'The Makers' book
Rodney Williams fills a gap that needs filling -- "young people of color are often underrepresented in narratives about innovation, technology, and leadership"
I was happy to meet Rodney Williams at Fab24 in Puebla, Mexico and he sent me a copy of his illustrated book, The Makers, which is a story of four friends as they choose to do something, to work on projects in a makerspace. The 82-page book was illustrated by Asma Ghanem. I did this interview with Rodney (RW) over email.
DD: Can you tell us about your work for the Fab Foundation and what you did before working there?
RW: As the Program Manager for the Fab Foundation, I have the privilege of contributing to the future of education through digital fabrication. My work involves overseeing and implementing educational outreach projects that span the United States and even reach international communities. I collaborate with a diverse range of partners—public, corporate, and private—to ensure that our projects are not just impactful but transformative. Whether I’m forging partnerships with key stakeholders or working closely with educators, lab managers, and administrators, my mission is to make digital fabrication resources and tools accessible and relevant to everyone. This work isn’t just about managing projects; it’s about driving a global movement that empowers learners of all ages to become creators, innovators, and problem-solvers.
Prior to joining the Fab Foundation, I worked as a Technology Integrationist at a Montessori-based independent school in Chicago. There, I had the privilege of weaving technology into the K-8 curriculum, collaborating with educators to create immersive learning experiences, and facilitating makerspace initiatives. In this environment, I saw firsthand the incredible potential of hands-on, creative learning to inspire young minds.
DD: What was the impetus for your writing the book?
RW: "The Makers" originated from my strong desire to address what I perceived as a gap in stories related to maker technologies, digital fabrication tools, and educational resources. Young people of color are often underrepresented in narratives about innovation, technology, and leadership, and I aimed to change that. The book follows four children of color as they navigate the unique challenges of their community. Along their journey, they discover the transformative power of makerspaces and digital fab labs, using these resources to overcome obstacles and express their creativity in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM). My ultimate goal is to see "The Makers" adapted into a TV series so its message can reach even more young people and inspire them to see themselves as the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.
DD: Who did you want to read it?
While I initially wrote this book with young people of color in mind, I wanted it to resonate far beyond that. I envisioned it as a resource for educators, parents, and community leaders who are passionate about inspiring the next generation of makers. But even more, I wanted other children—regardless of their background—to see children of color thriving within spaces filled with innovative technology. My goal was to create a story that’s not just inclusive but universal, accessible to anyone who believes in the power of education, technology, and diversity to shape a better world.
DD: What I like about this book, which features young people of color, is that it supports the idea that becoming makers is possible, something that kids themselves might want to do, that they can dream of things to make and do projects and be part of a community that values it. That's a big lift! Do you see it that way?
RW: I’m glad you picked up on that! Yes, I see this book as a way to challenge and expand the narrative of who can be a maker. By showcasing young people of color as central characters in a story about innovation, I hope to show that the world of making is open to everyone. It’s about encouraging all kids to dream big, take risks, and see themselves as capable of making a difference—whether that’s through building, creating, or solving real-world problems.
DD: How has the book been received?
RW: The feedback for the book has been overwhelmingly positive. Educators, students, and parents have reached out to express how much they appreciate seeing themselves represented in the stories and examples. It's incredibly rewarding to witness the impact it's making. Many have shared that the book is a valuable tool for initiating conversations about inclusion, creativity, and the endless potential of young minds. It has been gratifying to hear how "The Makers" is resonating with readers and making an impact in classrooms and communities.
