Opening Keynote Speaker: Hadi Partovi, Founder, CEO - Code.Org
Hadi Partovi is a tech entrepreneur and investor, and CEO of the education nonprofit Code.org.
Born in Iran, Hadi grew up during the Iran-Iraq war. After immigrating to the United States, he spent his summers working as a software engineer to help pay his way through high school and college. Upon graduating from Harvard with a Masters degree in computer science, Hadi pursued a career in technology starting at Microsoft where he rose into the executive ranks. He founded two tech startups that were acquired by Microsoft and Newscorp respectively, and he has served as an early advisor or investor at many tech startups including Facebook, Dropbox, airbnb, and Uber.
In 2013 Hadi and his twin brother Ali ‘94 launched the education nonprofit Code.org, which Hadi leads full-time as CEO. Code.org has established computer science classes reaching 30% of US students, created the most broadly used curriculum platform for K-12 computer science, and launched the global Hour of Code movement that has reached hundreds of millions of students spanning every country in the world.
Hadi's family lives in Seattle, Washington and in his spare time he enjoys skiing, water sports, playing music, and playing word games.
Born in Iran, Hadi grew up during the Iran-Iraq war. After immigrating to the United States, he spent his summers working as a software engineer to help pay his way through high school and college. Upon graduating from Harvard with a Masters degree in computer science, Hadi pursued a career in technology starting at Microsoft where he rose into the executive ranks. He founded two tech startups that were acquired by Microsoft and Newscorp respectively, and he has served as an early advisor or investor at many tech startups including Facebook, Dropbox, airbnb, and Uber.
In 2013 Hadi and his twin brother Ali ‘94 launched the education nonprofit Code.org, which Hadi leads full-time as CEO. Code.org has established computer science classes reaching 30% of US students, created the most broadly used curriculum platform for K-12 computer science, and launched the global Hour of Code movement that has reached hundreds of millions of students spanning every country in the world.
Hadi's family lives in Seattle, Washington and in his spare time he enjoys skiing, water sports, playing music, and playing word games.
Closing Keynote Speaker: Jessie 'Chuy' Chavez - Senior Software Engineer / Manger - Google
Jessie ‘Chuy’ Chavez is a Senior Software Engineer and Manager of the Data Liberation team in Chicago, part of our Privacy and Data Production Office (PDPO). The Data Liberation Team created Google Download Your Data and the Data Transfer Project, which systematically provides users control of their data in Google products, and he recently celebrated 12 years at Google.
Chuy was named to the Crain's 2015 Tech50 list of people to know in Chicago's technology community.
Apart from his main job, Chuy spends his 20% time coordinating education outreach and participating in diversity efforts in the Chicago office such as the Code.org/CS4All initiative in Chicago Public Schools, the Google.org sponsored Robot Revolution, the Chicago Public Library robot and hotspot checkout program, and many other initiatives with local educational and community partners. He has also spoken to tens of thousands of students to help inspire the next generation to pursue careers in Computer Science.
Chuy is a founding member of the Chicago office’s Mosaic diversity group and local Latino Googler chapter as well as volunteers on initiatives with other employee resource groups.
Born and raised in Chicago to Mexican immigrant parents from Michoacan and Monterrey, Chuy’s first language was Spanish and he attended Chicago Public School's bilingual program until the fourth grade. As the oldest in his family, Chuy became the first in his family to graduate from elementary school, high school, and college. He graduated with a degree in Math from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as well as coordinated campus initiatives to help Latino/a recruitment, retention, and equality, including the famous 1992 Latina/o student protest.
Prior to Google, Chuy worked as a software engineer at FeedBurner (acquired by Google in 2007) as well as HSBC bank US and Mexico, Best Buy, and even as a teacher in Chicago. Chuy extends his technical expertise to many community and social justice causes in Chicago and Latin America, including serving as a human rights monitor in Honduras and a media volunteer for #Caravana43 from Ayotzinapa, Mexico.
Chuy was named to the Crain's 2015 Tech50 list of people to know in Chicago's technology community.
Apart from his main job, Chuy spends his 20% time coordinating education outreach and participating in diversity efforts in the Chicago office such as the Code.org/CS4All initiative in Chicago Public Schools, the Google.org sponsored Robot Revolution, the Chicago Public Library robot and hotspot checkout program, and many other initiatives with local educational and community partners. He has also spoken to tens of thousands of students to help inspire the next generation to pursue careers in Computer Science.
Chuy is a founding member of the Chicago office’s Mosaic diversity group and local Latino Googler chapter as well as volunteers on initiatives with other employee resource groups.
Born and raised in Chicago to Mexican immigrant parents from Michoacan and Monterrey, Chuy’s first language was Spanish and he attended Chicago Public School's bilingual program until the fourth grade. As the oldest in his family, Chuy became the first in his family to graduate from elementary school, high school, and college. He graduated with a degree in Math from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as well as coordinated campus initiatives to help Latino/a recruitment, retention, and equality, including the famous 1992 Latina/o student protest.
Prior to Google, Chuy worked as a software engineer at FeedBurner (acquired by Google in 2007) as well as HSBC bank US and Mexico, Best Buy, and even as a teacher in Chicago. Chuy extends his technical expertise to many community and social justice causes in Chicago and Latin America, including serving as a human rights monitor in Honduras and a media volunteer for #Caravana43 from Ayotzinapa, Mexico.
Panel Speakers
State Representative Carol Ammons represents the 103rd District of Illinois and is a career activist fighting for equality and justice. She is the first African-American woman elected to the 103rd District and is now the voice and advocate of her constituents in Champaign-Urbana. While in office, Representative Ammons has dedicated her time and energy toward helping her district and the state through public service.
Bridging the gap between grassroots activism and elected office, Rep Ammons is an experienced, independent Democrat who is effectively working for the citizens of Champaign-Urbana. She has a combined fourteen years of service in elected office, at the county, city, and state level. Carol serves as Chairperson on the committee for Higher Education and Sub-Chair for Special Issues Subcommittee (HED). Carol also sits on the following committees; Appropriations-Higher Education, Energy & Environment, Personnel & Pensions, Public Utilities, Environmental Justice Subcommittee, and the Miscellaneous Issues Subcommittee.
Representative Ammons is the Treasurer for the Illinois Black Caucus, serves as Vice-Chair of the Illinois House Democratic Women’s Caucus and the Co-Chair of the Illinois House Progressive Caucus, and sat on the Illinois State Supreme Court Commission for Pretrial Practice Reform. Carol was awarded the 2019 National Shining Star Award from the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women (N.O.B.E.L), she has a 100% rating with the Illinois Environmental Council, and lastly, Carol Ammons is both an EDGAR fellow and a BILLD fellow.
As an activist turned lawmaker, Representative Ammons is laser-focused on cultivating the crucial relationship between community organizers and the state legislature. She knows that in order to achieve equality, lawmakers and activists must align their goals, policies, and actions.
Bridging the gap between grassroots activism and elected office, Rep Ammons is an experienced, independent Democrat who is effectively working for the citizens of Champaign-Urbana. She has a combined fourteen years of service in elected office, at the county, city, and state level. Carol serves as Chairperson on the committee for Higher Education and Sub-Chair for Special Issues Subcommittee (HED). Carol also sits on the following committees; Appropriations-Higher Education, Energy & Environment, Personnel & Pensions, Public Utilities, Environmental Justice Subcommittee, and the Miscellaneous Issues Subcommittee.
Representative Ammons is the Treasurer for the Illinois Black Caucus, serves as Vice-Chair of the Illinois House Democratic Women’s Caucus and the Co-Chair of the Illinois House Progressive Caucus, and sat on the Illinois State Supreme Court Commission for Pretrial Practice Reform. Carol was awarded the 2019 National Shining Star Award from the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women (N.O.B.E.L), she has a 100% rating with the Illinois Environmental Council, and lastly, Carol Ammons is both an EDGAR fellow and a BILLD fellow.
As an activist turned lawmaker, Representative Ammons is laser-focused on cultivating the crucial relationship between community organizers and the state legislature. She knows that in order to achieve equality, lawmakers and activists must align their goals, policies, and actions.
Mayra Bachrach is a research consultant at Kean University in Union, New Jersey (NJ). Her research interests include increasing access to K-12 Computer Science (CS) Education and improving the learning outcomes in CS of all student groups. She received an MSCS from the New Jersey Institute of technology (NJIT). Mayra has held positions as a CS lecturer at Kean, as a NJ high school CS and robotics teacher and First Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics coach and as a New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) CS educational consultant.
Mayra is past president of the Northern NJ Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) chapter and served as a NJ representative on the CSTA CS Advocacy Leadership Team (CSALT). She is a CSTA advocacy representative for the NJ chapters. At the state level, she served on the revision committee for the NJ Computer Science Student Learning Standards adopted in June 2020 and on the NJ CS Advisory Board convened by the NJDOE and charged with developing the NJ Computer Science State plan. The State plan published in November 2019 identifies the major policy initiatives and related milestones needed to promote equitable access to CS education for all K-12 NJ students.
Mayra is past president of the Northern NJ Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) chapter and served as a NJ representative on the CSTA CS Advocacy Leadership Team (CSALT). She is a CSTA advocacy representative for the NJ chapters. At the state level, she served on the revision committee for the NJ Computer Science Student Learning Standards adopted in June 2020 and on the NJ CS Advisory Board convened by the NJDOE and charged with developing the NJ Computer Science State plan. The State plan published in November 2019 identifies the major policy initiatives and related milestones needed to promote equitable access to CS education for all K-12 NJ students.
Bernice Billups has been with The Boeing Company for almost 20 years. In her current role she is responsible for managing the community investment portfolio and oversight of our external relationships in the non-profit sector and leads our collaborative efforts in communities across the Great Lakes region. Working in partnership with the State & Local Government Operations team in Great Lakes region, to collaborate on leveraging investments with elected officials and other stakeholders including Boeing employees. Billups is also responsible for leading the enterprise-wide company contributions budget planning and approval process to ensure contributions drive greater impact for the company.
Having previously served as Manager/Assistant to retired Chairman, President and CEO, Jim McNerney. She joined Boeing in August 2001.
Billups serves on leadership committee of the Chicago STEM Pathways Cooperative and serves as co-chair of Forefront’s STEM Member Network. She has a B.S. in Business Administration and volunteers as a youth mentor.
Having previously served as Manager/Assistant to retired Chairman, President and CEO, Jim McNerney. She joined Boeing in August 2001.
Billups serves on leadership committee of the Chicago STEM Pathways Cooperative and serves as co-chair of Forefront’s STEM Member Network. She has a B.S. in Business Administration and volunteers as a youth mentor.
Paul Bruno is Assistant Professor in the Department of Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He studies administration and policy in K-12 education, and is especially interested in issues of teacher quality, teacher labor markets, school finance, and school choice. Prior to completing his Ph.D. in urban education policy he was a middle school science teacher and taught computer science elective courses to 7th and 8th graders.
Sylvia Celedón-Pattichis is Senior Associate Dean for Research and Community Engagement and Professor of bilingual and mathematics education in the Department of Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies at the University of New Mexico. She prepares elementary bilingual/ESL pre-service teachers to teach mathematics and teaches bilingual education courses. She taught mathematics at Rio Grande City High School in Texas. Her research interests focus on studying linguistic and cultural influences on the teaching and learning of mathematics, particularly with emergent bilinguals. She was a Co-Principal Investigator of the NSF-funded Center for the Mathematics Education of Latinos/as (CEMELA). She serves as an Advisory Board Member of several NSF-funded projects and as an Editorial Board Member of the Bilingual Research Journal, Teachers College Record, and Journal of Latinos and Education. She has co-edited three NCTM books: Access and Equity: Promoting High Quality Mathematics in Grades PreK-2 and Grades 3-5, and Beyond Good Teaching: Advancing Mathematics Education for ELLs. She is Lead-PI of two NSF-funded projects, Broadening Participation of Latina/o Students in Engineering Using an Integrated Mathematics, Engineering and Computing Curriculum in Authentic, Out-of-School Environments and Developing and Testing Bilingual Curricula that Infuse Authentic Computer Programming Experiences into Middle School Mathematics for Latinx Youth.
Cindi Chang oversees K-12 computer science education programs in the Office of Standards and Instructional Support at the Nevada Department of Education. Her other assignments include policy and practice around K-12 Integrated Technology programs and supporting educators, students, and families with the transition to online and hybrid models of learning as co-lead of the Nevada Digital Learning Collaborative. Prior to her assignment with the State Department of Education, she was an award-winning computer science instructor and educator-trainer with the Clark County School District for over 11 years, and an industry programmer, web developer and technology business owner for decades before that. She is also currently an adjunct professor in the College of Education at Touro University Nevada where she trains in-service teachers to use computer science and technology in unique and exciting ways.
Cindi holds separate bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science and Business Management, and a Master’s degree in Administrative Leadership. She is very passionate about teaching, leading and learning. With her background in computer science, education, and leadership, she is very much a systems girl; looking for new and innovative ways to evaluate and re-design educational systems for the benefit of all stakeholders in Nevada and across the country.
Cindi holds separate bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science and Business Management, and a Master’s degree in Administrative Leadership. She is very passionate about teaching, leading and learning. With her background in computer science, education, and leadership, she is very much a systems girl; looking for new and innovative ways to evaluate and re-design educational systems for the benefit of all stakeholders in Nevada and across the country.
Dr. Marie desJardins is the Dean of the College of Organizational, Computational, and Information Sciences at Simmons University. She is a AAAI Fellow and recipient of numerous awards, including the EAAI/AAAI Outstanding Educator Award, UC Berkeley Distinguished Alumni Award in Computer Science, A. Richard Newton Educator ABIE Award, and NCWIT and CRXA Undergraduate Research Mentoring Awards. Her research is in artificial intelligence, focusing on the areas of machine learning, multi-agent systems, and decision making. She has mentored 13 Ph.D. students, 27 M.S. students, and nearly 100 undergraduate researchers. She has also been highly active in the CS education community, founded the Maryland Center for Computing Education, and frequently serves as a mentor and invited speaker at CS education and outreach events. She earned her A.B. in Engineering from Harvard University and her Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley.
Dr. Leigh Ann DeLyser has spent her career building the K-12 computer science (CS) field. As an Executive Director of CSforALL (csforall.org), she oversees programs and strategic planning and supervises research to build support for high quality CS education at all levels. A former high school and university CS educator, Leigh Ann understands challenges faced by teachers, administrators, and students developing their competency in the field and accessing high-quality learning opportunities and resources. Her influential “Running on Empty” report guides policies and research that support high-quality program implementation. Previously, Leigh Ann was Director of Research and Education at CSNYC, which built a foundation for CS in New York City public schools. She received a PhD in Computer Science and Cognitive Psychology, with a focus on CS education, from Carnegie Mellon University.
Peter Dzubay has a BA from the University of Michigan, a Mobile CSP certificate from Trinity College, and a MAT from the University of Chicago. Before joining TEALS in 2019, he was an Engagement Manager at Code to the Future. And before that, he taught CS in Chicago. Fun fact: After a record-setting soccer career at UMich, he was drafted to play in the MLS.
Nick Elder is Director of the Education for Employment System #330, a career and technical education (CTE) cooperative, headquartered at Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois. EFE #330 is comprised of 14 public school districts in central Illinois and provides regional administration for K-12 CTE programs, including the Early College and Career Academy program at Parkland College. The Early College and Career Academy, a partnership between EFE #330 and Parkland Community College, was launched in fall of 2015 and consists of dual credit programming for high school juniors and seniors in eight different career pathways. Prior to serving as director at EFE #330, Nick was a business teacher and coordinator of the Cooperative Education work-based learning program at GCMS High School in Gibson City, Illinois.
Charity E. Freeman is proud to be a computer science educator at Lane Tech College Prep High School, the largest of the Chicago Public Schools. She also facilitates district-wide professional development workshops for high school educators around Exploring Computer Science curricular implementation. In her efforts with the Computer Science Teachers Association and its inaugural Equity Fellowship cohort, Charity supports equitable student access, engagement, and achievement in computer science, both within and beyond the classroom. "CS For All means making Computer Science a democracy where any student can envision a programmer, coder, or gamer, and see themselves."
As a Teach Plus Illinois K-12 Teaching Policy Fellow, she advocates for the recruitment and retention of teachers of color as a means to address the statewide teacher shortage and draw legislative attention to the lack of ethnically-relevant role models in increasingly diverse classrooms. Charity is currently pursuing her EdD in Curriculum and Instruction at Loyola University Chicago. Connect with her on Twitter: @ChariosiTeach
As a Teach Plus Illinois K-12 Teaching Policy Fellow, she advocates for the recruitment and retention of teachers of color as a means to address the statewide teacher shortage and draw legislative attention to the lack of ethnically-relevant role models in increasingly diverse classrooms. Charity is currently pursuing her EdD in Curriculum and Instruction at Loyola University Chicago. Connect with her on Twitter: @ChariosiTeach
Bryan Hartman earned a Bachelor's in Economics from the University of Evansville and a Master's in Teaching from North Park University. He taught middle school math and Algebra for eight years before transforming Monticello Middle School's computer class into 100% Computer Science in January of 2018. Bryan has two elementary age children and enjoys running and cycling.
Jennifer Kirmes is the Executive Director of Teaching & Learning for the Illinois State Board of Education where she supports ISBE's departments of Educator Effectiveness, Curriculum & Instruction, and CTE & Innovation. Prior to joining ISBE staff, Dr. Kirmes served as the Principal & CEO of Amandla Charter School for six years, and before that was Principal of Bowen High School in Chicago Public Schools. She began her career as a high school chemistry and physics teacher and is deeply committed to improving access to STEAM education and computer science as a critical step in moving toward educational justice.
Suresh Muknahallipatna received his B.E. degree in Electrical Engineering and Master’s of Engineering from the University of Bangalore, India, in 1988 and 1991, respectively. He completed his Ph.D. degree at the University of Wyoming in 1995, with an emphasis on Neural Networks. He is currently working as a Professor in the Dept. of ECE at the University of Wyoming. His current areas of expertise are High Performance Computing (HPC) with an emphasis on GPGPU programming, Machine Learning and Augmented Reality application in Medicine. He has more than seventy publications in the areas of HPC, and Machine Learning. Also, he is the principal investigator of the Engineering Summer Program for Teachers (ESP4T) workshop series for training K-12 teachers about programming using the physical computing paradigm.
Adam Pletcher is a videogame developer, youth robotics team coach, and longtime resident of the Champaign-Urbana area. During the day he is a technical artist and software architect at Deep Silver Volition. For the last 26 years he has helped Volition create efficient tools for crafting their vast, fun in-game worlds. In his spare time Adam is the head coach and software mentor for Ctrl-Z 4096, a FIRST Robotics Competition team. This award-winning STEM team has student members from 10 different schools across Champaign County.
Dr. Leanna Prater is a Solutions Architect at LEGO® Education. In this role she helps provide content area-expertise, thought leadership and strategic solutioning to support activities specific to the instructional goals and program needs of LEGO Education customers. Prior to joining LEGO® Education, she taught in the elementary grades and served as a District Technology Resource Teacher for Fayette County Public Schools in Lexington, KY. A former Code.org K-5 Fundamentals facilitator, she still occasionally serves as an adjunct professor teaching a graduate class on coding for teachers. Leanna holds a Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Charleston, a Masters of Arts in Education/Gifted Education from Georgetown College, and a Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Administration with a focus on Instructional Systems Design from the University of Kentucky. In 2015, she was named Kentucky Outstanding Technology Leader by the Kentucky Society of Technology Education. As an advocate for STEM and computer science for all, she supports classroom teachers and students in areas such as robotics and creative computing and helps organize Scratch Educator meetups in her area.
Sharon Rossmark is the Chief Executive Officer of Women And Drones the premier global platform featuring women who are disrupting, innovating, and shaping the future of the drone industry. She is also a FAA Certified Drone Pilot.
The company provides drone flight services specializing in beta testing for new aerial drone products, inspections, and mapping services. In 2018, 2019 and 2020 the company was listed as one of the “Top 100 Companies To Watch” in the drone industry.
Sharon is an international speaker, panelist, and moderator. She has taken the stage to share her passion for drones from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC to the World of Drones Congress in Brisbane, Australia. She is the co-author of several books introducing young children to drones. The books are available in English and Spanish. Most of the characters in the books are girls which is a purposeful, important part of her commitment to engaging more girls in STEM and aviation.
Ms. Rossmark serves on the boards of Special Olympics Illinois and the board of trustees at Illinois State University. She also serves on the advisory board for the Canadian Drone Institute and the CompTIA Drone Advisory Council.
Sharon earned her MBA from University of Illinois – Chicago and her BS from Illinois State University.
The company provides drone flight services specializing in beta testing for new aerial drone products, inspections, and mapping services. In 2018, 2019 and 2020 the company was listed as one of the “Top 100 Companies To Watch” in the drone industry.
Sharon is an international speaker, panelist, and moderator. She has taken the stage to share her passion for drones from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC to the World of Drones Congress in Brisbane, Australia. She is the co-author of several books introducing young children to drones. The books are available in English and Spanish. Most of the characters in the books are girls which is a purposeful, important part of her commitment to engaging more girls in STEM and aviation.
Ms. Rossmark serves on the boards of Special Olympics Illinois and the board of trustees at Illinois State University. She also serves on the advisory board for the Canadian Drone Institute and the CompTIA Drone Advisory Council.
Sharon earned her MBA from University of Illinois – Chicago and her BS from Illinois State University.
Mary Reynolds serves as the Education Group Chief Information Officer for the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT). In this role she facilitates services with education agencies preK-postsecondary, and cultivates innovative STEAM initiatives that improve outcomes for students. For over 36 years, Mary has served in a variety of state policy development roles around state government focused on issues related to youth, education, juvenile justice, and technology. Previously, Mary served for 12 years as an elected school board member of a small unit school district, and has been an active community volunteer. Her three adult children are all engaged in STEAM careers.
Dr. Allison Scott is the CEO of the Kapor Foundation, part of the Kapor Center family of organizations, aiming to increase racial diversity in tech and entrepreneurship. We believe that when the tech workforce and leadership reflects the diversity of the country, innovation will be strengthened and tech can be used to close longstanding gaps across sectors. At the Foundation, Dr. Scott leads efforts to: (a) conduct research on barriers and solutions to racial inequality in tech, and (b) operate programs and invest in innovative preparation pathways into the tech/entrepreneurship workforce, and (c) work in partnership with stakeholders to advocate for transformational change in policies and practices to expand racial equity in technology. Dr. Scott is currently a Principal Investigator on multiple national grants to expand equity in computer science education and increase participation of women of color across the computing pipeline, and author of foundational research on disparities across the tech ecosystem. Previous positions include: Chief Research Officer at the Kapor Center; Program Leader for the National Institutes of Health’s Enhancing the Diversity of the Biomedical Workforce Initiative; Director of Research and Evaluation for the Level Playing Field Institute, and Data Analyst for the Education Trust-West. Dr. Scott holds a Ph.D. in Education from the University of California, Berkeley and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Hampton University.
Jackie Smalls is our Chief Programs Officer, managing Code.org’s curriculum, professional learning programs, and our nationwide network of regional partners + facilitators to expand CS opportunities in schools.
She worked in large and diverse school systems as an experienced teacher, science curriculum writer, and STEM Administrator. Jackie held various leadership roles with Discovery Education, a K-12 Digital curriculum resources provider, running national professional learning programming and education partnerships impacting tens of thousands of teachers and students. Combining her passion for education and STEM she was the head of programs at Black Girls Code with the oversight of (14) City Chapters Workshops, Enrichments, Summer Camp Programming and Strategic Partnerships impacting thousands of girls of color.
Jackie was a contributing writer for the development of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) based on the National Research Council Framework for K–12 Science Education, served on the National Academy of Engineering Guiding Committee for K-12 Engineering Education, and a member of the inaugural NGSS Advisory Board for the National Science Teacher Association.
Jackie’s family lives in Southern Maryland. She is committed to public service often volunteering to support community youth STEM programs and also loves fitness, working towards competing in a triathlon one day.
She worked in large and diverse school systems as an experienced teacher, science curriculum writer, and STEM Administrator. Jackie held various leadership roles with Discovery Education, a K-12 Digital curriculum resources provider, running national professional learning programming and education partnerships impacting tens of thousands of teachers and students. Combining her passion for education and STEM she was the head of programs at Black Girls Code with the oversight of (14) City Chapters Workshops, Enrichments, Summer Camp Programming and Strategic Partnerships impacting thousands of girls of color.
Jackie was a contributing writer for the development of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) based on the National Research Council Framework for K–12 Science Education, served on the National Academy of Engineering Guiding Committee for K-12 Engineering Education, and a member of the inaugural NGSS Advisory Board for the National Science Teacher Association.
Jackie’s family lives in Southern Maryland. She is committed to public service often volunteering to support community youth STEM programs and also loves fitness, working towards competing in a triathlon one day.
Sepehr Vakil is an assistant professor of Learning Sciences in the School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University. Previously he was Assistant Professor of STEM Education and the Associate Director of Equity & Inclusion in the Center for STEM Education at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Vakil is the Principal Investigator and Co-director of the Technology Race Ethics and Equity in Education (TREE) Lab. Vakil's current research projects span three broad thematic areas: (a) ethics, learning, and technology, (b) participatory design and community-engaged research methodologies, and (c) historical and sociopolitical analyses of engineering and computing education across global contexts. He recently received the National Science Foundation’s early CAREER award, as well as the National Academy of Education/Spencer Foundation Postdoctoral fellowship. He received his PhD in the Education in Mathematics, Science, and Technology program at UC Berkeley, and his B.S and M.S in Electrical Engineering from UCLA.
Kibret Yebetit is a Community Partner Manager at Girls Who Code. She develops partnerships with school districts, library networks, and community organizations to provide girls the opportunity to code, build confidence, and gain the skills they need in the 21st century.
Panel Moderators
Dr. Marlo Barnett is a graduate from Northern Illinois University with a PhD in Educational Technology. Dr. Barnett has over 10 years of experience in education, a proven record of accomplishments and success in planning, decision-making, consulting, professional development, and administration. A scholarly graduate with a distinguished educational background that possesses a wide range of experiences at multiple levels in a variety of organizations and environments.
Dr. Barnett believes in serving her community and giving back to the education field. Currently Dr. Barnett is appointed to the Board of Directors of Northern Illinois Alumni Association. As an Advocate for equity and diversity in Computer Science, Dr. Barnett is Vice President for Computer Science for Illinois and serves as Vice President for Computer Science Teacher Association (CSTA) - Chicago Chapter. In addition, she is also working on a nationwide framework for K12 students for Artificial Intelligence.
Dr. Barnett accredits herself for being an overcomer and defeating many challenges in her life. As an African American woman who grew up in an underrepresented community on the South Side of Chicago, she knows first-hand the struggles that plague the inner city youth. She knows how the streets of Chicago can be ripped apart by gun violence and gangs. Despite the inner city struggles, Dr. Barnett is a first generation student to graduate from college and to obtain degrees in higher education in her family.
Dr. Barnett has a bachelor's degree in ELED from Chicago State University, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from American College of Education, and a second master’s degree in Educational Technology from Northern Illinois University.
Dr. Barnett describes herself as a very candid person with a lot of ambition that take on challenges that require her to move quickly and traverse difficult obstacles. Indeed, her record of accomplishments as a scholarly student, businesswoman, educator and leader proves her to be a woman of her word. In her free time, Barnett enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family.
Dr. Barnett believes in serving her community and giving back to the education field. Currently Dr. Barnett is appointed to the Board of Directors of Northern Illinois Alumni Association. As an Advocate for equity and diversity in Computer Science, Dr. Barnett is Vice President for Computer Science for Illinois and serves as Vice President for Computer Science Teacher Association (CSTA) - Chicago Chapter. In addition, she is also working on a nationwide framework for K12 students for Artificial Intelligence.
Dr. Barnett accredits herself for being an overcomer and defeating many challenges in her life. As an African American woman who grew up in an underrepresented community on the South Side of Chicago, she knows first-hand the struggles that plague the inner city youth. She knows how the streets of Chicago can be ripped apart by gun violence and gangs. Despite the inner city struggles, Dr. Barnett is a first generation student to graduate from college and to obtain degrees in higher education in her family.
Dr. Barnett has a bachelor's degree in ELED from Chicago State University, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from American College of Education, and a second master’s degree in Educational Technology from Northern Illinois University.
Dr. Barnett describes herself as a very candid person with a lot of ambition that take on challenges that require her to move quickly and traverse difficult obstacles. Indeed, her record of accomplishments as a scholarly student, businesswoman, educator and leader proves her to be a woman of her word. In her free time, Barnett enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family.
Mark Harris is the Director of External Engagements and Partnerships at Discovery Partners Institute. He has more than 16 years of experience working to enrich Illinois' tech and innovation economy and the state's STEM talent pipeline. Most recently he served as the President & CEO of the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition (ISTC), a member-driven statewide nonprofit that measures, connects, and advocates for the Illinois innovation community. He also lead the creation and growth of the affiliated Illinois Science & Technology Institute (ISTI), which runs impactful education programs that connect companies and universities with high school youth through research and problem-based learning.
Previously, Mark served as deputy chief of staff for the State of Illinois, was an associate director for the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and served in senior positions at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
Mark holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a master’s degree from the University of Chicago. He serves on the board of Energy Foundry and the Albany Park Theater Project, is a founding member of the Steering Committee of the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition, and is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago. Mark also is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Illinois Chicago Department of Public Administration. Mark is Chilean-American and is fluent in Spanish.
Previously, Mark served as deputy chief of staff for the State of Illinois, was an associate director for the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and served in senior positions at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
Mark holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a master’s degree from the University of Chicago. He serves on the board of Energy Foundry and the Albany Park Theater Project, is a founding member of the Steering Committee of the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition, and is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago. Mark also is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Illinois Chicago Department of Public Administration. Mark is Chilean-American and is fluent in Spanish.
Colleen Lewis is an Assistant Professor of computer science (CS) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Lewis was previously the McGregor-Girand Associate Professor of CS at Harvey Mudd College. At the University of California, Berkeley, Lewis completed a PhD in science and mathematics education, an MS in computer science, and a BS in electrical engineering and computer science. Her research seeks to identify and remove barriers to CS learning and understand and optimize CS learning. Lewis curates CSTeachingTips.org, a NSF-sponsored project for disseminating effective CS teaching practices
Kandace Turner is the Associate Director for Public Engagement for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She works to advance the University’s public engagement mission by assisting with strategic planning and the development and execution of strategic initiatives and building and managing relationships across a wide range of constituents, including the university, community, corporate, and government partners. These include major campus-wide public engagement initiatives, interinstitutional collaborations, and statewide networks.
Prior to joining the Chancellor's Office, Kandace served as the Assistant Director for Economic Development and Innovation in the Office of the Vice President for Economic Development and Innovation (OVPEDI) for the Illinois System. Previously, she served as the project manager on the $500M proposal for the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) and Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) within the OVPEDI, as well as, managed advanced data projects at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Kandace holds an M.S. in Information Management from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a B.S. in Organizational Leadership from Millikin University.
Prior to joining the Chancellor's Office, Kandace served as the Assistant Director for Economic Development and Innovation in the Office of the Vice President for Economic Development and Innovation (OVPEDI) for the Illinois System. Previously, she served as the project manager on the $500M proposal for the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) and Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) within the OVPEDI, as well as, managed advanced data projects at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Kandace holds an M.S. in Information Management from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a B.S. in Organizational Leadership from Millikin University.