Agenda

 On November 4, participants will step beyond the sessions and into real-world environments where STEM education and workforce development come to life. These experiences reflect what we value most: connecting ideas to action and showcasing the power of partnerships to build a stronger, more inclusive STEM talent pipeline. 

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Forum organizers are pleased to offer complimentary shuttle service from the Scientific Research Commons, TWU for both the Abbott and the Boys & Girls Club/BioLabs site visits. For these visits, please plan to arrive at the Scientific Research Commons (1000 Old Main Cir, Denton, TX 76204) by 12:45 PM on November 4.

Join us for the Welcome Reception to kick off the Forum with conversation and connection. Meet fellow attendees and exchange ideas in a relaxed setting. It’s a chance to expand your network, discover shared interests, and spark collaborations that can continue throughout the Forum and beyond.

The reception will be hosted by Texas Woman's University at the Scientific Research Commons (1000 Old Main Cir, Denton, TX 76204).

During the opening, we will introduce the key themes and highlight opportunities to connect, share ideas, and explore new approaches to strengthening the STEM workforce.

Explore how strategic investments and partnerships have helped North Texas become a fast-growing STEM hub. Panelists will share successes and challenges in building talent pipelines for biotechnology, pandemic preparedness, and biomanufacturing, along with lessons other regions can apply.

Featured Panelists:

Dr. Leah Banks, Director, Graduate Career Development, University of Texas Southwestern
Dr. Gabby Everett, Regional Director, BioLabs South and West
Dr. Baley Reeves, Director, National Center for Therapeutics Manufacturing, Texas A&M University
Dr. Holly Hansen-Thomas, Vice Provost for Research, Innovation & Corporate Engagement, Texas Woman's University (moderator)

As organizations race to deploy AI, the main challenge is workforce capability. This panel features leaders across diverse institutions sharing how they integrate AI into workforce preparation and development, detailing the human infrastructure investments industry needs, and connecting these efforts to essential national skills.

Featured Panelists:

Smita Corley, Technology Strategy & Innovation Sr. Director, PepsiCo
Dr. Leigh Ann Delyser, Director, Center for the Future of Education and Technology, SRI Education
Kiryn Hoffman, CEO, National Children's Museum
Dr. David Keeley, Chief AI Strategist, Texas Woman's University
Ted Wells, Co-CEO, STEMCONNECTOR (moderator)

• Martha McCabe, Senior Vice President of Community Partnerships, PLTW

• Michael, LoPresti, CEO, Vzable
• Tony Bynum, Design Institute Director, IIT

• Dr. Clint Coleman, CEO, Central Creativity

• Dr. Stephanie Rodriguez, Director of the STEMM Opportunity Alliance at AAAS
• Dr. Jeremy Babendure, Executive Director of the SciTech Institute and Associate Professor, College of Global Futures, Arizona State University

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AI is reshaping workforce preparation, requiring formal and informal STEM institutions to adapt in real time. This panel features key leaders discussing how they are navigating this transition within their organizations and partnerships. Speakers will share strategies for rethinking curriculum, hands-on learning, and employer collaborations to prepare learners for an AI-enabled workplace. 

Featured Panelists:

Daphne Barlow, CEO and President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County
Dr. Chad Dorsey, President and CEO, The Concord Consortium
Dr. Kimberly Hughes, Director, National Center for STEM Education, The University of Texas at Austin
Mike Kincaid, President and CEO, Challenger Center
Drew Glassford, Co-CEO, STEMCONNECTOR (moderator)

• Johnny Wells, Director of Education, Destination Imagination Inc.

• Heather Sherman, Director, STEMx National Network, Battelle Education

• Liza Manfred, Managing Director, Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships, KID
• Savannah Fetterolf, Managing Director, Teaching & Learning, KID
• Brittany Jenkins, Lead Curriculum Developer, Technovation

• Katey Arrington, Charles A. Dana Center, The University of Texas at Austin
• Sean Pepin, Charles A. Dana Center, The University of Texas at Austin

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Close out the Forum with a look at key takeaways and priorities for 2027. Together, we’ll reflect on the conversations, identify opportunities for continued collaboration, and outline next steps.