21st Century STEM Foundation

About Us

Home > About Us

Our Mission

To provide underrepresented youth with access to college and career readiness programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

Our Vision

A future where every young person, regardless of background, has the opportunity to explore and pursue a STEM career.

Excellence

We pursue the highest standards in everything we do, from program design to student outcomes.

Equity

We ensure every young person has fair access to STEM opportunities, regardless of their background.

Community

We build strong partnerships with families, schools, and organizations to create lasting impact.

Our Team

Roslyn Ridgeway

Roslyn Ridgeway

Chair

Roslyn Ridgeway serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for the 21st Century STEM Foundation. She brings extensive leadership experience and a deep commitment to expanding STEM opportunities for underrepresented youth in the community.
Dorothy Spearman Clark

Dorothy Spearman Clark

Treasurer

Dorothy Spearman Clark serves as Treasurer of the 21st Century STEM Foundation. She oversees the financial stewardship of the organization, ensuring resources are managed responsibly to support the foundation's mission of college and career readiness in STEM.
Karen M. Gordon

Karen M. Gordon

Secretary

Karen M. Gordon serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors. She plays a vital role in the governance and administration of the foundation, supporting organizational effectiveness and strategic planning.
Christopher Pollard

Christopher Pollard

Director

Christopher Pollard serves as a Director on the Board of the 21st Century STEM Foundation. He contributes his expertise and vision to advance the foundation's programs and community impact.
Will Gorham

Will Gorham

Director

Will Gorham serves as a Director on the Board of the 21st Century STEM Foundation. He is dedicated to supporting the organization's efforts to provide meaningful STEM experiences for young people.
Leslie Wilkins

Leslie Wilkins

Advisory Board Member

Leslie Wilkins serves on the Advisory Board of the 21st Century STEM Foundation, providing strategic guidance and expertise to support the organization's mission and program development.
Alvin J. Alexander II

Alvin J. Alexander II

Advisory Board Member

Alvin J. Alexander II is a member of the Advisory Board, contributing his professional knowledge and community connections to strengthen the foundation's impact on STEM education.
Vedas Burkeen, Ph.D

Vedas Burkeen, Ph.D

Advisory Board Member

Dr. Vedas Burkeen serves on the Advisory Board, bringing academic expertise and research perspective to the foundation's approach to STEM education and youth development.
John Stevens, LLM, LLB, JD, BSc.

John Stevens, LLM, LLB, JD, BSc.

Advisory Board Member

John Stevens brings a distinguished legal and academic background to the Advisory Board. His multidisciplinary perspective supports the foundation's governance and strategic initiatives.
Norris L. Tucker

Norris L. Tucker

Advisory Board Member

Norris L. Tucker serves on the Advisory Board of the 21st Century STEM Foundation, lending his experience and insight to advance the organization's programs and community outreach.
Steven E Brown

Steven E Brown

Advisory Board Member

Steven E Brown is a member of the Advisory Board, supporting the foundation's mission through strategic counsel and engagement with STEM education initiatives.
Rose Thomas, CPA

Rose Thomas, CPA

Advisory Board Member

Rose Thomas, CPA, serves on the Advisory Board, offering her financial expertise and professional guidance to ensure the foundation's continued growth and fiscal responsibility.
Lisa Dupree

Lisa Dupree

Executive Director

Lisa Dupree is the Executive Director of the 21st Century STEM Foundation. Under her leadership, the foundation has developed and expanded its signature programs — TechedUP, Geo-Sci, Cyber21, and i21-NSBE Jr. — providing underrepresented youth with hands-on STEM experiences, mentorship, and pathways to college and career readiness.
LaKwanza Perry

LaKwanza Perry

Operations Manager

LaKwanza Perry serves as Operations Manager for the 21st Century STEM Foundation. She oversees day-to-day operations, program logistics, and organizational coordination to ensure smooth delivery of all foundation programs and events.
Helen Graves

Helen Graves

Executive Administrative Assistant

Helen Graves is the Executive Administrative Assistant at the 21st Century STEM Foundation. She provides essential administrative support to the leadership team and helps maintain the organizational infrastructure that keeps programs running effectively.
Marcus-Tor Strickland

Marcus-Tor Strickland

Director of Development

Marcus-Tor Strickland serves as Director of Development for the 21st Century STEM Foundation. He leads fundraising, partnership development, and strategic growth initiatives to expand the foundation's reach and impact in STEM education.

Get Involved

Join us in making a difference in the lives of young STEM learners.

Become a Volunteer Make a Donation