Meet Bria McDowell
Founder and CEO of BriaNova™, a purpose-led startup inspiring girls to explore STEM through play, storytelling, and representation. Based in Maryland, Bria brings together her background in IT and cybersecurity with a creative passion for education and empowerment. Through BriaNova™, she’s redefining what it means for children, especially young girls from diverse backgrounds, to see themselves as innovators, problem-solvers, and future leaders.
A Vision Rooted in Purpose
When Bria McDowell talks about her work, there’s a quiet conviction in her voice, the kind that comes from knowing your purpose and pursuing it even when the path isn’t fully clear. As the Founder and CEO of BriaNova™, she is leading a new wave of innovation where play, learning, and representation meet. Her Maryland-based startup is redefining what it means for children, especially young girls from diverse backgrounds, to dream about futures in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).For Bria, this mission is deeply personal.
“My professional journey began with a passion for creativity, storytelling, and empowerment,” she says. “Over time, that evolved into a mission to create something meaningful for the next generation.”
Early Roots: Creativity, Curiosity, and Courage
Bria’s journey began in the world of technology. With certifications in cybersecurity, network security, and data analytics, she built her career in IT as a Desktop Technician, helping organizations strengthen and secure their digital systems. But beyond the technical precision of her work, there was always an artist and educator within her, someone drawn to creativity, learning, and leadership.
As a child, Bria was fascinated by how things worked. That curiosity evolved into a lifelong pursuit of both innovation and impact. She balanced her early interest in tech with roles that demanded empathy and connection, including teaching gymnastics to young children. That experience, watching how encouragement and confidence could shape a child’s self-belief, became a quiet influence on her leadership style and, later, on her company.
“I’ve always believed in creating from the heart while staying true to my mission,” she reflects. “Each stage of my journey has taught me resilience, leadership, and the importance of turning vision into action, even when resources are limited.”
The Spark: Noticing What Was Missing
The idea for BriaNova™ was born from a moment of awareness, a realization that toys and learning materials often failed to represent or empower the children who needed that inspiration most. “I was inspired by the lack of representation and STEM encouragement I saw for young girls, especially those from diverse backgrounds,” Bria shares. “I wanted to build a brand that celebrates intelligence, creativity, and cultural pride all at once.”
As a woman working in IT, she knew firsthand the barriers that exist in technical fields. That awareness shaped her mission: to create dolls and learning tools that don’t just entertain but also educate and inspire.
“Dolls can be more than toys,” she says. “They can be role models, teachers, and symbols of what’s possible.”
Bria began prototyping on her own, sketching designs, exploring manufacturing options, and talking with parents and educators about what children needed most. Her first prototypes became a proof of concept, tangible reminders that ideas could become real, impactful creations. “I would definitely say launching my first prototypes was a turning point,” she recalls. “Securing community support and seeing early excitement from parents and educators reaffirmed that I was on the right path.”
Navigating Challenges and Building BriaNova™
Starting a business from scratch was both humbling and transformative. Bria faced financial obstacles, limited resources, and moments of uncertainty. But through each challenge, she discovered something invaluable: persistence powered by purpose.
“Starting a business independently has been both the biggest challenge and greatest teacher,” she reflects. “I faced funding obstacles and moments of doubt, but I learned to be resourceful. Creating, branding, and marketing from scratch while continuing to grow my network taught me to push through every setback with creativity and persistence.”
Her background in technology gave her an analytical approach to problem-solving, but her heart for storytelling and education kept her grounded in her mission. It’s this blend, strategy and soul, that defines her leadership.
Bria’s mantra during difficult seasons became her signature: “Push until you can’t and then demand more.”
BriaNova™ Today: Play with Purpose
Today, BriaNova™ stands as more than a toy brand. It’s an educational movement centered on empowerment, representation, and learning through play. The company’s inclusive dolls, storybooks, and hands-on learning kits invite children to explore STEM concepts in an accessible, joyful way.
“BriaNova™ makes a difference by reshaping how people think about dolls, education, and representation,” Bria explains. “My products empower children to explore STEM in a fun and inclusive way while celebrating diversity and intelligence.”
The brand’s vision extends far beyond its first product line. Bria plans to introduce educational workbooks, expand into schools and community programs, and launch interactive experiences, including a BriaNova™ app that merges storytelling with technology. “Over the next few years, I want to make STEM learning more accessible and inspiring for every child,” she says. “Ultimately, my vision is to build a legacy brand that continues to empower and educate long after the first doll is sold.”
Leadership with Integrity and Imagination
What drives Bria’s leadership is not recognition or scale, it’s the quiet satisfaction of knowing her work is shaping the next generation of thinkers and dreamers.
“For me, success is about purpose and impact,” she says. “It’s about knowing my work sparked a sense of pride, curiosity, or confidence in a child’s heart.”
Her values, integrity, creativity, and purpose, anchor everything she builds. Whether she’s designing a product, mentoring young innovators, or judging competitions like Battle of the Bay, Bria approaches each role with humility and authenticity. “I believe in leading with authenticity and creating from the heart,” she says. “I strive to make sure BriaNova™ always reflects innovation, inclusivity, and education in everything we do.”
Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Empowerment
As Bria looks toward the future, she remains inspired by the women who paved the way in STEM, pioneers like Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan. Their courage fuels her own.
She continues to balance her technical career with her entrepreneurial journey, building BriaNova™ from the ground up. And while her ambitions are big, her advice to others remains grounded: “Dreams don’t have to start big, they just have to start. Every great idea begins with courage and persistence, even when resources are limited. You don’t need perfection to make an impact; you need passion, purpose, and the willingness to keep building.”
For Bria McDowell, leadership isn’t about standing at the front, it’s about creating a world where others feel seen, capable, and curious enough to lead too.
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