On November 13, CHILDREN AT RISK, in partnership with the Texas Family Leadership Council, welcomed educators, students, industry leaders, and community partners from across the state for the 2025 STEM Summit. This year’s theme, “Connecting Education, Careers, and Communities,” set the tone for a vibrant morning of data insights, powerful discussions, and inspiring stories that highlighted the pathways shaping the next generation of innovators.

Supported by our generous sponsor, Shell, the event brought together voices from classrooms, research labs, city infrastructure, space technology, and more to explore how equitable STEM access can transform both student trajectories and community futures.

The summit opened with welcoming remarks from CHILDREN AT RISK President & CEO Dr. Bob Sanborn, who emphasized the importance of addressing inequities in education and ensuring that every child has access to high-quality STEM opportunities.

Academic Performance Coach James Dirden followed with a fast-paced, equity-centered overview of today’s STEM landscape. Drawing from statewide and national trends, this data block unpacked disparities in representation, gender gaps, and the wide-ranging demand for STEM skills across both college-bound and career-ready pathways.

Our first panel brought together leading experts in STEM and teacher preparation for a dynamic discussion about the realities facing educators today. Moderated by James Dirden, the conversation explored barriers to effective STEM instruction, the urgent need to diversify the field, and ways to make STEM learning more relevant by connecting it to real-world applications. Panelists included:

• Paige Evans, Co-Director & Clinical Professor

• Sissy Wong, Associate Professor of Science Education

• Lenonra Kaldara, Assistant Professor of Artificial Intelligence

• Latrenda Knighten, President, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

Together, they highlighted the role of culturally relevant teaching, early exposure, and robust educator preparation programs in ensuring that all students see themselves reflected in STEM.

The second session shifted the spotlight to the workforce. Four dynamic professionals shared their personal journeys into STEM and what drives them in their careers today. Moderated once again by James Dirden, this rapid-fire panel featured:

• Dr. Valarie Steen-Mickle, Ophthalmologist & U.S. Air Force Trainer

• Tim Trevino, Leader in Space Communications, Axiom Space

• Guadalupe “Lupe” Bailey, P.E., Design Section Manager, City of Dallas Water Utilities

• De’Airius Salibi, STEM professional and community advocate

Each panelist offered a unique lens—ranging from healthcare to engineering to aerospace—illustrating how STEM industries touch every part of modern life. The discussion underscored the importance of mentorship, hands-on exposure, and creating accessible entry points for students who may not yet see themselves pursuing STEM careers.

Following the panels, attendees joined an interactive reflection session designed to capture key insights and elevate participant voices. Through Q&A and guided prompts, the audience and speakers engaged in thoughtful dialogue about building stronger connections between education systems and workforce realities. The collective message was clear: STEM equity requires collaboration, innovation, and sustained investment from all sectors.

As the summit concluded, CHILDREN AT RISK thanked our panelists, attendees, and partners for their commitment to advancing equity in STEM. This year’s conversations reinforced a shared purpose—to expand opportunity, strengthen our STEM ecosystem, and ensure that every child has the tools and support to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Shell for supporting this important work and to everyone who contributed their time, expertise, and passion to the 2025 STEM Summit.

Together, we continue to innovate, collaborate, and advocate—For Children.