Atiyah’s journey began with an early love for math, which she nurtured despite facing discouraging experiences in high school. Her passion for the subject was reignited during her time as a middle school math teacher, where she connected with students in ways that decreased their math anxiety and made the subject accessible. These formative experiences inspired Atiyah to create BGLM, an organization that challenges traditional notions of who a "math person" can be and encourages Black girls to embrace their authentic selves while diving deeply into mathematical concepts.
A native of Philadelphia and a proud Girard College alumna, Atiyah holds an Advanced Master's degree in Public School Building Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, a Master of Science in Education from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Science from The Pennsylvania State University. Her extensive background includes serving as a principal, network director, and educator in urban schools across the Northeast, where she consistently led students to remarkable academic achievements.
At BGLM, Atiyah continues to leverage her expertise in math curriculum, culturally responsive teaching, and equity-based instruction to create impactful programming. Her work has been recognized by local media and her alma mater, Penn State, where she delivered the keynote speech at the 2023 Pennsylvania Regional Math Alliance Conference.
Earlier this year, Atiyah was recognized as St. James School's "Leading with Love" honoree. Take a listen to the dedication video below!
Meet Atiyah Harmon
Atiyah Harmon is the founder and executive director of Black Girls Love Math (BGLM), a nonprofit dedicated to addressing racial and gender inequity in math. BGLM creates a culturally responsive and supportive space for Black girls to explore mathematics, boosting their confidence and representation in STEM careers. A Philadelphia native and Girard College alumna, Atiyah holds advanced degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University, and the University of Pennsylvania. With over two decades of experience in education, she has served as a principal, network director, and educator, leading students to significant academic achievements. Her passion for math and commitment to equity drive her work at BGLM, where she empowers the next generation of Black girls to excel in STEM.
Founder & Executive Director
Black Girls Love Math