headway in the building of a Numerasee LMS. The project will be supported by Innovate UK and given the network of support I have around me I know it will happen. My longer term goal aims to address the fact that worryingly, only 15% of people currently working in STEM careers in Northern Ireland are women. The irony is that girls perform as well as boys in math. However, as girls grow older there appears to be a shift in participation and association with STEM subjects. Early intervention is crucial if we are to change children’s association with STEM subjects and keep up with the technological and digital demands of tomorrow. If 20% of the population struggle with maths anxiety, we need to address the stigma society often attaches to the subject, address the growing generational gap that exists in the teaching of mathematics whilst engaging and empowering parents.

What are your top three tips for other women founders?

You are the best expert in your own business.
Investors need entrepreneurs.
Get in the room, have pointy elbows and raise your head.

To finish up with what are six words to live by?

Empower Minds, Bridge Gaps, Cultivate Confidence.

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