Kurtis (he/him) is an education and non-profit professional with experience in social enterprise, teaching, secondary and higher education administration, grant writing, and program management. He spent the last six years directing two Upward Bound Math and Science programs at New Mexico Tech, serving low income, first generation students in Albuquerque and Socorro, NM to prepare them for postsecondary pursuits. Kurtis earned a BS in Mathematical and Computer Sciences and an MS in International Political Economy from Colorado School of Mines. Kurtis lives for seeing underrepresented students realize their potential and achieve more than they ever thought possible.

Through her work, Rosalía aspires to strengthen partnerships between colleges, universities, and the workforce. Rosalía’s expertise in quantitative and qualitative analysis provides a unique lens that encompasses how to understand what is happening both at a larger scale and the mechanisms that constitute distinct organizational structures at a granular level.

 Rosalía’s research explores the obstacles women and pre-professionals from underrepresented backgrounds face throughout their major and career development and provides practical, policy-relevant solutions to catalyze students’ strengths, interests, and career preparation. One of her goals is to increase the number of underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-related fields by addressing issues of equity and inclusion in such fields.

 Rosalía has presented her research on diversity and inclusion and STEM pathways at various conferences around the country and has assisted in teaching courses on diversity in engineering and statistical methods at Stanford University. Rosalía collaborates with diverse organizations, colleges, and universities, bringing together research and practice in areas addressing college enrollment, digital technology, and access to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs and opportunities.

Rosalía has also served as a research consultant for community colleges and the Stanford Graduate School of Business and has served on various organizational boards whose focus is on retaining underrepresented students in STEM. Following her BS in Mathematical Sciences from the University of California, Santa Barbara, Rosalía earned her MS in Statistics and PhD in Education at Stanford University. She is currently completing her Postdoctoral Fellowship at Teachers College, Columbia University.

He directs the TRIO Upward Bound, TRIO Upward Bound Math and Science and 21st Century Community of Learning Centers. Mr. Cortes also supports the development and implementation of STEM/STEAM programming for students, teachers, educators and administrators across the University programs such as GEAR UP, Center Space (Maker Space), Computer Science Department, and Department of Education. In addition to directing outreach programs, Mr. Cortes is also an adjunct professor for the Computer Science department at Northeastern Illinois University.

Mr. Cortes is an advocate of promoting STEM/STEAM education, international access and college readiness for low income and first generation college bound/college-enrolled students. Due to his engagement, he has been a two-term president of the Illinois TRIO association, Past President of the midwest Educational Opportunity Association and a board member of the Council for Opportunity on Education.
In addition, Mr. Cortes also engages in collaborative work with the Chicago Council for Global Affairs Emerging Leaders program, Northwestern’s Center for Excellence in Computer Science Education Fellowship, and , U.S. Department of Agriculture Kika De la Garza Fellowship.

I participate in many clubs and activities like National Honors Society, Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, AP Ambassadors, Fli Sci, Upward Bound Math and Science. I am also interested in Psychology and Cyber Intelligence as I love to learn more about the world around us.