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. Scroll down to view their stories.

Proud Math Person Gallery

  • “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

  • “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

  • "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

  • “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

  • “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

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

    Eden, community member

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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

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

    Eric, community member

  • "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

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

    Masha, board member

  • “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

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SUMM Voices

SUMM Voices is a mini series that highlights the passion our board members have for math and for being a critical part of building the first math museum on the West Coast.

Saurangshu Pandey

Saur is one of our board members. In this episode, hear why he loves math.

Tracy Drinkwater

Tracy Drinkwater is our Founder and Board President. In this episode, hear the inspiration behind starting the Seattle Universal Math Museum.

Masha Shunko

Masha Shunko is our Board Vice President. In this episode, Masha discusses the importance of closing math gaps at a young age and inspiring kids to learn.

Al Herron

Al Herron is one of our Board Members. In this episode, Al discusses how SUMM is going to impact young scholars and especially BIPOC communities.

Angela Lean

Angela Lean is a Founding Board Member whose term ended in June 2023. In this episode, Angela discusses why Math is essential for success but also fun! She also talks about how SUMM can bring math concepts to life and create enriching programs that are impactful in the lives of those participating.

For the Love of Math: Art Meets Mathematics at Suzanne Zahr Gallery

Suzanne Zahr, a member of SUMM's board and a renowned architect, brought a unique vision to the "For the Love of Math" exhibition at her Mercer Island gallery in 2021. With a rich background in architecture and a deep love for mathematics, Suzanne helped bridge these two worlds in this captivating showcase.

Beyond the Equation: SUMM Volunteer Highlights

Meet Peter Hubbard

October 2023 Volunteer of the Month

Peter Hubbard, creator of the Tetragami system, has been a pillar of innovation at SUMM. From classrooms in Seattle to the MIT Solve conference, his contributions have reshaped our educational landscape. Explore the journey of this visionary educator with us.

Meet Rona Gurkewitz

August 2023 Volunteer of the Month

Rona is a pioneer in mathematics, computer science, and origami. Rona's early fascination with mathematics led her to explore the realms of computer science and origami.

Meet Nick Rauh

July 2023 Volunteer of the Month

Nick is a member of SUMM’s Advisory Board. Nick also volunteers at many of our events each month. He works for the Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival (JRMF) and is a huge help in all our fun math activities.

Meet Ellen Eischen

June 2023 Volunteer of the Month

Ellen is an associate professor of mathematics at the prestigious University of Oregon, she is on a mission to transform the way we perceive and engage with math.

Meet Yirong Yang

May 2023 Volunteer of the Month

Yirong Yang is a Math PhD Student from the University of Washington. Yirong has been absolutely outstanding in helping us create our popular "Math in Real Life" section. She's got a real passion for math and it shows in everything she does.