Wendy founded STEMblazers with the expressed purpose of closing the gender gap and creating diversity in STEM fields by utilizing her enthusiasm, determination and resources to create pathways to encourage the next generation of girls. Wendy graduated with a BS in Architectural Engineering from the University of Wyoming and is a licensed mechanical engineer. Her professional background includes 20 years of experience working in the construction industry as a consulting mechanical engineer designing commercial mechanical building systems including; HVAC, plumbing, fire protection and building automation control systems. For the past 9 years, Wendy has dedicated herself to empowering young women to pursue careers in STEM post-secondary education and mentoring young professionals.

In 2013, Wendy pivoted from engineering to follow her passion to inspire the next generation of women in STEM. With her own experiences as an engineer and extensive network of STEM professionals, Wendy is working to directly impact middle school and high school girls with the STEMblazers’ program by connecting them with STEM professionals through hands-on activity learning sessions, interactive conversations, networking events, industry tours, job shadows and mentorship opportunities. She continues to support young women post-secondary education with career readiness and internship connections. When Wendy is not working with students she enjoys being outdoors skiing, golfing, gardening and spending time with her family.

After graduating from the University of Northern Colorado in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology and a minor in Mathematics, Kristi was blessed to have worked for a private weather software company right off the bat. After four years of testing weather software and participating in a newly formed broadcast group, Kristi left IPS Meteostar and did a short stent as a Marketing Assistant for a Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering company. While GEI provided Kristi with new training and skills outside of her degree, she found herself back in a Meteorology career in 2014 at Applied Weather Associates where she currently works, providing meteorological analysis of extreme precipitation events for PMP studies.

Chelsea Husum owns and operates American GPR & Coring in Denver, CO. She loves being involved in the thriving construction industry throughout Denver and Colorado and is passionate about her growing company and team. Chelsea has a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism from South Dakota State University. She also has her Master's Degree in Secondary Education from Regis University in Denver, CO. Chelsea was a former middle and high school Spanish teacher for 10 years before going into the construction industry. She feels passionately about connecting young women with new experiences and opportunities in industries they may not have thought of. She then became an Office Manager for a construction company in Denver and after a few years, decided to start her own company. She enjoys personal development, travel, and spending time camping and boating with her two young sons and husband. She loves to spend her free time outdoors and be active with family and friends

Laura's over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit industry have granted her a profound understanding of the sector's opportunities and challenges. As the COO of Connect, a nonprofit tech accelerator, she honed her strategic thinking and operational expertise while gaining firsthand experience of the power of technology. In 2021 Laura made a transition into the world of tech startups. As the Head of Operations at a seed-stage startup, Enigma, she works to implement innovative solutions that fuel growth and success. Her journey includes earning a business degree from the University of Washington, residing in San Diego for a decade, and now calling Denver home.

Principal - Product Engineering Services at Deloitte. Over the last 28+ years, Kevin has worked with leading global companies to increase Product Development efficiency and effectiveness by examining and improving product portfolios, business processes, engineering tools, data/analytics, operating models and global engineering footprints while teaming with clients to envision and deliver improvement programs spanning Strategy, Management Consulting, System Integration, Application Services, Product Engineering Services and Business Process Outsourcing competencies. His current and past clients include leading companies in - Internet & Social, Network Equipment, Consumer Electronics, Hi-Tech, Semiconductor, Communications, Medical Products, Footwear/Apparel, Consumer Packaged Goods, Consumer Durables, Toys, Retail and Aerospace & Defense

Kevin holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering and a BA in Product Design from the University of Notre Dame. Kevin resides in Genesee, CO with his wife, three children and black lab. Outside of work – you will find Kevin playing and watching soccer, mountain biking and skiing.

Lynette Nunez is currently the Vice President of Technology and Project Management for Comcast West Division in Denver. Lynette has spent her career in technology and cybersecurity project management and recently took the leadership role over the technology organization as well. In addition, Lynette is pursuing her master’s degree in organizational leadership from Colorado University Denver. She joins the Stemblazers board with a commitment to support girls and women in STEM in order to enable the future of women in technology roles. Lynette is a mother of three daughters that are all pursuing college degrees in the medical field.

Sherry is the Head of Policy Consultation for Google's Trust and Safety, Play & Android team. She is responsible for ensuring that users download safe and trustworthy apps from Google's Play Store. Sherry has over 10 years of experience in the healthcare and technology industries, with special emphasis in strategy, operations, and content moderation. Prior to joining Google, Sherry was a Strategy Manager at Accenture for 7 years. In this role, she led projects in a variety of industries, including healthcare, telecommunications, and pharmaceuticals.

Sherry graduated with dual BAs in Kinesiology Health Sciences and Health Policy, and a minor in Poverty Justice and Human Capabilities (PJHC) from Rice University in Houston, TX.

Sherry is passionate about using technology to improve people's lives, and she is particularly interested in how technology can empower the elderly and youth populations. She believes that technology can be a powerful tool for education, health, and social connection, and she is committed to using her skills and experience to influence this area. Sherry recently moved to Boulder, CO with her husband, Denny. In her spare time, she is enjoying all of Colorado’s wonders, and you’ll find her hiking, skiing, or adventuring outdoors.

Rachel started her career as a molecular and cellular biologist in the fields of pharmacy, genetics, and then surgery research in universities and hospitals. While earning her MS in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University, she took courses in patent law and health law and decided to combine her science career with law. Rachel currently works in patent and trademark prosecution, licensing, and counseling clients regarding protection and privacy of intellectual property portfolios. Rachel has also represented a diverse group of clients in corporate transactional law and litigation. She has represented clients in cases and portfolios involving medical devices, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, mechanical arts, and software.

When she is not helping sole inventors and companies get IP protection, Rachel assists low income inventors through the USPTO ProBoPat program, serves on the Board of Directors of Second Wind Fund and on the membership committee of Colorado BioScience Association, and spends time with her family living the Colorado dream.

Rachel also visits schools to share her STEM educational and professional background and experiences to inspire young girls and expose them to various career pathways in STEM. She also works on fundraising in the community to provide girls with access to STEM opportunities and experience.

Alejandre “Ale” Spray’s current role is CEO & President of Hispanic Contractors of Colorado. She has a BS in Civil Engineering from the Western Institute of Technology & Higher Education University in Mexico. Ale awas recognized as one of the top 25 Women in Business in Colorado in 2023 by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Ale has over 20 years in the Construction industry specifically in marketing and business development. She is extremely passionate about Corporate Social Responsibility, Community Engagement, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging. Her efforts and work in the community includes tireless advocating for women and people of color. She has been supporting STEMblazers since 2016.

Her proudest accomplishment and highest title are being mother to Nicole and Alexander, two energetic teenagers who keep her grounded.

Ale is committed to helping and mentoring young professionals and inspiring young women to find their space in business and STEM.

Kayla Opperman is the Owner of Snapology of Golden-Littleton. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Engineering and Applied Mathematics from University of Colorado at Boulder in 2011. She worked as an Electrical Engineer at consulting firms for six years, designing electrical systems for buildings like hospitals, schools, and sports stadiums and arenas. She left the industry in 2018 and went on to buy her first Snapology franchise. Snapology teaches STEM concepts to children ages 2-14, through interactive, hands-on play. She is passionate about spreading the love for STEM and make it fun at young ages. She has since expanded into five franchise territories, covering the north, west, and south Denver and Boulder Metro areas.

She spends her free time outside or traveling with her husband, daughter and son.

Blair Dammerman, MA, has 7 years of experience working within communities to develop, manage, and lead successful and sustainable program implementation. She honed her skills in nonprofit management, working to increase equity for underserved populations with unique and exciting projects. Blair diligently guides her teams and the communities she serves through a lens of collaboration, compassion, and social justice.

Keli Kinsella, an accomplished educator with over three decades of experience in public K-12 education, excelling in both classroom instruction and professional development. With a focus on STEM education, Keli passionately shapes effective teaching practices thus providing learning opportunities for educators and students alike. Keli’s unwavering dedication to education and empowering others underscores her as a valuable asset to the community. Beyond her educational endeavors, Keli is also an avid traveler who finds inspiration in exploring new cultures.

Sam holds both a Bachelors and Masters of Industrial Engineering from Kansas State University. Since graduating from K-State in 2011 she has lived in the Denver Metro Adrea working in the Aerospace, Healthcare, and Construction industries. Following her love of doing work with students and her enthusiasm for equal representation in STEM, she joined STEMblazers as their Operations Coordinator in 2020. Her favorite part of being a STEMblazer is developing and presenting activities that will open students' minds to the possibilities available to them.

Andrea is a team lead for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Water Quality Control Division. Andrea has worked for CDPHE since 2014 and specializes in compliance and enforcement activities related to violations of the Colorado Water Quality Control Act. Andrea has been a volunteer with STEMblazers since 2018 and has been coordinating volunteer activities since 2019. Andrea is a graduate of Colorado State University, with a B.S. in Environmental Health and Watershed Science.

Ryan Mehaffey is the founder and CEO of Feast Over Famine, an organization devoted to helping organizations of all kinds navigate the tension where mission and profit collide. With a focus on social enterprise and impact investing, Ryan has served over 100 clients in 38 countries since 2018. His expertise includes business and non-profit management strategy, financial management and leadership, operational scaling, raising capital, executive coaching, and sales & marketing.

Ryan lives in the Colorado mountains with his wife, Kyra, and two young kids, along with their Siberian Husky Nika. He competes at an amateur level in all sorts of mountain endurance sports, and has spent several years coaching a high school ultimate team. Ryan and his wife have spent a lot of time in church leadership, and have served in multiple church plants together as a family.

Emily is a video professional who has a passion for supporting girls and women in STEM. Emily has volunteered for STEMblazers since 2016, producing video content for the organization. In 2020 she helped start the STEMblazers Podcast, and continues to produce the podcast today, working on its sixth season.