Already a wunderkind since before she could walk, the little Black girl from the southside of Chicago born Dorothy Jean Tillman would go on to enroll in college at the ripe old of age of 10 and at just 17 become the youngest person to ever earn a doctoral degree from Arizona State University completing her Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) to officially make her Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman, DBH.
Since 2019, the internationally recognized child prodigy, tech and arts enthusiast, public speaker, and community leader has led her own Dorothy Jeanius STEAM Leadership Institute (STEAM being an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering. Arts, and Mathematics) that provides several community and educational initiatives, programs and workshops to future generations of genius children who may not get to shine due to lack of resources. Thus far, the Institute has distributed over 3,500 at-home STEAM kits, engaged 5,000+ participants in workshops and camps, and happily boasts that 97% of participants go on to pursue STEAM-related degrees.
Next up for Dr. Tillman is the title of Author as she prepares to launch a new book, The Grass Is Greener Where You Water It, described as an “enchanting book combining gardening metaphors with valuable life lessons that encourages readers to cultivate their talents and embrace patience and perseverance.”
“I’m so excited for this launch!” says Dr. Tillman. “While this book is aimed at children, its messages resonate with readers of all ages. It’s a timeless journey about growth and nurturing, and I truly believe it will inspire everyone who picks it up.”
N’DIGO recently sat down with the exceptional young lady to learn what the ride has been like thus far and what she has in store for the future.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Dorothy Jean Tillman?
Dorothy Jean Tillman: Dorothy Jean Tillman is a creative, faith-led, kind-hearted young black woman who is determined to carve out her own path in education and business. She is someone who is deeply invested in nurturing and helping build other young leaders and pouring back into her community in all possible ways.
What are three words family and friends would use to describe you?
Insightful. Compassionate. Intelligent.
Do you remember the first thing that caught your attention and how it interested you?
From a young age, I always appreciated nature. I remember being amazed at how simple yet complex it is. Trees are living things. They give us oxygen and so on. Grass has always fascinated me as well.
Starting college as a 10-year-old seems like such a daunting task. Can you walk us through some of the thoughts and emotions you dealt with at the time?
I didn’t realize at the time that I was doing something that was such a “big deal”; it was my normal. I adapted to it quickly. As an emotional person and high achiever, I’d have feelings of disappointment at times when I didn’t pass a test or something like that, but when it came to social interaction, I didn’t yearn for anything specific or have any feelings of FOMO until my later preteen years.
Please tell us about the DorothyJeanius STEAM Leadership Institute and some of your duties as CEO.
Our mission at the DorothyJeanius STEAM Institute is to create pathways for underrepresented youth to enter the ever-growing STEAM fields. There are a number of initiatives, programs, and workshops year-round in the related fields, as well as our popular summer camp program.
As CEO, I oversee our various initiatives. Lots of planning and scheduling activities and events in the more than a month-long summer camp program. With that alone, I have to train our counselors during the 2-4 weeks leading up to it. Some of that training consists of getting numerous certifications (ex. food handlers, CPR, fire safety) and prepping for activities such as field trips, dance and music classes, and S.T.E.M. experiments.
What are some of the highlights to be expected at your upcoming 5th Annual Earth Day Celebration?
We have insightful conversational panels about self-care and mental wellness, an immersive sound bathing experience, lots of different vendor tables to explore, an activity and game area, and more for the community to gather and enjoy.
Please tell us about your new book, The Grass Is Greener Where You Water It?
The Grass Is Greener Where You Water It is a youth-targeted book about slowing down and remembering to focus on your own garden. It follows Michele as she tries multiple different methods for growing her own garden that fail, ultimately realizing that things grow wherever her mind goes. It’s a metaphor for the fact that what we focus on is what we give power to, so we must focus on the good things in our world (not what may be in the “gardens” of others) and pour into ourselves to see our worlds grow.
Last great book you read?
Evolution of Awareness by Kia Marlene is a collection of poetry that takes one through different stages of love, life, and the thoughts in between.
What’s the best piece of advice you have been given?
Don’t be afraid to get ahead of things! Planning is good; protocols are great; ensuring that you and another person are on the same page is a great part of laying a foundation for the future. It’s never a bad idea to plan ahead.
What’s the best piece of advice that you can give?
Have faith! In yourself, a higher power, love, community, anything that brings you even a bit of joy, because I believe when you pour into things around you, you receive good things in return. On just an energetic level, you receive what you put out in due time.
Any favorite quotes or affirmations?
“No mud, no lotus,” is one of my favorite reminders that without hardship, most truly beautiful things won’t bloom. And for affirmation, I’d say everything that’s meant for me is seeking me. I find it to be just a good reminder that all that is meant for you, you’ll come across in due time.
What’s next for Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman, DBH?
I would like to have more open conversations, whether on conference panels or in podcast settings. I would love to do more things like that. I want to work to find more funding for my STEAM programming so I can continue to keep it free for the kids and keep the workforce development enriching for the counselors, while expanding the population we’re able to serve. My personal dreams include growing closer to my Lord and Savior as I refine myself into a balanced, nurturing woman for myself and the family I hope to create.
For more information on Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman, DBH, and the 5th Annual Earth Day Celebration, please visit her at www.dorothyjeanius.com and follow her on social media at @dorothyjeanius
