Niamani Knight

Founder

Niamani Knight is a 23-year-old award-winning speaker, philanthropist, education advocate, the Founder of S.T.R.E.A.M. Kids Expo™, and Co-Founder of S.T.R.E.A.M. Global Innovations alongside her mother, Nikia Richards.

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After being selected at the age of 13 to participate in the first Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA Program) in Lancaster, CA, Knight realized many of her peers (and students in general) seemed to struggle with some of the basic educational skill sets required for short and long-term success. She understands that these academic rocks can only be climbed through industry expert exposure, interactive learning, and peer support. Therefore, instead of producing a product to sell in the YEA program, Knight created a platform for students and businesses to showcase their talents and discuss possibilities. In 2015, she founded S.T.R.E.A.M. Kids Expo™, which emphasizes Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Manufacturing. The event also includes entrepreneurship, as she believes taking ownership of one's passion and purpose inspires results.

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Since the program's launch, she's done direct work with over 37,000 of her peers and reached over 100 million through electronic and printed publications. Through her non-profit, S.T.R.E.A.M. Global Innovations, Knight's vision is to create a memorable experience for kids, schools, and communities. She also wants to increase access to S.T.R.E.A.M. programs in underprivileged and low-performing neighborhoods to encourage a movement where kids are empowered to reach their fullest potential. In the future, she hopes to create a center where kids will have access to S.T.R.E.A.M.-based learning daily. Until then, Niamani is both honored and humbled to have developed relationships with some of the world's leading companies like Amazon, Lockheed Martin, PPG, and many more. She has also been a keynote speaker for corporations and partners such as Amazon, Verizon's Innovation Camp, Microsoft, and more alongside receiving recognitions and awards from State Senators and Congressmen.