STEM programs are becoming increasingly popular throughout schools across the nation. However, there are still many students who doubt their ability to succeed in subjects that involve technology such as coding. Alia Cummings has been using her skills in business and technology to share with students how to succeed in these areas. Her accomplishments exceed those of many people in the STEM fields, and she is only 17 years old. As a STEM and coding advocate, she emphasizes being challenged and that without challenges, she would not have the success she currently has in her life today. “I continue to code because it’s a challenge. In life, I find that I am not challenged by a lot of things. However, code changes all the time and it’s basically like learning a new language.” Cummings started learning how to code when she was in sixth grade. From there, she continued to excel in STEM subjects and has never let a challenge hold her back. In fact, she does not let her age define her capabilities for success.
When Cummings was ten years old, she started a business creating shea butter lotions and other products. At the age of sixteen, she started Black Legend LLC where she now owns a hair care line and an organization that helps students learn how to code. In addition, her academic achievements are nothing short of extraordinary as a recipient of the Superintendent’s award at Detroit Edison High School. Balancing business pursuits and educational priorities can be difficult, but Cummings is always ready to take on a challenge and she takes that to the next level by sharing her challenges with others. Microsoft has partnered with Cummings to lead outreach events about business and coding. Recently, she participated in a workshop at the Microsoft store in Somerset mall where she shared her experience as a student entrepreneur and how other students can follow their passions.
Through the DigiGirlz Microsoft event, she was able to speak to girls from the Club Xtreme Volleyball club about what it takes to own a business. She started by telling the story of her own successes and failures. Beginning with her first business creating Shea butter products to her current success with Be Legend Youth camps, she discusses topics ranging from the importance of failing to being mindful of the people you let into your inner circle. “I am talking to them about the fundamentals of creating a business and not just the incorporating aspect of it. They need to know about the drive to do it and the passion that it takes to have a business because there is no purpose of having a business if you do not have the passion for that business.”
Afterward, the girls had an insightful question and answer session with Cummings based on her presentation and their own passions. Within this session, there were a lot of questions regarding her success at such a young age and how she manages her schoolwork. As a teenager, these are reasonable worries when starting a business. Cummings described these challenges as motivators to keep on being successful. “Everything that you put forward is worth it. I know that there are a lot of sleepless nights when a lot of times, you just want to give up. At the end of the day, it’s always worth it.” Brian Rausch, the Community Development Specialist for Microsoft at Somerset Mall, praises Cummings accomplishments as a young woman advocating for student leadership and coding.
He shared with the audience that Cummings was among STEM leaders who have 20 years of experience in their field and how she acts as she belongs with them. He also highlights the fact that she taught 125 students how to code at Detroit’s Microsoft office less than 24 hours before the DigiGirlz event. Cummings is a testimony to students that age is not a limit, and they can accomplish anything they set their minds to achieve. Cummings conducts coding camps for middle school students and high school freshman through her organization, Be Legend. She uses the motto “Youth Teaching Youth” and is always looking for interested high schoolers to help volunteer with her programs. No coding is experience is needed, only the desire to help others. If you are interested, contact Alia Cummings at belegendtechies.youthcamp@ gmail.com
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