PROJECT INVENT ANNUAL COMMUNITY AWARDS
An archive of 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.
2023
SHELLY LOOSE
COMMUNITY PARTNER OF THE YEAR
Shelly is President of Ms. Wheelchair America, where she empowers women wheelchair users to advocate for individuals with disabilities. She has also facilitated Project Invent team presentations at Ms. Wheelchair America events, creating opportunities for collaborative innovation.
KILLIAN EVERS
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Killian, with experience leading UX teams at Google, Oracle, and PayPal, has shared her expertise through mentorship and advisory roles. Her dedication to recruiting new volunteers and providing nearly 30 hours of mentorship has significantly impacted student growth.
TAIWO TOGUN
FELLOW OF THE YEAR
Taiwo, an educator at Pierrepont School in Westport, CT, inspires students to recognize their strengths and build close-knit, empathetic teams through Project Invent. As a member of the Project Invent Educator Steering Committee, he helps guide strategic direction and program development.
FLOR REKANI
Emerging fellow of the year
Flor, in her first year as a Project Invent Fellow at Bostonia Global in El Cajon, CA, embodies resilience, curiosity, ambition, and empathy. She has created an environment where her middle school students view failure as a stepping stone to success while challenging assumptions and nurturing their creative confidence.
2022
jimmy uharriet
community partner of the year
Jimmy Uharriet has been with Project Invent since its inception, playing a pivotal role in shaping the program's vision. He collaborated with our inaugural students to create the Stria Belt, showcasing how communities and classrooms can unite to develop innovative solutions.
mike cahill
volunteer of the year
Mike Cahill, a Chief Technology Officer, dedicates significant time to mentoring Project Invent teams, providing invaluable feedback that helps students refine their invention ideas from concept to prototype. He also serves as a connector by recruiting talented volunteers to join the community and support student growth.
SEAN GLANTZ
fellow of the year
Sean Glantz, a computer science teacher at Da Vinci Junior High School, secured state-wide approval for Project Invent to be included as an official CTE course in California. He has also enhanced Project Invent programming, striving to deepen innovation beyond the Fellowship.