Are you smarter than a 5th grader?! ‘Cause we’re bringing one…

Join us as we Adjust the ‘STEM’perature in every household and chat with PE Alum and now Junior Board Members, Tommie Collins, III and Michael Ramirez about their experience with PE and why it’s important for students to encounter an organization like PE to realize their dreams and potential in a climate where they aren’t always acknowledged, celebrated, or elevated.

Your #GivingTuesday Zoomathon Agenda:

• 6:00 Introductions – Meet PE’s Staff & A Few of Our Phenomenal Students
• 6:15 Are You a STEM Genius?! Trivia – Compete with PE’s students in a STEM Trivia contest. For every correct answer a donor will give $50 to PE
• 6:30 Cocktails & Mocktails with Sarah T – Let our in-house mixologist lead you in making the perfect Mulled Wine (or Cider 🙂
• 7:00 POWER HOUR & Conversation with Tommie & Michael – Meet PE Alum & Junior Board Members, Tommie & Michael as they share their experiences as emerging STEM leaders
• 7:15 Trivia Round Two
• 7:25 Q&A and Final Thoughts

ABOUT TOMMIE COLLINS, III

I consider myself a storyteller with a designer’s toolkit. I desire to share undiscovered and sometimes overlooked stories, create experiences, and, most of all, impact lives.

My passionate work exists at the intersection of civic systems, collaborative design, communications, and strategy. Through various research methods, I eliminate layered complexity and also identify the actual areas of opportunity. My approach is people-centered—utilizing dynamic design methods, I can navigate the journey and share the compelling story. Through this lens, I can mobilize stakeholders to build connections, establish meaningful experiences, and transform ideas into action.

I am currently a candidate in the MDes+MBA dual degree program at the IIT Institute of Design. As a researcher and visual communication designer for ChiByDesign, a human-centered design firm, my work is now a reflection of me—my beliefs, talents, and the impact I desire to create can co-exist. I no longer have to compromise one for the others. I am a graduate of Hampton University, a historically black university, with degrees in graphic design and film.

ABOUT MICHAEL RAMIREZ

An alumnus of the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Michael worked at Jane Addams Hull-House Museum (JAHHM) where he received his BA in Communications with a minor in Sociology. After 10-years of working at JAHHM as a Museum Educator and Education Manager, Michael moved on to becoming the current Operations Manager for LimeRed Studio, Inc., a branding agency in Chicago. In his current role, Michael helps with the organization of LimeRed’s multiple platforms for project management, corresponds with clients, both existing and new, and advocates for efficiency with all LimeRed Team members. Over his career Michael has led college classes teaching students, faculty, and staff at UIC Progressive Era history, served on the panel of the 2012 STEM Pathways Conference, and serves as a current Junior Board member for Project Exploration.

Michael is excited to be part of the Project Exploration Junior Board because as a PE alum he believes in the work that they do to empower young people like they did for him when he was a program participant. He believes that through PE’s work, more kids like him can be inspired to follow a path that they may not have thought to go down.

Since I was 14-years-old Michael I’ve been involved with the organization in some way, shape, or form and I want to continue to support a place that has supported me. My work now would not be possible without the connections and skills I learned while being a program participant, intern, and student blogger.

The Twist: Matching Gift – Our Featured Supporter Will Give a Certain Amount Toward Every Correct Answer

RSVP by Nov 29th at 11:59 pm CT and attend the event to Thank you for your commitment to PE and our students.

Supporters, donors, volunteers…what are you waiting for? RSVP and make your donation today! Your contribution directly impacts our mission and will help us change the face of science!

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