About STEM Greenhouse
LIVING OUR MISSION
We know that our children have their best chance to succeed if they have a solid STEM foundation. Faced daily with overwhelming need, we at STEM Greenhouse choose to take action and make an impact.
After-school STEM Programming
STEM Scholars, an after-school program making a difference.
5-Week STEM Summer Academy
Sankofa STEM Academy, a fun summer learning opportunity.
Join us in the fight for equity in education.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Are at Our Core
We believe in a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all employees, board members, volunteers, no matter their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, or disability are valued and respected.
We are Committed
to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunities for employment and advancement in all departments, programs, and worksites.
We Recognize and Value
diverse life experiences and heritages, and work to ensure that all voices are respected and heard.
We are Committed
to modeling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the students we serve and maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all.
STEM Greenhouse Values
Along with diversity, equity, and inclusion, STEM Greenhouse believes in
Community Involvement
Access
Innovation
STEM Proficiency
Ambition
the stem greenhouse Village
There is a familiar African proverb that it takes a village to raise a child.
We are honored you choose to be part of our village.
OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
At STEM Greenhouse, we believe in representation. It is important that our commitment to diversity and inclusion is visible all the way up to our leadership team. And, we are so appreciative of these wise, passionate, and dedicated individuals who support our mission.
DR. KELI CHRISTOPHER
STEM Greenhouse
Founder and Executive Director
Leader, educator, and changemaker committed to making it easier for students of color to succeed in STEM education, pursue STEM careers, and feel supported in a way that had been absent for her growing up.
She holds a fervent belief that building positive relationships and connections are as important as the curriculum in urban K-12 education.
“One person can change generations by influencing the life of a child.”
Awards
North Carolina A&T, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Distinguished Alumni Award (2023)
Greater Grand Rapids NAACP, Role Model Education Award (2023)
Michigan Founders Fund, Community Trailblazer Award (2023)
Urban League, Nolan Grace Business Leadership Award (2023)
Grand Rapids Symphony, Dr. Malinda Sapp Legacy Award (2021)
Betty Van Andel Teacher of Excellence (2020)
West Michigan Women's Magazine, Brilliance Award in the Social Change Agent category (2020)
Grand Rapids Business Journal's 40 Business Leaders Under 40 (2015)
Milo Brown Business Giants Award (2015)
Neil, his wife LaVonne, and two sons have been Grand Rapids residents since 2004 and STEM Greenhouse supporters since 2020. Neil received his Ph.D. in Political Science from Duke University in 2004 and served for 18 years as leader of the Center for Social Research at Calvin University. An avid follower of STEM-related research news, Neil supports STEM Greenhouse because he wants every kid in Grand Rapids to have the same fascinating opportunities he and his family have had.
Neil Carlson
Founder and Principal Consultant,
DataWise Consulting LLC
Board Term: 2024 – 2027
Jessa blends her technical prowess with a genuine commitment to racial equity and accessible technology. Her journey is marked by significant contributions to community-based initiatives, highlighting her unique ability to bridge the gap between digital innovation and social justice. Jessa's leadership and mentorship in technology not only drive change but also inspire a more inclusive and equitable tech landscape.
Jessa Challa
Communications Strategist,
Urban Core Collective
Director of Social Impact,
Casual Simulation
Board Term: 2024 – 2027
Abdul is a human trying his best. His mission is to nurture a kinder and more compassionate society through education. Understanding the role the youth have in creating the future is why he is so passionate about giving back.
Abdul Ciise
Motivational Speaker, CEO
Abdul Speaks LLC
Board Term: 2025 – 2028
Science is Alana’s love language. Curiosity about the world around her opened the door to a role as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at InterMet Systems, a Grand Rapids-based weather instrument company with a global presence. She is always striving to bring out the nerd in people and she is eager to help grow the next diverse generation of scientists.
Alana Dachtler
Board Co-President
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
InterMet Systems
Board Term: 2022 – 2027
Emil brings over a decade of strategic leadership in IT operations, blending operational excellence and technical expertise with a focus on implementing innovative solutions. He drives forward-thinking initiatives and policy development with his strengths in team building and effective cross-functional collaboration, coupled with ongoing educational development.
Emil Delgado
Associate Vice President of Information Technology,
Grand Valley State University
Board Term: 2024 – 2027
Natalie is a strategic leader with over 20 years of experience in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. Natalie is the Chief Development Officer for the Grand Rapids Children's Museum, where she has a passion for and strongly believes that relationship building helps nonprofits create a strong support network, enabling them to expand their reach and impact through collaborations, partnerships, and shared resources.
Natalie Hall
Chief Development Officer,
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
Board Term: 2025 – 2028
TaRita's work with The Right Place includes collaborating with workforce development organizations, employers, and investors to lead strategies to ensure West Michigan attracts, develops, and retains diverse talent.
TaRita D. Johnson
Senior Vice President,
Talent and Diversity,
The Right Place
Board Term: 2022 – 2027
As chief digital and information officer, Jason leads strategic and operational information services with a primary focus on simplifying and enhancing the health care experience for the system’s patients, health plan members, teams and communities. Through easy-to-use digital platforms, applications, technology and medical devices, Jason and his team aim to make health more accessible and equitable. An able communicator and agile problem-solver, Jason also leads the system’s efforts in cybersecurity, analytics and emergency preparedness.
Jason R. Joseph, MBA
Chief Digital and Information Officer,
Corewell Health
Board Term: 2023 – 2026
Ismalis provides transformational racial equity strategies through individual and collective coaching to organizations in public and private education, non-profits, and corporations. She focuses on identity, leadership, and building communities that are centered on justice.
Ismalis Nuñez
Board Co-President
Founder
Anew Collective Consulting;
DEIJ Consultant & Facilitator
Board Term: 2023 – 2027
STEM advocate, Aerospace Engineer, and CEO of Array of Engineers. Visionary aerospace engineer with over 20 years providing innovative engineering advancements, STEM mentorship, and dynamic leadership to cross-functional teams. Serious space enthusiast, with a passion for family and creating engineering opportunities in West Michigan.
Stacy Paul
CEO
Array of Engineers
Board Term: 2022 – 2025
Addressing Diversity in STEM
Formed in 2014 by Dr. Keli Christopher, STEM Greenhouse aims to address the lack of diversity within the STEM professions. As a girl in an inner-city school who lacked confidence in math, she never imagined that she would become the first Black person to get a Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Illinois and the third black woman in the world to hold a Ph.D. in that field.
The future of STEM depends on strong youth education
After working as an engineer and educator, Dr. Christopher started a science and math education business focused on fun, hands-on science and math experiences for K-12 students. Working with students throughout the greater Grand Rapids area gave her further insight to the inequality in STEM education among various districts, races, genders, and socioeconomic classes.
Support STEM Greenhouse
One of the best ways you can support our mission is by making a regular monthly contribution.Â
