2.14.25

WSU alumnae emphasize STEAM careers through children’s literature

Tech Tykes, a collaborative project between WSU Tech execs Mandy Fouse ’10 and Sheree Utash ’99, launched with their first book, Ella the Engineer and the Big Fix, back in November. And the duo is just getting started.

As with many great ventures, Tech Tykes started with a simple idea. “We asked ourselves, what if we could make STEAM careers exciting and accessible to kids at an early age?” said Fouse, executive director of public affairs and executive communications at WSU Tech. “We’ve seen firsthand how hands-on experiences can ignite curiosity, but there are limitations to how many students we could reach through in-person camps, classroom visits and events.”

Books, however, provided an opportunity to scale their mission to a wider audience.  “Through storytelling, we can plant the seed that STEAM careers are not only fun, but achievable,” the co-author said.

Representation in their books became an essential part of the Tech Tykes vision. “We wanted to ensure that our stories reflected kids from a range of backgrounds,” Fouse said. “The earlier we can expose kids to new possibilities and combat stereotypes about who belongs in these fields, the better.”

For adults reading along, Utash, president of WSU Tech, and Fouse want to showcase the power that early exposure to STEAM careers can have on young readers, who gain confidence in their own abilities by connecting with the protagonists of the story.

Their first book follows Ella who, through curiosity, problem-solving and teamwork, transforms a dull park playground into something far more exciting. “Ella” has been awarded by their publisher with two certifications – growth mindset and literacy-centered – reflecting the protagonist’s resilient mindset and reading comprehensibility for a wide audience of young readers. “We hope to receive these seals for all our books,” Fouse said. “They reinforce our commitment to creating stories that not only introduce children to STEAM careers, but also build critical thinking and literacy skills.”

Fouse attributes some of her own go-getter-ness to her days at WSU, when she was enrolled as a student and working full-time concurrently. She graduated in four years without student debt, an accomplishment today in equal measure to the challenge she faced at the time. “Looking back,” the marketing and entrepreneurship alum said, “I appreciate how my experience at WSU shaped my work ethic and prepared me for the fast-paced, goal-driven career I have today.”

The second installment in the Tech Tykes universe, titled “Beckham the Biologist and the Outdoor Adventure,” launched Feb. 12, 2025. Follow along with the Tech Tykes here.