Proud Math People

At SUMM, we believe that math is for everyone. If you’re a person, and you do math, you’re a proud math person! Since SUMM’s inception, we’ve gathered testimonies from just some of our community members affected by SUMM’s programs.

  • Two young girls playing soccer, one in a green and white striped Celtic jersey and the other in a black jersey, competing for the ball.

    “I am a 10 year old soccer player, little sister, and dog lover. I am a proud math person and use it when I play soccer. I use geometry to pass and shoot the ball in soccer.”

    Ruby, community member

  • Smiling young man with short hair wearing a yellow t-shirt outdoors with greenery and a house in the background.

    “I am a 21 year old who loves to play board games and table top games. I like to run and hang out with my friends and family and my dog! My experience with SUMM has gotten me to appreciate math more seeing the enthusiasm in both kids and parents. I am an educator and a proud math person!”

    Julien, staff member

  • Green dinosaur statue in a garden, partly covered by plants, with a wooden fence in the background.

    "I am the father of six adults who all use math every day! I am a retired engineer, and I have a dinosaur in my front yard."

    Doug, community member

  • The image depicts a young child engaged in a learning activity at a wooden table. The child is wearing a black sweatshirt with a small antler design on the sleeve. With a red pen in hand, the child is working on a worksheet filled with math problems.

    "I like mathematics because it is fun and I like counting numbers! The biggest number I can count at a time is 25 plus 15."

    Dylan, age 5, community member

  • A woman with glasses and hoop earrings smiling in a library or bookstore.

    “I’ve excelled in math and had the privilege of teaching it for over 30 years, empowering students, especially Black girls, to see themselves as mathematicians. I believe math is for everyone, and I am passionate about creating opportunities to share that message. It brings me joy to help others recognize their potential and confidence in mathematics.”

    Monique, community member

  • Group of people posing in front of a large geometric sculpture made of multiple dodecahedral modules, with some modules decorated in white, black, and gold colors.

    “I love to bring people together to build big things. I'm also a proud math person and so I'm really happy when what we build can help people see math from a new angle.”

    Glen, board secretary

  • Young girl with light brown hair in a red ponytail, wearing a pink and purple jacket and teal pants, smiling outdoors near a blue house with trees in the background.

    “I am 10 years old and have autism. I am a proud math person who has fun attending SUMM events!”

    Eden, community member

  • A man with a beard and short hair looking through a colorful geometric structure made of plastic sticks in various colors.

    “I do the New York Times crossword puzzle every day. Almost everything I cook has jalapenos in it. I'm currently playing through Elden Ring. I am a proud math person!”

    Nick, staff member

  • A smiling man seated at a table in a classroom or activity room with colorful blocks and other materials, with children in the background.

    “I am a dad who enjoys running and I believe math is for everyone. It is a part of our everyday life, and who doesn't love pi(e)?”

    Olivetti, board member

  • A woman with long brown hair smiling at the camera, sitting indoors with a window and green plant in the background.

    “I am a swiftie who loves to crochet and bake. I love math because it helps me have a deeper understanding of the world around me.”

    Mia, staff member

  • A man taking a selfie, smiling, wearing a blue shirt that says 'MATHEMSON'. Behind him, there are framed pictures on a dark wall, a skateboard mounted on the wall, and a red rectangular planter with air plants.

    “I'm a former middle school math teacher who thinks math can be fun and relevant. Everyone can be a proud math person and think SUMM is a great organization helping to make that happen!”

    Lewis, community member

  • A smiling man with a beard, wearing a baseball cap and a zip-up jacket, stands next to a smiling woman with glasses, wearing a puffy jacket, outdoors in a forested area on a rainy day.

    “I care deeply about the environment, ensuring children see the wonder in nature, and am working to be self sustaining at my home. I am a proud math person!”

    Dr. Annette, community member

  • A colorful tower of soft blocks with plush toys, surrounded by scattered small cubes in a playroom.

    "I love to make patterns—and then I break them!"

    4-year-old community member

  • A woman hiking on a mountain trail surrounded by lush green trees with towering mountains and a blue sky with clouds in the background.

    “I love to write. I love any movement. I love to cook. And I love math. My relationship with math has been non-linear, starting when I hit a roadblock during my first quarter of college. SUMM has been a transformative experience being able to share a love of math, creative thinking, and exploratory spirit with a wide range of learners.”

    Julie, staff member

  • A person wearing headphones looking at the camera, with a galaxy background.

    “I'm a constant tinkerer of things and a bundle of curious neurons. I didn't like math that much before I applied it to solve real problems... here I am, a proud math person.”

    Saur, board member

  • Two people dressed in colorful Power Rangers-themed costumes, taking a selfie outdoors under a cloudy sky.

    “I love spreadsheets and use them for everything from planning a move to budgeting to Christmas shopping and activities.”

    Emily, community member

  • A smiling child with raised hands in a room with colorful drawings and decorations.

    "I like math because I love math! I like to count my pretty rocks."

    Sol, age 3, community member

  • A woman with a big smile, wearing sunglasses, a black athletic top, and black shorts, is outdoors on a sunny day. She is adjusting her sunglasses and has a purple and white octopus plush toy hanging from her waist. She is in a park with several people in the background, some wearing athletic gear.

    “I am a student and a teacher who loves playing sports and being active in any way possible. I love doing activities with my family and friends. I am a huge fan of puzzles and board games! I'm also a proud math person.”

    Ginna, staff member

  • A smiling couple taking a selfie outdoors in a forested area.

    "I love being around people who share a common interest in math education and destigmatizing the fear of math."

    Eric, community member

  • A young girl with shoulder-length dark hair and a slight smile, inside a room with educational posters, in front of a whiteboard with handwritten notes.

    "I enjoy math, but it takes me time to understand it fully. In the past, I have been ashamed of that; I no longer am—we all learn at different paces."

    Riddhima, community member

  • A woman wearing a graduation cap and gown, with glasses and wavy hair, smiling at the camera.

    “I teach business. Business runs on math. I am a proud math person!”

    Masha, board member

  • An older man with glasses takes a selfie, holding a red geometric sculpture in front of a colorful, patterned background.

    “I'm a retired 5th grade math teacher, on the SUMM advisory board, and I do afterschool enrichment activities at Seattle schools. I love hexagons and used them to design Tetragonamy. I am a proud math person.”

    Peter, board member