I am currently Co-Founder and President of MakerUSA, which helps communities build stronger pathways for underserved students into making-related careers and entrepreneurship through talent and capacity. From 2014-2016 , I served as the first Senior Advisor for Making at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, where I helped develop President Obama’s Nation of Makers initiative, to broaden access to the Maker Movement. This included working closely with a broad range of stakeholders including federal agencies, colleges, K-12 schools, libraries, museums, companies, makerspaces and non-profit organizations.
I have helped grow 20+ local and regional ecosystems to support STEM and maker-centered learning across the U.S. through my previous role as Managing Director for Citizen Schools’ Makers + Mentors Network and have advised foundations on maker education, makerspaces and innovation including the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation, the Lemelson Foundation and Infosys Foundation USA.
I have a Ph.D. in Information Science from Cornell University, where my research focused on the social impact of democratizing 3D printing. I’m a Founding Board Member of Nation of Makers, a national nonprofit supporting America’s maker organizations through community building, resource sharing, and advocacy. As an entrepreneur, I previously ran an all-natural, gluten-free baked goods company with my mom, Cupoladua Oven. As a maker, I sew, experiment with 3D printing and enjoy making handmade toys for my young son.
To get in touch, please reach out at stephanie@makerusa.org.