STEM Southwest Podcast

This episode is for you if you have ever wondered how to make financial decisions, or you will one day to have to make decisions regarding elder care for a loved one or yourself! Join Bob and Shelly for another year of celebrating tech and finances at FinCon23.  Listen in as they talk about AI and making it your collaborator and not your competitor.  First up is Bob who speaks with Russell Faigen from moomoo, a one-stop destination for financial investing and resources. However, don’t worry as there will never be any high-pressure investors from moomoo giving advice.  Then, listen in as Shelly learns more about the compelling personal story of Lily Vittayarukskul and how the burden of long-term care for an elderly family member strongly influenced her life and how her idea, Waterlily, is helping to understand financial planning for the elderly.  Waterlily utilizes AI in a way to help predict and build a custom plan for each family having or will be having an elderly family member for whom they will need to provide support now and into the future.  Ultimately, Waterlily was awarded the top prize at this year's Fintech competition and we couldn't be happier to cheer them on and tell you more! Show Notes Watch episode here   Russell Faigen is the Strategic Influence Business Development Manager for moomoo, an innovative online trading platform and commission-free app providing power tools, real-time market data, and educational resources.  Russell graduated from Drexel University with a BS in Finance and Business Analytics, and has been a financial educator and content creator since September 2020, using his social media platform, investwithruss, as the primary means to do so.    Lily Vittayarukskul is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Waterlily Planning.  She previously worked from 2019 to 2021 at a computer vision telemedicine startup involved in product development, AI prototype building, successful product launches, and scaling of an IoT AI telemedicine platform; Lily led commercialization efforts which included launching the company's first product, developing market positioning, strategy, and sales training.  Prior to that, Lily worked as a Data Scientist Consultant at STELLARES from 2018 to 2019; held roles as Head of Technology and Head of Growth and Development at Research to the People in 2018; worked as a Scientist Intern (Software Developer) at DNAnexus in 2017; served as an intern with NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in 2013.  moomoo Waterlily The Waterlily Blog   The Fioneers How to Money   Be Greater Than Average Gift of Learning Be Greater Than Average Courses Be Greater Than Average A Semester of STEM Activities E-Book   Contact: Russell Faigen, Strategic Influencer Business Development Manager moomoo (650) 999-6872  rfaigen@us.moomoo.com  LinkedIn Instagram X   Lily Vittayarukskul, Founder and CEO Waterlily Planning (510) 239-7411 lvittayarukskul@gmail.com LinkedIn Instagram X

In this episode, Bob and Shelly take a look at the sky just days before the next solar eclipse.  Join us as Dr. Misty enthusiastically shares her wealth of knowledge about the sun, moon, and stars - and why we seem to be having more solar events!  Finally, join us as we speak about the upcoming Balloon Fiesta and the excitement surrounding this event. Let's blast off with this next out of this world STEM Southwest podcast! Show Notes Watch episode here Dr. Misty Carty has over two decades of experience as an informal science educator, inspiring young students to develop a love for science.  Her journey in science began with a spark of curiosity when she learned that Pluto had moved inside the orbit of Neptune and was not currently the last planet in the solar system - at a time when scientists still defined it as a planet.  This ignited her passion for learning and sharing knowledge. Misty holds a Bachelor's in Physics from McDaniel College, located just outside Baltimore, MD.  She further pursued her academic goals by earning her Master's and Doctorate in Astronomy from the University of Maryland, College Park.  Misty has donned various hats as a science educator and communicator throughout her career, including professor, author, and museum science educator.  Through her involvement with the Balloon Museum Foundation and R4 Creating, she actively supports and raises funds for STEAM education.  In addition, she is dedicated to empowering young women and girls in science and technology.  She takes pride in advocating for girls in STEAM and inspiring them to pursue careers in these fields through the Girls into Tech program of Be Greater than Average. Pluto Planet Day (New Mexico) Clyde Tombaugh NASA Eclipses Annular Solar Eclipse Annular Solar Eclipse Path Total Solar Eclipse Total Solar Eclipse Path NOAA, NASA, NSF events at Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum   Solar viewing glasses and filters must be ISO 12312-2 certified! Eclipse Eye Safety Eclipse Eye Safety (Pinhole Viewers) Pinhole Box Viewer Solar Viewers/Eclipse Glasses   Where Did The Sun Go, by Dr. Misty Carty A Little Science: Inquisitive Science Books for ALL Ages (Dr. Misty Carty)   I.S.S. Tracker   Be Greater Than Average Gift of Learning Be Greater Than Average Courses Be Greater Than Average A Semester of STEM Activities E-Book   Contact: Dr. Misty Carty misty.carty@gmail.com  

Join us in this episode to learn why we took an extended break. Then, dive in with one of our favorite repeat guests speaking about a favorite subject.... money. Whether you are stressed about money, trying to understand how to make more money, or simply want a plan to invest, this episode is for you! Ann Shubert has launched a new blog that stands at the intersection of STEM and Money! Her message today gives us all hope - it's never too late, or too early to be making financial plans! Show Notes Watch episode here   Ann Shubert started her professional career planning to be an astrophysicist, receiving a BA in Physics from Princeton University and an MS in Astrophysics from the California Institute of Technology.  After realizing that she was not cut out to be a pure research scientist, Ann shifted gears into a 30-year career in the defense industry, first designing and building software systems and later managing multi-million-dollar aerospace programs.  In 2014, while enrolled in the University of New Mexico’s Executive MBA program, Ann made another major career transition, becoming a licensed Financial Advisor.  Three years later, she co-founded Intentional Finance LLC, an independent, woman-owned, Registered Investment Adviser firm.  Ann enjoys working with women in STEM, combining science-based approaches to financial planning, risk management and investing with her interest in behavioral finance and how people make decisions about money.  Because she knows what it is like to be a woman in a male dominated workplace, Ann feels a special kinship with women in the STEM fields, and loves helping them to reach a place of confidence about their finances so they can keep their energies focused on their STEM passion, whether in research, education or business. Intentional Finance LLC Ann-splaining Ann-splaining (Resources) Federal Student Aid   Be Greater Than Average Gift of Learning Be Greater Than Average Courses Be Greater Than Average A Semester of STEM Activities E-Book   Contact: Ann Shubert ann@intentionalfinancellc.com (505) 563-4500 Linkedin  

Join Shelly as she interviews leaders in the Aerospace Industry that gathered to innovate new ideas and build collaborative relationships at the November 2022 Hyperdrive Space Summit hosted by CNM Ingenuity and the Air Force Research Labs.  Interviews cover topics from space marketing and innovation, the space force, new technologies as well as rockets and the future of the workforce.  Join us and launch into another dimension as we finally kick off 2023 with this fabulous episode! Show Notes Watch episode here   Hyperspace Challenge Hyperspace Drive Summit 66+Co The Aerospace ADVERSARY (John Hopkins University) SmartCone Technologies SUNY Polytechnic Institute Miles Space Rogue Space Systems Corporation   Be Greater Than Average Gift of Learning Be Greater Than Average Courses Be Greater Than Average A Semester of STEM Activities E-Book   Contact: Linkedin (Merridith Ingram, 66+Co) Linkedin (Meredith Schweitzer, 66+Co) Linkedin (Jihoon Kim - The Aerospace ADVERSARY) Linkedin (Jason Lee - SmartCone Technologies) Linkedin (Steven Wood - Patent Attorney and Space Lawyer) Linkedin (Brad Berkson - Miles Space) Linkedin (Jeromy Grimmett - Rogue Space Systems Corporation)

Are you ready to lead, build, and scale your business?  This Is what our guest Ivy Slater of Slater Success asks others. In her podcast, Her Success Stories, Ivy highlights gutsy women in business and recently interviewed our co-host Shelly regarding the future and shaping the future of technology.  While Ivy is not from the Southwest, she brings a wealth of knowledge that everyone in the STEM Southwest audience needs to hear - how to effectively lead our businesses to make our communities even greater.  With all of that in mind, we welcome best-selling author, accomplished business owner, and coach to C-suite executives, Ivy Slater, to STEM Southwest Podcast. Show Notes Watch episode here As the CEO of Slater Success, Ivy Slater works closely with C-Suite executives and upper-level managers to advise and create clear strategies that provide instant and long-term impact on businesses.  From generating team synergy and launching new sales initiatives, to holding mastermind retreats and corporate trainings on communication, finances, or strategic planning, Ivy is an expert at cultivating and facilitating relationships that are the hallmark of any successful business. Slater Success Her Success Story podcast Slater Success blog Youtube (Ivy Slater) From the Barre to the Boardroom, by Ivy Slater   Shelly comments in intro: Hyperspace Challenge Girls Into Tech Subscribe to Be Greater Than Average newsletter Shaping the Future of Technology, Shelly’s podcast interview with Ivy Slater   Be Greater Than Average Gift of Learning Be Greater Than Average Courses Be Greater Than Average Family Fun! Be Greater Than Average A Semester of STEM Activities E-Book   Contact: Ivy Slater Ivy@SlaterSuccessCoaching.com Linkedin Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest

This week’s episode is a celebration of tech and finances!  Bob and Shelly attended FinCon22 and share with you two great interviews for their second annual report on Fintech.  Join them as they spend time with the host of the Fintech competition, Ryan Ruff of ASA, to hear the latest on the impact of technology on financial learning. They also interview Jason Parker with Retirement Budget Calculator, one of the competitors in this year's FinTech Competition and he walks through the powerful tool designed to help all people answer the question, When Can I Retire? Show Notes Watch episode here Ryan Ruff is Head of Fintech Relations at ASA, bridging the gap with the creators of tech and those who want to invest in the development of tech.  He is leading the way to create a bridge between technology development and those who want to invest in the future expansion of important tech. Jason, RICP® is the best-selling author of Sound Retirement Planning, and the host of the podcast Sound Retirement Radio.  He has been seen as a frequent guest on ABC, FOX, & MSNBC.  He is the inventor of the retirementbudgetcalculator.com.  He has earned the advanced retirement designation of a Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®).  Jason is the President of Parker Financial LLC, which is an independent, fee-based, registered investment advisory firm, and operates as a fiduciary. FinCon22 Fintech Startup Competition SpendPal ASA Parker Financial, LLC Sound Retirement Planning Podcast Retirement Budget Calculator Retirement Calculator: How much money do I need to retire, by Jason Parker   Be Greater Than Average Gift of Learning Be Greater Than Average Courses Be Greater Than Average Family Fun! Be Greater Than Average A Semester of STEM Activities E-Book   Contact: Ryan Ruff Ryan.ruff@asa.financial (801) 473-5749 Linkedin   Jason Parker info@parker-financial.net (360) 337-2701 Linkedin

Big apologies for our summer hiatus from posting new episodes....it's been a crazy, wonderful time for Bob and Shelly, but we are happy to be back at it and sharing a new episode with our amazing audience. H. Puentes is a kindred spirit and we can't think of a better way to dive back into STEM Southwest.  In addition to this amazing interview, we have some exciting interviews lined up for the Fall and can't wait to share them with you!  Thanks for joining us for this amazing interview, and please consider sharing this episode and inviting friends to join us and listen in to STEM Southwest Podcast. Show Notes Watch episode here H. Puentes is the co-founder and executive director of San Diego Squared, a nonprofit that he founded with San Diego biotech pioneer, Bill Rastetter, that works to increase diversity in STEM careers through mentoring, scholarships, and other programming.  As a freshman in high school, H. earned perfect scores in math for the entire year. His teachers were impressed, but that was where it ended. No one followed up to encourage him in math, to inform him about potential careers in STEM, or considered introducing him to professionals who shared his background.  “Now, I am a father to two diverse children and I want them to know that, not only do they belong in STEM, but that STEM-driven companies want them to be successful,” he says. San Diego Squared Fellows (San Diego Squared) Scholars (San Diego Squared) Interns (San Diego Squared) STEM Capsules (San Diego Squared)   Battling Bots League (Be Greater Than Average and Electric Playhouse partnership) Robot Rumble (in partnership with Cottonwood Mall) Be Greater Than Average Gift of Learning Be Greater Than Average Courses Be Greater Than Average Family Fun! Be Greater Than Average A Semester of STEM Activities E-Book   Contact: H. Puentes, Co-Founder and Executive Director San Diego Squared team@sd2.org Linkedin Twitter Linkedin (San Diego Squared) Twitter (San Diego Squared) Instagram (San Diego Squared)

Today's episode will take a deep dive into the science of cancer, asking the hard questions and discussing how regulation may lead to a cure.  Our guest. Dr. Steve Worland, has a strong background in pharmaceuticals, research and molecular biology that led to a powerful discussion with Bob and Shelly. Show Notes Watch episode here Dr. Steve Worland has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of eFFECTOR Therapeutics and as a member of its Board of Directors since its inception in May 2012.  Previously, Dr. Worland served as Chief Executive Officer of Anadys Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, from August 2007 until its acquisition by Roche Holding AG in 2011.  Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Anadys Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Worland served as its Chief Scientific Officer and President, Pharmaceuticals. Prior to Anadys Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Dr. Worland was Vice President and Head of Antiviral Research at Pfizer Inc. and Vice President at WarnerLambert Co., where he was responsible for worldwide anti-infectives strategy.  Dr. Worland has served on the Board of Directors of Tracon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, since February 2015.  Dr. Worland was an NIH postdoctoral fellow in molecular biology at Harvard University and completed a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley.  He received his B.S. with Highest Honors in Biological Chemistry from the University of Michigan. eFFECTOR Therapeutics Selective Translation Regulation Inhibitors Pipeline of Selective Translation Regulation Inhibitors Patients and Clinical Trials - eFFECTIVE Therapeutics Investors - eFFECTOR Therapeutics   Battling Bots League (Be Greater Than Average and Electric Playhouse partnership) Robot Rumble (in partnership with Cottonwood Mall) Be Greater Than Average Gift of Learning Be Greater Than Average Courses Be Greater Than Average Family Fun! Be Greater Than Average A Semester of STEM Activities E-Book   Contact:   Steve Worland, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer eFFECTOR Therapeutics 142 North Cedros Avenue, Suite B Solana Beach, CA 92075 (858) 925-8215 info@effector.com Linkedin eFFECTOR Therapeutics, Inc. (Linkedin) eFFECTOR_Rx (Twitter)  

Today's guest brings a perspective on the economic development impact of STEM as the newly appointed Director of the Office of Science and Technology for the New Mexico Economic Development Department.  With a biomedical background, Alex Greenberg shares his unique perspective on the powerful impact that science is making on business and in the state.  He shares how the important collective partnership of government agency, private business, and education will continue to improve the trajectory of all things STEM in the state, and encourages listeners to reach out and leverage the many resources available. Show Notes Watch episode here Alex Greenberg is the Director of the Science and Technology office for New Mexico State Economic Development Department (EDD).  Alex has a background in project management and entrepreneurship.  He holds a BA in psychology, and an MBA with a concentration in management of technology from the University of New Mexico. Most recently, Alex served as the Financial Program Specialist for the New Mexico EDD and, prior to that, worked in healthcare as a Clinical Project Manager in healthcare business development and as a strategist for a New Mexico biomedical startup.  He has also worked extensively with local startups to address financing, long-term strategy, and system optimization.  Alex’s focus is to supporting technology commercialization and the entrepreneurial ecosystem in New Mexico. Office of Science & Technology - New Mexico Economic Development Department   Science & Technology Business Start-Up Grants 2022 Grant Recipients   New Mexico Small Business Innovation Research Grant 2022 Grant Recipients   Technology Research Collaborative State Small Business Credit Initiative Statewide Strategic Plan (Economic Development Department)   Battling Bots League (Be Greater Than Average and Electric Playhouse partnership) Robot Rumble (in partnership with Cottonwood Mall) Be Greater Than Average Gift of Learning Be Greater Than Average Courses Be Greater Than Average Family Fun! Be Greater Than Average A Semester of STEM Activities E-Book   Contact: Alex Greenberg, MBA Director, Science and Technology Office NM Economic Development Department (505) 690-4593 AlexanderM.Greenberg@state.nm.us Linkedin Twitter

Join Bob and Shelly today as they shine a light on the science of circadian rhythms and how guest, Dr. Paul Pickard, is using advances in technology to make life better for all of us.  Today, you can listen in as we get nerdy over all things lighting, and explore how innovation is being used by physicists, light scientists, and data scientists at Korrus and other companies to ensure that we all have a brighter future! Show Notes Watch episode here Paul Pickard is the Chief Technology Officer of Korrus, Inc, a Los Angeles-based startup dedicated to improving human health and wellbeing through the power of light.  A Mechanical Engineering graduate of the University of New Mexico, Paul has worked the help launch the first volume white-light LED luminaires and lamps with LLF and Cree, and was a member of the team that launched the first sub-$10 LED light bulb at Home Depot.  A prolific inventor, Paul has over 250 granted US patents with many more pending. Korrus Lighting Science Lighting Technology   Battling Bots League (Be Greater Than Average and Electric Playhouse partnership) Robot Rumble (in partnership with Cottonwood Mall) Be Greater Than Average Gift of Learning Be Greater Than Average Courses Be Greater Than Average Family Fun! Be Greater Than Average A Semester of STEM Activities E-Book   Contact: Paul Pickard Paul.pickard@korrus.com (855) 632-6737 Linkedin  

Join Bob and Shelly as they interview John Rizzo, the CEO and co-founder of the New Mexico Innovation Triangle.  John is leveraging the power of innovation and tech for the common good.  John shares about some of his Silicon Valley experiences with Apple and Intel with the STEM Southwest listeners, and his current work with the New Mexico Innovation Triangle. Show Notes Watch episode here John is currently the CEO and co-founder of the New Mexico Innovation Triangle John Rizzo is an entrepreneurial transformation agent, focused on leveraging the power of innovation and technology for the common good.  John has more than 40 years of experience helping guide some of the world’s most successful technology companies through start-up phases, major product launches, branding and marketing campaigns, rapid growth, acquisitions, and initial public offerings (IPOs).  He has raised well over $200 million in venture capital financing, and was a key early-stage contributor to companies that are today delivering well over $325 billion in combined sales with combined market capitalizations well in excess of $2 trillion.    You’ve probably heard of two companies in Silicon Valley that John Rizzo has worked for:   Apple and Intel.  At Apple, John was on the first Macintosh team with Steve Jobs.  At Intel, John was responsible for what is FLASH memory today, which enables almost all of our consumer electronic devices. The New Mexico Innovation Triangle Proposed Innovation Villages in Los Alamos New Mexico Angels Film Prize New Mexico   Battling Bots League (Be Greater Than Average and Electric Playhouse partnership) Robot Rumble (in partnership with Cottonwood Mall) Be Greater Than Average Gift of Learning Be Greater Than Average Courses Be Greater Than Average Family Fun! Be Greater Than Average A Semester of STEM Activities E-Book   Contact: John Rizzo John.rizzo@nmit.net

How do we get Girls Into Tech and keep Girls Into Tech?  In today’s episode, Shelly shares her emotional STEM story and how her 6th grade science fair project boosted her desire to learn more science and tech. Shelly shares about her first Radio Shack computer that was purchased with money that she earned delivering newspapers.  She grew up in what we now call an underserved rural community with no mentors that could help to guide her pathway to tech, which impacted her access and her future career. She hopes to open doors of opportunity to girls in a way that no program has ever offered before. Show Notes Watch episode here We often hear Shelly share that we owe it to every daughter to open the doors of opportunity and fill them with hope while equipping them with skills and confidence that they can be successful in STEM. Growing up as a shy country girl, Shelly was an innovator and problem solver who would eventually become a community leader inducted into the STEM Hall of Fame.  With a PhD in Workforce Education and Career Development, she believes that young people need two things to make their best career decisions: -Broad Range of Experiences -Great Role Models Shelly is committed to using her philosophy and experiences in working with young women in order to ensure that they have the opportunity to become a Girl Into Tech.  She shares that “Girls Into Tech is my answer on how we encourage and support more Girls Into Tech - we need women’s viewpoints in the marketplace and the only way for that to happen is by knocking down the barriers that our daughters face.” Mimi Vandermolen, Ford Motor Company: Mimi Vandermolen, the Ergonomics Genius Behind Ford's “Rounded Edge Revolution” - Core77   What makes Girls Into Tech special: -ongoing support and mentoring community, not simply one and done -by girls for girls, growing them into peer leadership -monthly programming -workshops and training -access to scholarships and opportunities   Special thanks to: Meta/Facebook for sponsoring the first cohort of girls in Valencia County, New Mexico R4Creating as Girls Into Tech sponsor: R4 Creating Founding sponsor, Market Ascent: Market Ascent - Home   How to support Girls Into Tech: Learn more about Girls Into Tech: Girls Into Tech How It Works – Be Greater Than Average   Contact: Become a sponsor of Girls Into Tech: Girls Into Tech – Be Greater Than Average Sign up a Girl: Girls Into Tech – Be Greater Than Average Share your genius – send us an email on how you want to get involved: info@BeGreaterThanAverage.org

What started with a class project led to an entrepreneurial journey and innovation in the informational technology company, RiskSense.  Today's guest, Dr. Srinivas Mukkamala, openly shares the challenges and victories of his amazing race.  In 2021, Ivanti acquired his company and he now serves as Senior Vice President of Security Products.  Sri impressed Shelly while openly sharing his journey during a keynote presentation at the New Mexico Technology Council Experience IT Conference in 2021.  There is a lot to unpack in this episode so let's get started! Show Notes Watch episode here Dr. Srinivas Mukkamala is Senior Vice President of Security Products for Ivanti.  He was the founder and CEO for RiskSense until Ivanti acquired the company in August 2021.  He is a recognized authority in the artificial intelligence (AI) and neural networks communities and was part of a think tank that collaborated with the U.S. Department of Defense on applying these concepts to cybersecurity problems.  Dr. Mukkamala is responsible for Product Management for all Ivanti Security products and will continue to drive innovation in integrated security solutions across all company pillars: ITSM, Security, and UEM. Dr. Mukkamala was also a lead researcher for CACTUS (Computational Analysis of Cyber Terrorism against the U.S.) and holds a patent on Intelligent Agents for Distributed Intrusion Detection System and Method of Practicing. Dr. Mukkamala holds a PhD of Philosophy and a Master of Science degree from New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. New Mexico Tech Indian Space Research Organisation RiskSense Ivanti   Battling Bots League (Be Greater Than Average and Electric Playhouse partnership) Robot Rumble (in partnership with Cottonwood Mall) Be Greater Than Average Gift of Learning Be Greater Than Average Courses Be Greater Than Average Family Fun! Be Greater Than Average A Semester of STEM Activities E-Book   Contact: Dr. Srinivas Mukkamala Linkedin

This week’s guest, Andrea Sisneros Wichman, helps us dive into the subject of training and how it influences the STEM workforce. The CNM Ingenuity program offers a wide range of immersive technology training in addition to Coding Bootcamps. In 8-12 weeks, you can learn, apply the knowledge through project-based learning, and then walk into a new career. These programs are popular nationwide, but CNM was one of the first to offer this type of training, and is now working with other colleges across the nation to innovate in this way. Show Notes Watch episode here Andrea Sisneros Wichman, Program Director with CNM Ingenuity, leads immersive technology training programs, including the Deep Dive Coding Bootcamps. A fifteenth generation New Mexican, Andrea’s passion for the community is reflected in winning 40 Under 40 Business Leaders in New Mexico in 2018. Andrea has been with CNM since February 2011, building a portfolio of technical training programs through managing many grants, contracts, and business units such as Technology Solutions Labs. Central New Mexico Community College CNM Ingenuity ActivateNM Deep Dive Coding Deep Dive Coding Bootcamps Internet of Things Bootcamp Salesforce Administrator Career Certificate FUSE Makerspace STEMulus Center STEM Southwest Episode 18 - John Mierzwa   Battling Bots League (Be Greater Than Average and Electric Playhouse partnership) Robot Rumble (in partnership with Cottonwood Mall) Be Greater Than Average Gift of Learning Be Greater Than Average Courses Be Greater Than Average Family Fun! Be Greater Than Average A Semester of STEM Activities E-Book   Contact: Andrea Sisneros-Wichman msisneroswichm@cnm.edu info@deepdivecoding.com Linkedin Twitter

This week’s episode is a double dose of Fin Tech!  Join Bob and Shelly and learn about FinCon21, where money and media meet, and also hear from some of the interesting folks that they met and some great tools for your financial future. Show Notes Watch episode here Ryan Ruff is Head of Fintech Relations at ASA, bridging the gap with the creators of tech and those who want to invest in the development of tech. He is leading the way to create a bridge between technology development and those who want to invest in the future expansion of important tech. Jake Tamarkin is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Everyday Life Insurance.  Jake is passionate about using technology to help people make their financial lives easier. Let him explain why he says that “Insurance is Stupid” and just what we can do about it. FinCon21 Fintech Startup Competition ASA SpendPal Everyday Life Insurance   A few of the financial apps that Bob and Shelly use Acorns Acorns automatically invests spare change and provides cashback rewards at select retailers Bumped Bumped turns everyday spending into investing by which users get fractional stock rewards when they spend.  Bitmo Bitmo rewards you for everyday shopping at major brands both online and in-store Travel Freely Travel Freely helps users navigate the process of earning credit card rewards for free travel   Be Greater Than Average Gift of Learning Be Greater Than Average Courses Be Greater Than Average Family Fun! Be Greater Than Average A Semester of STEM Activities E-Book Battling Bots League (Partnership between Be Greater Than Average and Electric Playhouse)   Contact:   Ryan Ruff ryan.ruff@asa.financial (801) 473-5749 Linkedin   Jake Tamarkin (888) 681-3811 Linkedin Twitter  

Celina Bussey is a Specialist Leader at Deloitte and this week's guest on STEM Southwest Podcast.  Her rich experience in workforce development gives amazing insight into this deep dive discussion about the future of the STEM workforce.  Shelly and Celina discuss workforce solutions and innovations as well as the important and growing work happening at Deloitte. Show Notes Watch episode here Celina Bussey is a Client Relationship Executive in Deloitte’s Government and Public Sector practice and serves as a subject matter expert for Labor and Workforce Development.  She has worked with state and local government agencies, higher education, and the private sector in New Mexico for nearly 20 years. Deloitte Deloitte - Internships New Mexico Governor's STEM Showcase A New Playbook for Talent, by Joe Ucuzoglu, Chief Executive Officer, Deloitte Job-Centric Upskilling: The New Workforce Development Imperative, by Celina Bussey, John O’Leary, and Sushumna Agarwal   Be Greater Than Average Gift of Learning Be Greater Than Average Courses Be Greater Than Average Family Fun! Be Greater Than Average A Semester of STEM Activities E-Book Battling Bots League (Partnership between Be Greater Than Average and Electric Playhouse)   Contact: Celina Bussey celina.bussey@gmail.com Linkedin  

Today's guest is working to ensure that the gap in the digital divide for Indian tribes is closing!  Catherine Nicolaou and Sacred Wind Communications are leveraging all of the resources that they can reach and then some as they try to solve this daunting issue.  Hear from her today about how organizations are partnering to make a difference and bridge the gap and what we can all do to make a difference!  Nicolaou is an expert in state regulatory and marketing, a member of the New Mexico Technology Council, and a registered lobbyist. Show Notes Watch episode here Catherine Nicolaou is the External Affairs and Marketing Manager for Sacred Wind Communications, the state’s newest rural telecom carrier, which provides voice and internet service to rural and tribal areas in Northwest New Mexico on Navajo land.  As such, she interfaces with state regulatory officials and government officials to promote the company's public image and business agenda.  She also manages the coordination, review, compilation, assembly, filing and tracking of reports, tariffs, audits, applications, and petitions to state, tribal, local, and federal authorities, including state PRC, FCC, RUS, or any other governmental authority, while promoting brand recognition through the company’s marketing initiatives. Catherine is a member of the New Mexico Technology Council and the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce policy committees.  She is a registered lobbyist for Sacred Wind and sits on the board of the Cibola Arts Council.  Sacred Wind Communications Sacred Wind Communications - Careers; send resumes to hr@sacredwindnm.com Dinehnet Lifeline Program Sierra Electric Cooperative   Be Greater Than Average Gift of Learning Be Greater Than Average Courses Be Greater Than Average Family Fun! Be Greater Than Average A Semester of STEM Activities E-Book Battling Bots League (Partnership between Be Greater Than Average and Electric Playhouse)   Contact: Catherine Nicolaou Sacred Wind Communications External Affairs and Marketing Manager 7801 Academy Rd NE Building 2, Suite 103 Albuquerque, NM  87109 (505) 908-2668 cnicolaou@sacredwindnm.com Linkedin   Sacred Wind Communications Linkedin Facebook YouTube

Today's guest, Dr. Rebecca Woodbury (Keller), is a scientist, chemist, educator, cyclist, and curriculum expert!  In this episode, she and Shelly have a great discussion on how to disrupt education and what needs to be done to provide a greater STEM experience for students.  Join them and consider what you can do to take action and help to infuse education with a love of learning! Show Notes Watch episode here For over 20 years. Dr. Rebecca Woodbury (Keller) has been exploring the ways students learn.  Starting out as a research scientist in the field of biophysical chemistry, she left academia to create quality educational support materials for students and educators.  In 2003, she founded Gravitas Publications Inc. and introduced the Real Science-4-Kids product line for home and classroom educators.  In 2020, Dr. Woodbury branched out to launch a new company, called Nachokat, to introduce the RATATAZ STEM program as a way to introduce fundamental science concepts in easy-to-use activity-based kits.  The RATATAZ program incorporates several different learning modalities to get kids back to asking their own questions and playing like real scientists.    Real Science-4-Kids (Gravitas Publications) Real Science-4-Kids (Amazon)   RATATAZ Sequence of Learning (RATATAZ) Products (RATATAZ)   Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)   Make Just One Change, by Dan Rothstein and Luz Santana The Talent Code, by Daniel Coyle   Be Greater Than Average Gift of Learning Be Greater Than Average Courses Be Greater Than Average Family Fun! Be Greater Than Average A Semester of STEM Activities E-Book Battling Bots League (Partnership between Be Greater Than Average and Electric Playhouse)   Contact: Dr. Rebecca Woodbury (Keller), Ph.D CEO, RATATAZ Science Kits Nachokat LLC rebecca@ratataz.com   RATATAZ 300 Menaul Drive NW, Suite 200 Albuquerque, NM 87107 (505) 207-8125 info@ratataz.com   Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube  

Please join us today as we have an interesting discussion with a repeat guest, Jonathan Firth, who is Chief Operating Officer at D-Orbit, an international New Space company with solutions covering the entire lifecycle of a space mission.  We first met Jonathan as the organizer of the Las Cruces Space Festival and met him again at a robotics competition while he was in the U.S. working with Virgin Galactic.  He was a long-standing member of the senior executive team that started up Virgin Galactic and we are blessed to call him a friend who has done a lot to support the STEM Southwest Podcast. Show Notes Watch episode here Jonathan Firth has been directly involved in the development of the commercial space industry since 2004, when ‘SpaceShipOne’ reached suborbital space and won the ‘Ansari X-Prize’.  He is the Chief Operating Officer at D-Orbit, an international New Space company with solutions covering the entire lifecycle of a space mission, including: mission analysis and design, engineering, manufacturing, integration, testing, launch, and end-of-life decommissioning.  Previously he was a long-standing member of the senior executive team that started up Virgin Galactic, The Spaceship Company and Virgin Orbit, leveraging his previous business development and program management experience in the commercial aviation, long distance rail, mass transit, and oil & gas industries. Jonathan is a mechanical engineering graduate of Imperial College London and holds an MBA from Henley Business School, UK.  He is a regular keynote speaker on space activities and the global space economy at international events. D-Orbit ION Satellite Carrier Solutions (D-Orbit) Las Cruces Space Festival Virgin Galactic   97th Burning of Zozobra kicks off in Santa Fe   Be Greater Than Average Gift of Learning Be Greater Than Average Courses Be Greater Than Average Family Fun! Be Greater Than Average A Semester of STEM Activities E-Book Battling Bots League (Partnership between Be Greater Than Average and Electric Playhouse)   Contact: Jonathan Firth info@dorbit.space                   Linkedin Facebook (D-Orbit) Linkedin (D-Orbit) Twitter (D-Orbit) Instagram (D-Orbit)

Join Shelly and her guest today, Ray Sandoval, Director of Corporate Communications and brand management at PNM Resources, talk about key issues including sustainability and environmental leadership.  Ray also shares his love of Old Man Gloom, Zozobra, and explains the technology involved in lighting a fire to burn away troubles! Show Notes Watch episode here Ray Sandoval is the Director of Corporate Communications and brand management at PNM Resources.  In this role, Ray directs the internal and external corporate communications strategy while leading key initiatives to benefit PNM customers and community engagement.  Additionally, Ray manages the external awareness on the company’s corporate sustainability and environmental leadership.  He earned a law degree from Boston University, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from American University. PNM AVANGRID New Mexico Public Regulation Commission PNM whatif Burning of Zozobra Burning of Zozobra (footage)   Be Greater Than Average Gift of Learning Be Greater Than Average Courses Be Greater Than Average Family Fun! Be Greater Than Average A Semester of STEM Activities E-Book Battling Bots League (Partnership between Be Greater Than Average and Electric Playhouse)   Contact: Raymond Sandoval (505) 241-2782 raymond.sandoval@pnm.com