STEM Activity Day - sponsored by Boeing

Speaker

Lans Rothfusz
Deputy Director
NOAA/National Severe Storms Laboratory

Lans P. Rothfusz is Deputy Director of NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman, Oklahoma.  His work, in that capacity, is focused on developing and delivering next-generation hazardous weather information concepts for National Weather Service operations.  He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in meteorology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his Master of Science degree in meteorology from the University of Oklahoma.  With the National Weather Service (NWS), Mr. Rothfusz served in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Fort Worth, Texas; and as the Meteorologist in Charge of the NWS offices in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Peachtree City, Georgia for a combined 16 years.  The offices Mr. Rothfusz has supervised have been recognized often for their operational achievements and he has received personal honors for co-developing “StormReady,” a severe weather preparedness program for communities, and for his leadership of a multinational team providing weather support to the 1996 Olympics.

Speakers

Stephen West
Cherokee
Engineering Technical Specialist 4
Boeing

Technical Designer with 29 years in Design Engineering with a BS in Drafting and Design. Professional strengths include 3D design related investigations, engineering resolution, and interpretation, problem-solving, change management, and a high level of proficiency in GD&T, Boeing design standards. Director of Communication for BRG "BAIS-SC" promoting diversity and inclusion for all Boeing teammates, and supporting STEM events and the DreamLearners program to the local tribe through BAIS-SC.

Beau Williams
Cherokee
Manager, SOURCING COE
Boeing

Beau is a Boeing Manager in the IT Dept.  He is a very good leader that likes to give back to future generations.  Beau thinks STEM is a vital part of equipping our youth for the future.

Speaker

Victoria Fuentes
Project Manager
American Chemical Society

Victoria Fuentes is currently a project manager at the American Chemical Society. Her main responsibilities are managing ACS' Sister Organization Relationships with AISES, SACNAS and UnidosUS, managing Diversity Programs' various awards and she serves as Staff Liaison to the American Chemical Society's Women Chemists Committee.  A native of Alexandria, Virginia she grew up in the DC area and received her degree at George Mason University.  She has worked for the American Chemical Society for 10 years and enjoys the relationships she has made connecting through other organizations.    Her focus is to help more Native American and Hispanic Students to get into STEM and more specifically Chemistry.

Speaker

Susanna Packauskas-Lewalski
Systems Engineer
Raytheon

Susanna Packauskas-Lewalski is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology where she received her Bachelor of Industrial Engineering.  Susanna began her engineering career making automobile bumpers. She moved on to work with caskets, signs, and truck bed liners before settling with her current employer of more than 20 years, Raytheon. She is currently a Senior Systems Engineer and participates in recruiting for Raytheon at the University of South Florida as well as various Diversity Conferences.  
Susanna is the Global Vice President of the Raytheon America Indian Network (RAIN).  Although non-native herself, Susanna is interested in Native America culture and issues as her husband and children are members of the Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma.
In her spare time, Susanna is passionate about STEM outreach and serves as an Outreach Coordinator for various Raytheon and community organizations.  She is also active with FIRST FTC robotics serving as the State volunteer coordinator.

Speaker

Kelsey Kawaguchi
Native Hawaiian
Structural Engineer
The Boeing Company

Kelsey Kawaguchi is Native Hawaiian and grew up on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. She currently works as a Structural Analysis Engineer at The Boeing Company. Kelsey began her career at Boeing as an intern supporting the 737 fleet and analyzing large composite structure on the 787-10.  Prior to working at Boeing, Kelsey attended the University of Hawaii at Mānoa where she received her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. While at UHM, she enjoyed staying active in the Kapi`olani Community College STEM Program, the Native Hawaiian Science and Engineering Mentorship Program, and AISES.

Speaker

Heather Heckler
Brothertown
Sr. Industrial Engineer
General Motors Company

Heather Heckler (Brothertown) is the Subject Matter Expert in Industrial Engineering with over 23 years of experience.  She leads a global team to define the computer application needs for Industrial Engineering.  She has a BSIE from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and a MSE from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Heather is on the Leadership Council for the Native American Cultural Network (NACN), and is an AISES member. 

Through her experience in Industrial Engineering and with NACN, Heather has had the opportunity to present at many different activities within GM and at various AISES events.  She is always excited to encourage students’ interest in STEM and ultimately their pursuit of a career in STEM.