Ellie has been an educator in NYC for over fourteen years and has volunteered in non-profit work since 2003. She is deeply committed to the vision of Rise for Robotics and advocates for the fulfillment of every child’s potential. She has built a firm foundation on creating accessible curriculum through her decade long involvement with robotics as a teacher and coach. Professionally, she weaves learning through play where each child is encouraged to have fun in every class.

Eric is a self-directed, enthusiastic educator with a passionate commitment to science and S.T.E.M. education, robotics team building, and student achievement. As a dedicated volunteer with NYC FIRST serving as a FIRST LEGO League Head Referee, he has spent countless hours giving back to the community.

Andrew cares about giving back to the community and has been involved with numerous philanthropic endeavors over the past decade, ranging from designing a STEAM camp curriculum to co-founding an organization during COVID that raised funds to financially support struggling eateries and deliver hot meals to food-insecure populations.

As someone who has been drawn to STEM since childhood and is currently working in the tech space, he sees firsthand the incredible path this knowledge can help pave. That’s why he’s so enthusiastic about the opportunity that Rise for Robotics creates to empower children’s’ hearts and minds.

Since February 1, 2023, David C. Jennings has served as the Church Administrator for Hope Church NYC in midtown Manhattan. In this role he oversees the church finances and during his first year led the church through the process of developing a governance structure including their first elder board and finance team.

David previously served as the Executive Vice President and Treasurer of Alliance University (formerly Nyack College). He had been with Alliance University since 1991 when he started as the Director of Campus Services. In 1996, after a three-year appointment as the Executive Pastor at New Life Fellowship in Elmhurst, NY, he became Vice President of Advancement before being named the Vice President and Treasurer in December of 1997. During the 2005-2006 academic year he served as the Interim President and as the Executive Vice President he functioned as the Chief of Staff for the Executive Team during Dr. Michael G. Scales Presidency from July 2006 through June 2021.

While on staff at New Life Fellowship, his heart for the poor was awakened. In 1996, he served as a catalyst to launch a ministry in the Philippines that has given birth to several educational and micro-business ventures. In 2000, in conjunction with a team of others, he gave birth to a health ministry in Elmhurst, NY. Today, the New Life Community Health Center utilizes a volunteer staffing model to provide 4,000 showers annually and medical, social work and dental visits to immigrants, homeless and the uninsured for free.

In 2003, Mr. Jennings received an honorary doctorate from Ebenezer Bible College and Seminary in Zamboanga City, Philippines. He has been married to his wife, Cindy, since 1985. They reside in Jersey City, NJ and their daughter, Hannah, is studying theatre at Gordon College.

Lisa is passionate about STEM education and loves creating opportunities that inspire young minds to explore, innovate, and develop essential skills for their future. With over seven years in program development and leadership within nonprofits and educational organizations, she enjoys building strategic partnerships that connect education, industry, and community. Leading cross-functional teams and volunteers in large educational initiatives has shown her the value of collaboration and the impact we can make together.