Our Vision

Empowering underserved and underrepresented students to realize their full potential through equitable access to transformative STEAM education and career opportunities, fostering innovation, inclusivity, and lifelong success in a rapidly evolving world. 

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide inclusive and engaging STEAM experiences that empower students from all backgrounds. We believe that through education, we can change lives and cultivate a passion for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Join us in our journey to inspire and uplift every young learner.

Dr. J. Leo Ulloa-Higuera

Dr. J. Leo has worked in K12 public education for over 22 years. He is a DoD/STEM Ambassador and is committed to increase the STEM workforce pipeline in our country. Currently, he is the principal of Launch Virtual Academy.

*J. Leo is a founding board member of the STEAM Ahead Foundation and co-creator of South bay Pumpkin Smash. He also serves in the Eastlake Educational Foundation and the Friends of Chula Vista Park and Recreation Foundation. He is a past board member of Science Delivered Foundation.

A tinkerer and hope dealer, Dr. J. Leo likes to spend time with his family and friends cooking, riding bicycles, and exercising.

Joe Amaro

Joe is a design engineer with over twenty years of experience in Project Management in both the private and public sectors. Strong background in manufacturing processes, computer applications, and woodworking technologies.

Experienced career technical education instructor in middle and high school public education system specialized in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and engineering. Joe is a VEX Robotics event partner and has hosted many robotics events including California State VEX Robotics Championships at elementary, middle, and high school level competitions. Joe has also joined VEX Robotics World's Championships as a judge and advisor.

In his spare time, Joe likes to tinker with 3D printers, CNC & laser machines. He likes to spend time with his family and friends. 

Paige  Jodoin

Paige has been involved in various STEM competitions including QuickScience, FIRST LEGO LEAGUE and Science Olympiad. She specializes in VEX Robotics as a participant (2013-2017), volunteer, event partner and coach throughout Southern California. She also collaborates closely with CECYTE School in Bahía de Los Ángeles, Baja California Sur, Mexico providing robotics and STEM learning opportunities to their students.

Paige is a mechanical engineer with National Community Renaissance working in Data Analytics and PV Solar installation coordination. On the rare occasion that Paige isn't at a robotics event, she enjoys spending time outdoors backpacking, overlanding, or boating. 

Mauricio Torres

Mauricio is a dedicated Quality and Regulatory Affairs professional committed to fostering Company and Customer satisfaction and focus on community development toward new technologies and all STEAM projects. 

Adept in Medical device regulations encompassing FDA, ISO, and global requirements  with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Mauricio expertise spans diverse areas, ensuring both internal and external customer satisfaction, bolstering sales, and devising processes for punctual delivery of quality products. 

As a proficient Quality expert, on an average day, Mauricio typically dedicates his time to enjoying moments with family and friends.

Katherine Velliquette

Katherine is a retired U.S. Marine. She runs her own consultant business and also teaches career technical education classes in a local public education district specializing in the Information and Communications Technology and Business & Finance pathways .

Katherine is deeply committed to leveraging technology to connect diverse youth with their communities. She advocates for students to explore Science and Technology fields to empower their communities and spur growth. 

Outside of her professional endeavors, Katherine dedicates her spare time to coaching high school teams in robotics and small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS).

Alec is an IT professional in public education, supporting teachers and students alike with technology needs. He was a robotics competition participant in both VEX and FRC during high school. He has remained active with local VEX Robotics competitions, providing technical support and guidance for the past fifteen years.

Alec always has a STEAM project lined up, whether it involves a microprocessor, challenging programming or his scale steam engine. He also serves on the board of the Chula Vista Live Steamers. His spare time also involves working on his classic truck and nature photography.