13th Annual STEMMys | Benefactor's Roundtable Discussion + Happy Hour

Be part of the conversation that kicks off this year’s STEMMy Awards season.
 
Join Central Exchange on May 19 for a special afternoon centered on women in STEMM, featuring a thoughtful panel discussion with past honorees, followed by drinks, appetizers, and networking. This event is a chance to hear inspiring perspectives, connect with others who care deeply about these fields, and celebrate the spirit of the STEMMys well before the awards ceremony this fall.
 
Whether you are passionate about advancing women in STEMM, want to connect with others in the community, or simply want an engaging and meaningful way to spend the afternoon, we invite you to join us.
 

Your ticket helps us raise awareness of the innovation, leadership, and success women bring to STEMM fields and the community!

Learn more about all the 13th Annual STEMMy Awards Celebrations

and Sponsorship Opportunities at CXSTEMMys.com
 

HEAR FROM THESE AMAZING STEMMy AWARD HONOREES!



TERRI THOMPSON
Executive Director
Museum at Prairiefire
2025 Rising Trendsetter 
Moderator
 

Terri Thompson is the Executive Director of the Museum at Prairiefire, where she leads the museum’s mission-driven program, KC Urban Advantage. Through this initiative, she helps provide underserved Kansas City youth with access to meaningful STEAM education and pathways to future STEM careers.

A graduate of the University of Kansas School of Nursing, Terri began her career in the Emergency Room and NICU at Overland Park Regional Medical Center before transitioning to a 20-year career in advertising with Cumulus Media. There, she developed campaigns for national and global corporations while championing small businesses and strengthening the local community.

In 2017, Terri brought her expertise to the nonprofit sector, combining her passion for education, community impact, and innovation to help create opportunities that inspire and empower the next generation.

 

CHRISTINA CHANDLER
Sr. Community Impact Education Manager
JE Dunn + KC STEM Alliance
2025 Groundbreaking Leader
Panelist
 

Christina Chandler draws on her background in education, information technology, and the nonprofit sector to create strategies that engage and prepare students for future careers. She spent 12 years in information technology, often as the only woman and African American in the organization, which deepened her commitment to advancing equity in education.

During her 10 years with the Center School District, Christina developed and taught computer science and robotics programs that encouraged young women and underrepresented students to take on leadership roles and gain confidence to pursue STEM majors and careers. She continues to focus on removing barriers that prevent girls and students of color from participating in STEM education.

As a consultant and FIRST LEGO Robotics Program Delivery Partner with the KC STEM Alliance for eight years, and now as Community Impact Education Manager at JE Dunn Construction, Christina partners with schools to expand access to STEM and construction career pathways. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education, a master’s degree in career and technical leadership, and is pursuing a doctorate in instructional design and performance technology.

 

SUNITA LAVIN
Project Manager | Transmission & Distribution
Burns & McDonnell
2015 Rising Trendsetter 
Panelist

Sunita Lavin is a project manager in the Transmission & Distribution division at Burns & McDonnell, where she leads substation and distribution projects that connect solar farms to the electric grid. A licensed professional engineer, her career has spanned a diverse range of industries, including avionics, consumer electronics, IT, telecommunications, and utilities.
 
Throughout her career, Sunita has transitioned from technical engineering to project and people management, holding positions at Garmin before joining Burns & McDonnell. She is an active leader in the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and a passionate advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Sunita holds a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, a master’s degree in electrical engineering and an M.B.A. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Sunita enjoys traveling with her husband, mom and foster daughter. An avid runner, she has raced on five continents, including extraordinary Antarctica.
 

LYDIA MORENO
Makerspace & Mobile STEM Unit Coordinator
Kansas State School for the Blind
2025 WiSTEMM Educator 
Panelist

Lydia Moreno is a creative problem solver with more than nine years of experience in design, community art, and audio/visual production. She is passionate about using empathy and creative expression to serve and connect with her Midwest community.

Lydia first partnered with the Kansas State School for the Blind (KSSB) in 2016 to produce their 150th anniversary video, and again in 2019 to create a tactile mural on campus. Inspired by the incredible students and staff at KSSB, she now serves as the Makerspace and Mobile STEM Unit Coordinator, empowering design thinking and innovation for blind and visually impaired students across Kansas.

Through hands-on projects using 3D printers, laser cutters, sublimation machines, and other modern tools, Lydia helps students bring their ideas to life. Every project begins with one guiding question, “Is it accessible?” and grows through collaboration, creativity, and curiosity.