Founder and Leader in STEM Education to Step Down from Award-Winning National Nonprofit Techbridge
Oakland, CA (PRWEB) August 07, 2015 -- The Techbridge National Board of Directors announces today that the co-founder of Techbridge, Dr. LindaKekelis is stepping down as CEO/Executive Director effective December 18, 2015. They offer thanks and praise for her outstanding stewardship of the organization from its beginning.
“I am fortunate to have had a dream job that was my life’s calling,” said Kekelis. “Over the past fifteen years, we’ve accomplished so much positive impact for girls and families, for STEM educators, for partners, and for the field. It has been an incredible privilege to watch Techbridge grow from a small dedicated team of three in Oakland to a staff of 28 across the country. Together, we’ve made a truly extraordinary collective impact around Oakland and the San Francisco Bay and across the country. Now I move onto my next chapter knowing that I have helped put in place a Techbridge team that is as passionate about equity and making a difference in the world as I am.”
Kekelis has taken Techbridge from an idea to a national organization that serves thousands of girls through direct services and professional development that builds the capacity of national partners like Girl Scout councils and YMCA of the USA. Kekelis has achieved many accomplishments and awards for herself and the organization including the 2015 Most Influential in STEM by the National AfterSchool Association, 2014 East Bay Innovation Award for Education, and 2012 Silicon Valley STEM Innovation Award.
“I am humbled by the impact of our collective efforts to support a mission that both inspires girls to change the world and that works to change the world so that the talents and dreams of girls can be realized,” said Kekelis. “I know Techbridge is ready for what’s ahead with a staff, partners, funders, and board that collectively bring synergy to write the next chapter in Techbridge’s story and accomplish something very special.”
The Techbridge National Board of Directors, under Chair Kim Ondreck Carim, has formed a transition team to guide the national search for a replacement and ensure seamless leadership of the organization’s programs during the transition. “The entire Board and staff join me in thanking Linda for her extraordinary service and dedication to Techbridge and the field,” Carim said. We will miss her passion, and wish her well in her future endeavors. We look forward to announcing plans to celebrate Linda’s fifteen years at the helm of Techbridge in the near future.”
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About Techbridge: The mission of Techbridge is to empower girls to realize their dreams through science, technology and engineering. Its innovative after-school and summer programs inspire 5th through 12th grade girls from underserved communities to change the world, providing girls with hands-on projects and career exploration through curriculum, role models, and field trips. Techbridge girls also build confidence, problem-solving skills, perseverance, and public speaking abilities that will serve them well in any career. Techbridge’s holistic approach gives girls a strong support network that includes their peers, teachers, families, and role models. Through its national professional development efforts, Techbridge has reached over 15,000 adults through trainings and resources for role models, educators and families.
Jenifer Jayme, Techbridge, http://www.techbridgegirls.org, +1 (408) 455-5643, [email protected]
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