Angela Wells is a multifaceted professional, serving as a Cloud Engineer, Patent Holder, and Associate Faculty member at City University of Seattle in Washington. Her expertise lies in robotics and 3D modeling, and she is deeply committed to empowering the next generation of innovators through her involvement with BlackInRobotics. Angela attributes much of her inspiration and guidance to her mentors: Dr. Carlotta Berry, Maurice Dawson, Reuben Ajayi, and Cyril Azubuine.

Dr. Ayanna Howard serves as the Dean of The Ohio State University College of Engineering. Her interest in robotics began in middle school after watching the TV show The Bionic Woman, inspiring her to one day build a bionic woman herself. To achieve this goal, she recognized the need to develop interdisciplinary skills in engineering and computer science.

As a junior in college, Dr. Howard’s fascination with artificial intelligence (AI) was sparked during an internship at NASA, where she was tasked with designing her first neural network for terrain coverage. She quickly realized that combining the power of AI with robotics could transform her vision for building advanced robots.

Dr. Howard emphasizes the importance of passion as a fundamental strength for students. She acknowledges that challenges, such as life’s unexpected barriers or gaps in educational preparation, can make the path forward difficult. However, she believes that passion is the one controllable element that fuels the grit needed to overcome obstacles and persevere toward success.

Jennifer Spencer has been teaching math and science since 1999 and introduced robotics into her lesson plans in 2010. A self-proclaimed “techie,” she thrives on exploring the latest and greatest technologies. Over the years, she has witnessed the transformative power of robotics in education, engaging students who were previously uninterested in school. While her students may not always have the answers or know the next programming step, she has seen them persevere, driven by curiosity and determination.

Jennifer’s passion for robotics stems from seeing the profound impact it has on her students’ lives. She is especially committed to encouraging girls to explore robotics, believing it should be as accessible and natural as trying out different sports or hobbies in childhood. For Jennifer, robotics isn’t just about coding or building—it’s about opening doors to a world of possibilities.

Jessica Constant has been a teacher for 12 years and has spent the past 7 years coaching VEX IQ Challenge teams. When she first became a robotics coach, she was the only female coach in her district. Determined to succeed, she immersed herself in learning everything she could about the program, the VIQC game, and the REC Foundation. Her goal was not only to become knowledgeable but also approachable, creating a welcoming environment for students and colleagues alike.

As the grant manager for her district’s REC Foundation District Grant, Jessica played a pivotal role in helping schools establish robotics programs. Her leadership inspired other women in the district to start their own robotics teams, resulting in a growing number of female coaches and girls participating in robotics.

Jessica passionately believes that girls should get involved in robotics simply because they can. Robotics offers an incredible opportunity to learn the design process, build confidence through failure and iteration, and develop problem-solving and creative thinking skills. For her, robotics is more than just technology—it’s a pathway to empowerment and growth.

➥ STEM Hall of Fame Profile

Michelle Lonsinger is a seasoned professional with 25 years of experience in the STEM industry. Her journey into robotics began in 2015 when her daughter joined the VEX IQ Challenge program. Since then, she has been an active mentor and volunteer, witnessing firsthand how students develop invaluable skills and grow in confidence throughout the season.

Michelle is passionate about fostering diversity in the tech industry, particularly by encouraging more girls to explore robotics and STEM activities. She believes that increasing the number of female leaders in tech starts with giving young girls the opportunity to pursue their interests. She also highlights the power of diverse teams—whether in classrooms or professional settings—emphasizing that they bring a broader range of skills, perspectives, and creativity while actively challenging traditional barriers.

Her advice to robotics parents? Get involved as a volunteer! Spending the day judging at competitions and interviewing student teams offers a unique “backstage pass” to an inspiring and dynamic community. And for those unable to attend in person, Michelle recommends participating in the annual Online Challenges—a rewarding way to stay connected and contribute.