Melissa Thompson

"Melissa Thompson is a 20 year educator-administrator and is currently an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow for the Department of Defense. She was previously an STEM leader for Baltimore City Public Schools located in Maryland. Melissa worked as a liaison between the district and community to facilitate programs such as beekeeping, composting, hydroponics, animal rehabilitation, animal husbandry and community gardens. Melissa tied outdoor programs to current recognized standards to give students a 360-degree learning experience. During her time at BCPS, she developed transdisciplinary community-based programs in collaboration with national and state-level nonprofit organizations. She has collaborated with the Whole Kids Foundation, National Park Service, National Aquarium, University of Maryland and other entities focused on expanding STEM education. Melissa has worked with businesses, activists, researchers and scientists throughout the nation to ensure students have a voice in their learning pathways. She serves as part of multiple national STEM committees and leads the Educational Sector of the Maryland STEM Ecosystem. In 2020, Melissa received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching award administered by the National Science Foundation and the President of the United States. After her recognition as Maryland Science Teacher of the Year, Melissa was honored by the Baltimore Ravens "Sacks for Science" program and received a Mayoral Salute for her work in Baltimore communities. She went on to receive multiple Senatorial Salutes for her work with "National STEM Innovation and Partnerships". Melissa earned a B.S. in Biology; B.S. in Science Education; and M.S. in Computer and Mathematical Science from the University of Maryland, College Park. She earned her Administration I Certification from Towson University and is currently pursuing her doctoral degree. Melissa is certified to teach PK-12 and higher education in the disciplines of general science, chemistry, PLTW and special education. She has designed professional development programming and public events for organizations throughout the United States. Melissa's is currently focusing on creating opportunities for all through the development of accessible engineering and robotics resources. She is working to expand transdisciplinary integration, professional development and community partnerships for locations across the nation through her placement at the Department of Defense. Melissa's educational passions include helping new teachers find their "why" and creating STEM opportunities for students with disabilities. When not advocating for STEM Education, Melissa loves exploring the outdoors with her husband and three daughters."

Karim Rifai Burneo

"Karim Rifai Burneo, founder of the Uayki Foundation and Uayki Technologies, is a Peruvian economist and tech entrepreneur dedicated to transforming digital education and connectivity. His contributions have been recognized by the Congress of Peru, and he has been a respected speaker at international forums organized by the United Nations and the IEEE. Leading Uayki, Karim has spearheaded the development of a patented technology that provides access to educational platforms and millions of digital resources without requiring an internet connection. After graduating with honors in Economics from Suffolk University - Boston, he deepened his expertise in emerging economies at Harvard. Karim is on the verge of completing his Master's degree in Telecommunications Engineering at the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, the oldest university in the Americas. His commitment to innovation and social impact was recognized in 2023 with the GOLD Graduates of the Last Decade award from Suffolk University, and he was recently invited to deliver the keynote speech at the graduation ceremony at Markham College, where he graduated in 2009. Karim has secured an international patent for the Uayki system, which is in the process of being registered in over 10 countries. Thanks to successful partnerships with the UN, USAID, and major multinational corporations, Uayki has achieved significant growth, positively impacting tens of thousands in Peru and across Latin America. By striving to connect underserved communities and schools with the digital world, Karim and his team have not only improved access to technology, information, and education in underserved areas, but have also promoted sustainable development by enhancing the quality of life and stimulating economic activity."

Lwanga Herbert

"Lwanga Herbert, is a Technology promoter, innovator, researcher, entrepreneur and enthusiast best known for promoting technology, innovation and entrepreneurship for the benefit of communities and society as whole. Additionally, he puts his emphasis on promoting those technologies that address humanitarian challenges that prevail with diverse communities and the world at large. As pioneer chair of IEEE HTB, Lwanga Herbert has made tremendous efforts in steering this organizational unit to take off successfully whereby it is currently in its second year while enabling IEEE volunteer around the world to carry out impactful humanitarian technology activities at the local levels to ensure their concrete transformation and sustainable development. During his tenure as SIGHT chair (2021 – 2022), Lwanga Herbert displayed extemporary leadership which resulted into the increment and growth SIGHT membership to 42,000. Through his able stewardship, he successfully contributed towards the establishment of IEEE Subsection which subsequently became a full section. His continued guidance resulted into transforming the section into one of the active and fasting growing organizational units in region 8. In the same respect he has passionately and openly shared his project management skills which has enabled other IEEE volunteers to implement humanitarian projects and solutions that have impacted and benefited communities globally. By volunteering to serve in various IEEE positions e.g. EPICS in IEEE, IEEE, Lwanga contributed towards enabling these entities to fulfil their goals and objectives of advancing the noble cause of humanity. Due to his strong passion for STEM and humanity, Lwanga co-founded Log’el Science Foundation through which he continues to encourage, inspire and motivate young learner’s to pursue STEM driven career paths while at the same time enabling engineering and technology students to utilize their innovative knowledge and skills to address real-life challenges in communities using humanistic approaches. In his career development, he also co-founded LOG`EL GROUP Ltd a technology company which emphasizes use of local talent to develop technology solutions that address locally based challenges and concerns. Through this approach, the local talent is bound to grow and develop as it addresses societal challenges using a home grown approach. Previously, he has won different awards among others which includes the Ugandan Presidential Innovation Award 2005 – that focused on rewarding young innovators."