The Success Through Technology Education (STTE) Foundation, EduLab Capital Partners, and The Council on Regional Economic Expansion and Educational Development (CREEED) are excited to reveal the agenda for the 2nd Annual LatinX EdTech Summit taking place on June 16, 2023.
Themed “Bridging the Digital Divide,” The 2nd Annual LatinX EdTech Summit offers a unique opportunity for educators to hear from national education leaders, learn about the latest EdTech innovations, engage in critical discussions about the digital divide, and network with peers and industry professionals. The knowledge and resources gained at this event will empower educators to become catalysts for digital equity in their schools and classrooms.
The day begins at 9:15 AM MDT with a warm welcome from summit co-founders Joseph Sapien and Liam Pisano, along with remarks from Alysha Swann, STTE Board Member, Beto Pallares, STTE Chairman, and Eddie Rodriguez, CREEED Executive Director. Their remarks will set the stage for an energizing and enriching day of discussions and networking.
Following the opening remarks, Liam Pisano, EdTech Founders Jaime Martinez, and AJ DeLeón will provide updates on the aftermath of the summit’s inaugural year. Their reflections will chart the progress made in EdTech and illustrate how the lessons learned can empower educators to bridge the digital divide.
At 9:40 AM, keynote speaker Dr. Maria Armstrong, Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) Executive Director, will offer her valuable insights on the issue of digital equity in education. This is an opportunity for educators to hear from one of the leading voices in the field, learn about the latest trends and strategies, and gain inspiration to drive change in their contexts.
The Superintendent’s panel at 10:10 AM, moderated by Eddie Rodriguez, will feature Dr. Veronica Vijil, Fabens ISD, Ms. Rosy Vega-Barrio, Tornillo ISD, and Dr. Oscar Troncoso, Anthony ISD, who will shed light on how school districts are navigating the digital divide. This is a must-attend for educators interested in understanding the practical challenges and solutions at a district level.
An exciting feature of the day is the ECMC Foundation Pipeline Pitch competitions. At 10:55 AM and 1:55 PM, ten emerging K12 and Higher Education companies will present their innovative solutions to bridge the digital divide, offering educators a glimpse of the future of EdTech.
The second keynote address is at 12:40 PM, featuring Sarita Brown, President & Co-founder of Excelencia in Education, who will take the stage. Her address is set to broaden the scope of the summit to encompass Higher Education, focusing on the critical role universities play in fostering Latino student success. Her insights will underscore the enrichment of our nation through the abundant talent and leadership originating from El Paso.
One of the key highlights of the summit is the Higher Education Panel at 1:10 PM. Moderated by J.J. Childress from Microsoft, the panel features esteemed education leaders, including Virginia Fraire, Equity-centric higher education leader, Marco Fernandez, Interim Associate VP of Information Technology at El Paso Community College, and Beth Apodaca, Director of Instructional Design at New Mexico State University. Attendees will gain a unique perspective on strategic initiatives, information technology, and instructional design to promote digital equity.
At 3:10 PM, the LatinX EdTech Founders Panel, moderated by Adventure Capitalist Beto Pallares, will assemble a remarkable group of EdTech pioneers. The panel features Trini Bensusan Mille, Founder & CEO of TeeRead, Javier Arguello, Founder & Executive Director of COGx, and Jessica Rothenberg-Aalami, CEO & Founder of Cell-Ed. This influential lineup will delve into their personal experiences, tackle their challenges, and reveal how their groundbreaking solutions equip educators to narrow the digital divide within classrooms.
The Summit will conclude with an Awards Ceremony at 3:55 PM, honoring the transformative work of students, educators, and founders. The ceremony will host the inaugural Microsoft Virtual Teachers Awards, a significant milestone in recognizing the outstanding contributions of educators in a digital era. The ceremony will conclude with the much-anticipated ECMC Foundation Pipeline Pitch Winners announcement. These trailblazers will receive $10,000 in prizes, acknowledging their exceptional efforts in edTech innovation that pave the way towards bridging the digital divide.
For more details about the summit and EdTech companies visiting El Paso, please visit https://sttefoundation.org/
