Rosa M. “Mili” Rengifo has been an advocate for robotics education in South Florida since 2007. Starting with an afterschool club, she now oversees a program reaching more than 200 students and 33 teams. Her students have earned numerous World Championship awards, and many go on to mentor others. Rengifo’s commitment to inclusion, excellence and mentorship has left a lasting legacy in her community.
Rengifo manages both VEX V5 and VEX IQ programs, with the best teams representing the school in VEX competitions. She has demonstrated exceptional resourcefulness in securing funding for equipment and competition fees. Through creative fundraising and strong community support, she ensures that her students have the resources they need to succeed. Her dedication to her students’ success is evident in the countless hours she spends after school and on weekends coaching and mentoring them.
A valuable mentor and resource to the broader South Florida robotics community, Rengifo volunteers at local competitions, supports and trains new teachers and coaches, and leads workshops for educators looking to implement robotics programs.
Regifo was the first coach in the state of Florida to bring home a World Championship trophy, winning the Judges Award in 2017. Since then, her teams have earned six World Championship trophies, including the Community Award, Create Award, and Design Award. Her students also shine at state and regional competitions, bringing home numerous awards such as the Excellence Award, Design Award, and Robot Skills Championship. Many of her alumni have pursued STEM careers and are now dedicated to giving back to their communities, introducing VEX Robotics to underrepresented and underprivileged students. This cycle of mentorship and community service reflects the deep values Mili has instilled in her students.
