STEM UNPLUGGED Exploring Community Partnerships

Eric, Leann and Caillou shared personal experiences about why mentors make a difference in the opportunities one feels confident to take in deciding a career. They are open and honest about the growing need for experience and exposure to Advanced Manufacturing careers.

Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners, defense, space and security systems, and service provider of aftermarket support. As America’s biggest manufacturing exporter, the company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in more than 150 countries.

Boeing products and tailored services include commercial and military aircraft, satellites, weapons, electronic and defense systems, launch systems, advanced information and communication systems, and performance-based logistics and training.

As a Community Investor for The Boeing Company, Leann Shaffer leads social responsibility and corporate citizenship activities in Arizona and New Mexico. In this role, she implements Boeing’s strategic philanthropy through charitable investments, volunteer programs, employee drives and other integrated programs.

Prior to this role and coming to The Boeing Company, Shaffer began her career as a software engineer and has held several dynamic roles in tech which included leadership development training, leading recruiting and internship programs and developing and implementing workforce pipeline strategies.

Leann’s passion for STEM is rooted in her own journey and background in IT, and it’s why she believes every student should have a role model and access to STEM opportunities.

Follow Boeing on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

PADT is the Southwest’s leading provider of products and services for mechanical engineering. Established in 1994, their 85 employees focus on numerical simulation, product development, and 3D Printing. Although based in Tempe, Arizona, they have offices in Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and California.

Eric Miller is a co-owner of Tempe based PADT, which provides tools and services to companies who design and manufacture physical products. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley.

As co-founder of PADT in 1994, Eric was able to pursue his interests in simulation, 3D printing, operations, and small business management. Eric is often called upon to write and speak on simulation, design, and 3D Printing as well as on startups and the high-tech sector.

In addition, he is a board member for several tech-related organizations and Chair of the Arizona Technology Council Board of Directors.

Connect with Eric on LinkedIn.

Recently named an 18 Under 18 recipient by Junior Achievement and Arizona Republic, Caillou Peña is proud to represent the importance of empowering today’s youth to tackle tomorrow’s biggest challenges.

With previous experience in constitutional law, entrepreneurship and as a Chief Science Officer, currently, he is a member of the Institute for Policy and Strategy at Carnegie Mellon University where he is studying International Relations and Politics with hopes of using this knowledge to expand educational opportunities for all.

Impassioned with a vision to stimulate positive change in communities worldwide, Caillou, is thrilled to be working at the SciTech Institute where he has witnessed first hand that he can do just that.

Connect with Caillou on LinkedIn.

About Our Sponsor

SciTech Institute™ was established as the Arizona Technology Council Foundation as the conduit for collaboration among STEM industry, academia, civic, and non-profit organizations in Arizona. Now, rebranded and named the SciTech Institute™ the goal centers around aligning assets and resources to motivate individuals to pursue STEM-related educational and career paths or find a passion while engaged in community events during the SciTech Festival.

The Chief Science Officer program highlights the 6th-12th graders that have been selected as leaders in their schools and communities to receive training to build a world-class community of diverse STEM-literate workers and knowledgeable, engaged citizens. Science For All allows for tax credit donations to provide engaging experiences for students while RAIN (Rural Activation Innovation Network) focuses on resources for the rural areas of Arizona.

As a STEM Learning Ecosystem, SciTech Institute™ focuses on collaboration and connecting individuals with opportunities! STEM Professionals are encouraged to engage with the future workforce by serving as a mentor, leadership coach, panelist, keynote and session trainer during a variety of conferences hosted or sponsored by SciTech Institute™ and The Arizona Technology Council.

Teachers and Administrators are invited to connect with the resources available while activating a large network of STEM champions for student projects, judges at events, volunteers, exhibitors and more. SciTech Festival Event Coordinators are supported during the planning and execution of community STEM events around the state by the SciTech STREET Team Members and the growing network of volunteers. The possibilities are endless! SciTech Institute™ looks forward to connecting with you today. Visit SciTechInstitute.org today for more information.

Follow SciTech Institute on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Your Host

After graduating from Bolivar-Richburg High School in rural western New York and joining the United States Army, Kelly Greene learned quickly to adapt to her surroundings to be successful. She attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio and played shortstop on the Tiger softball team while earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.

After graduating from Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training, she traveled the world with the military. While stationed in Misawa, Japan, Kelly fell in love with learning about cultures around the world. Even as a deployed Soldier during Operation Iraqi Freedom for two tours, she found opportunities to connect with the local children to form the Victory Base Council Girl Scouts with her fellow servicemen.

In 2013, she was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and traveled the country by air and had the opportunity to utilize the most advanced technologies available to the tactical HUMINT operations in theater. Upon return from combat, she retired with 21 years of service and began teaching 6th grade Math.

After being selected as a Westside Impact Teacher of the Year and having her Fiesta Bowl Charities Wish Granted for a morning news studio, she was asked to begin a new class on campus – 7th grade STEM! Using her enthusiastic nature and combined with her strong classroom management she was able to design curriculum based on the Engineering Design Process to have her 7th graders complete a new project every 2 weeks!

She is excited to serve as the Director of Student Success for the rapidly expanding Chief Science Officers Program. Her goal is to push students just a bit outside of their comfort zone so they can see for themselves the power of their own ideas.

About Your Co-Host

Chief Science Officer (CSO) Shalae Clemens is a member of the International Leadership Council and the current CSO of the Year.

She is a freshman at McClintock High School and a 3rd year CSO.

Shalae has a passion for STEM and is using her leadership skills to prepare the STEM workforce of tomorrow.

Connect with Shalae on Instagram.