Meet the Founders
Melanin Minds in STEM was founded by leaders who understand—firsthand—what it takes to navigate, persist, and excel in complex professional environments where representation and access are not always guaranteed. Built at the intersection of executive leadership, operational excellence, and community impact, the organization exists to ensure that talented minority STEM professionals are not only prepared for leadership—but positioned to ascend.
Founded by Dakeesha Wright and Joshua Wright, Melanin Minds in STEM was created in response to a growing gap in intentional leadership development, mentorship, and sponsorship for underrepresented professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Together, they bring complementary strengths rooted in executive leadership, large-scale operations, project management, and strategic growth—anchored by a shared belief that access, preparation, and proximity to opportunity change outcomes.
Dakeesha
Wright
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Dakeesha Wright is an accomplished executive leader, engineer, and nationally recognized advocate for minority leadership in STEM. With over 25 years of experience across aerospace, defense, and complex operational environments, she has held senior leadership roles including Site Leader, Program Operations Leader, and Quality Director—driving performance, culture, and results at scale.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Master of Science in Quality Systems Management, along with multiple industry certifications including ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt and QMS Internal Auditor. Her leadership and impact have earned her numerous recognitions, including the Women of Color in STEM Award for Managerial Leadership and Top 40 Under 40 honors.
Beyond corporate leadership, Dakeesha is deeply committed to building the next generation of STEM leaders. She serves on nonprofit and educational boards, chairs advisory councils for engineering academies, and actively engages K–12 students through outreach and mentorship. Her passion for Melanin Minds in STEM is personal—born from navigating the journey herself and recognizing the need for structured, intentional pathways to executive leadership for others.
As traditional DE&I initiatives shift and narrow, the need for intentional leadership development for minority STEM professionals has never been greater. Talent alone is not enough. Advancement requires access to mentorship, executive exposure, strategic coaching, and environments that develop both capability and confidence.
This is more than professional development.
It is leadership cultivation—with purpose.
Joshua
Wright
Co-Founder
Joshua Wright brings extensive experience in operations, project management, logistics, real estate, and large-scale event coordination. With a career spanning national logistics leadership, property management, sales operations, and marketing, he has consistently operated at the intersection of strategy, execution, and stakeholder engagement .
He has led national logistics and project initiatives supporting complex, multi-site operations, managed vendor relationships, budgets, and timelines, and coordinated high-visibility events and marketing programs involving hundreds of stakeholders. His background includes leadership roles within global organizations as well as entrepreneurial real estate and property management environments.
Joshua’s strength lies in building systems that work—ensuring ideas move from vision to execution with discipline, structure, and accountability. As Co-Founder, he plays a critical role in operational strategy, partnership development, and scaling the infrastructure needed to support Melanin Minds in STEM’s programs and national growth.
Melanin Minds in STEM was created to meet that need.
Our organization exists to develop high-potential minority professionals who are ready to step into executive and senior leadership roles—while simultaneously inspiring and engaging the next generation through K–12 outreach. Through accelerated development programs, mentorship, coaching, and community engagement, we are building a sustainable leadership pipeline that strengthens organizations, communities, and the future of STEM.
Check Out Our Book
I’m proud to announce that I am officially a published author. My new book, Thriving: Making Bold Moves, is now available.
This book shares my personal journey alongside the stories of seven other contributors, offering real insight into what it takes to make courageous decisions, take ownership of your future, and move boldly toward financial and personal growth. My hope is that these stories inspire readers to step confidently into the life they’re building.
