Vision

Empowering underserved and underrepresented students to realize their full potential through equitable access to transformative STEAM education and career opportunities, fostering innovation, inclusivity, and lifelong success in a rapidly evolving world.

Mission

The specific purpose of the Corporation shall include without limitation, to support in-school and extra-curricular STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities, with a mission to help underserved and underrepresented students to overcome the challenges they face due to the lack of access to capital and other learning and career opportunities not normally available to them.

Michael Monaco

Michael has lived in Chula Vista for over 20 years. He has experience with the banking industry particularly with small business and non-profit organizations. He also has a passion for publishing - in 2013 he own and managed My Hometown magazine and in 2022 in collaboration with Umbrella Media the magazine was redesign to become Our Hometown Newsprint.

*Michael is a founding board member of the STEAM Ahead Foundation and the annual Southbay Pumpkin Smash, also known as "Game of Throws".

Mr. Positive, as described by former Mayor Mary Casillas Salas, Michael is very engaged in the South bay community. He is a regular emcee for the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce mixers, Chula Vista Public Library Foundation Bon Appetit, Chula Vista Rotary Club OktoberFiesta, Starlight Parade, and the Chula Vista Police Activities League PINGO.

Dr. J. Leo Ulloa-Higuera

Dr. J. Leo has worked in K12 public education for over 22 years. He is a DoD/STEM Ambassador and is committed to increase the STEM workforce pipeline in our country. Currently, he is the principal of Launch Virtual Academy.

*J. Leo is a founding board member of the STEAM Ahead Foundation and co-creator of South bay Pumpkin Smash. He also serves in the Eastlake Educational Foundation and the Friends of Chula Vista Park and Recreation Foundation. He is a past board member of Science Delivered Foundation.

A tinkerer and hope dealer, Dr. J. Leo likes to spend time with his family and friends cooking, riding bicycles, and exercising.

Joe Amaro

Joe is a design engineer with over twenty years of experience in Project Management in both the private and public sectors. Strong background in manufacturing processes, computer applications, and woodworking technologies.

Experienced career technical education instructor in middle and high school public education system specialized in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and engineering. Joe is a VEX Robotics event partner and has hosted many robotics events including California State VEX Robotics Championships at elementary, middle, and high school level competitions. Joe has also joined VEX Robotics World's Championships as a judge and advisor.

In his spare time, Joe likes to tinker with 3D printers, CNC & laser machines. He likes to spend time with his family and friends. 

Martin Calvo

Martin is a retired business executive and the founder of two contract manufacturing companies. Martin has found satisfaction and purpose in his new passion for public service and community involvement.

*Martin is a founding board member of the STEAM Ahead Foundation and the Eastlake Lions Club . 

Martin served as Chairman of the City of Chula Vista Economic Development Commission and the City of Chula Vista Parks and Recreation Commission. In addition, Martin is a board member of  the Friends of Chula Vista Park and Recreation Foundation. In a good day you can find Martin fishing or enjoying time with his family.

Neisha Hernandez

Neisha has dedicated her life to serving children through the arts. Her career spans more than 30 years to include teaching, performing, educating, mentoring, directing, managing, writing, coaching and producing in the dance and music industry. Locally, she is the owner and driving energetic force behind Neisha's Dance & Music Academy and is a proud Rotarian.
Neisha's motto, "Kids are not a distraction from the important work. They ARE the important work." – C.S. Lew 

Mauricio Torres

Mauricio is a dedicated Quality and Regulatory Affairs professional committed to fostering Company and Customer satisfaction and focus on community development toward new technologies and all STEAM projects. 

Adept in Medical device regulations encompassing FDA, ISO, and global requirements  with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Mauricio expertise spans diverse areas, ensuring both internal and external customer satisfaction, bolstering sales, and devising processes for punctual delivery of quality products. 

As a proficient Quality expert, on an average day, Mauricio typically dedicates his time to enjoying moments with family and friends.

Katherine Velliquette

Katherine is a retired U.S. Marine. She runs her own consultant business and also teaches career technical education classes in a local public education district specializing in the Information and Communications Technology and Business & Finance pathways .

Katherine is deeply committed to leveraging technology to connect diverse youth with their communities. She advocates for students to explore Science and Technology fields to empower their communities and spur growth. 

Outside of her professional endeavors, Katherine dedicates her spare time to coaching high school teams in robotics and small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS).