PROJECT INVENT ANNUAL COMMUNITY AWARDS WINNERS
This page celebrates the exceptional individuals recognized annually for their outstanding contributions to student success. Here, you'll find profiles of our current and past winners, showcasing their unwavering dedication, innovative spirit, and impactful mentorship.
Explore the inspiring stories of those who have shaped and supported the next generation of creative thinkers and change-makers.
2024
FELLOW OF THE YEAR
Dr. Dawn Fichera
Dr. Dawn Fichera is an innovative educator with a doctorate in education and a passion for design thinking and ethical AI. As the Innovation Leader at Beck Middle School, she mentors students through Project Invent and advocates for climate change education. She promotes DEIB initiatives and culturally responsive teaching, ensuring inclusive learning environments. As an EdSafeAI fellow, she develops guidelines for responsible AI use. Her motto is “Embrace Chaos”.
EMERGING FELLOW OF THE YEAR
Diane Rosenthal
Diane Rosenthal has been teaching physics and engineering at Presentation High School, an all-girls school, for 25 years. She loves encouraging her students and fostering collaborative learning through Project Invent. Diane is also a mom to two teenage girls, Nora and Elise, and a wife to Gene. She emphasizes the importance of learning through failure to achieve success.
emerging fellow of the year
Wendy Kennedy
Wendy Kennedy has been teaching physics, earth science, and environmental science at Presentation High School for 10 years. She moderates the Student Environmental Action Society and the Backyard Botanics student garden club, engaging students with their community through environmental activities. Outside the classroom, Wendy enjoys hiking, beach outings, and spending time with her two kids, two dogs, and friends.
COMMUNITY PARTNER OF THE YEAR
Suzanne Masso
Suzanne Masso, a retired Early Childhood Educator with over 30 years of experience, is the author of the children’s book “My Grammy Shakes. Does Yours?”. Since 2017, she has been active with MISSION PD, a non-profit providing free programs for people with Parkinson’s. Suzanne participates in various activities to combat Parkinson’s and mentors fellow patients. Living in Cherry Hill, NJ, she enjoys gardening, quilting, crafting, baking, and spending time with her family.
COMMUNITY PARTNER OF THE YEAR
Josephine Crisostomo
Josephine is the Director of Education, Training, and Advocacy at LifeWay Network. A Syracuse University graduate with a background in community engagement and mental health, she is dedicated to ensuring New Yorkers have access to culturally responsive services and information. Before LifeWay, she worked at the NYC Mayor’s Office, implementing social-emotional and trauma-informed crisis management programs for youth, parents, and educators.
Champion of the year
Delia Gallardo
Delia Gallardo is a dedicated educator with 25 years of experience. Currently serving as an instructional coach at Bostonia Global, she assists teachers in integrating engaging, data-driven activities into the curriculum. Last year, she introduced Project Invent to Bostonia and successfully expanded the program to include 5th graders this year. Delia takes great pride in witnessing the growth in her students' presentation skills, finding it incredibly rewarding to see their abilities improve while making a meaningful impact by supporting a community member in need.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Alden Harwood
Alden is a Staff Software Engineer for the Burlingame-based Venture Capital firm Goodwater Capital. He studied Biomedical Engineering and Electrical Engineering in college, where he fell in love with engineering design. Over the past year, he has been working with Project Invent to pay it forward and foster the same love for engineering and design in others.
Fellow of the Year
Project Invent Fellows are educators and youth leaders who ignite student excitement with transformative learning opportunities. The Fellow of the Year Award recognizes an individual who exemplifies Project Invent’s Theory of Change and has made exceptional contributions to furthering our vision of creating a generation of fearless, compassionate problem solvers.
Emerging Fellow of the Year
Each year, Project Invent welcomes a cohort of new youth educators to join our returning fellows in bringing Project Invent to students across the country. The Emerging Fellow of the Year Award recognizes new fellows who have made stellar contributions to the Project Invent community in their first year.
Community Partner of the Year
As a crucial part of the Project Invent program, Community Partners collaborate with students to share honest feedback as students design solutions to challenges in the world around them. The Community Partner of the Year Award recognizes outstanding individuals who supported a Project Invent student team by embracing the invention journey and investing in their success.
Volunteer of the Year
Project Invent Volunteers bolster students seeking to gain the tools and mindsets of future changemakers. The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes exemplary members of this community who have profoundly impacted Project Invent’s students through their feedback, technical support, and motivation, and by illuminating career and growth opportunities to student participants.
Champion of the Year
The Champion of the Year is an administrator, educator, or support staff member who plays a vital role in supporting fellows as they implement Project Invent across an entire grade level, school, distinct, or region. This award recognizes the outstanding contributions of these individuals in supporting educators and creating student inventors.