Notes by Chris Datsan

Notes from Mimi's Cafe 1.23.18
Who:
Alicia Roberts, Nate Kretzmann, Jeff Ruby, Terrilyn Miller, Nestor Llanos, Chris Dastan
What:
A meeting of the minds to explore shared missions and potential for collaboration
Where:
Mimi’s Cafe at Desert Ridge
Why:
Introductions and plan next steps of collaboration to better the community with a focus in K-12 education
When:
1/23/18 5:30pm-8:30pm
How:
MAGIC
Memorable quote from the evening: “...done with success - ready for significance.”
On 1/23/18, Nestor and Chris were introduced to Terrilyn, Jeff and Nate through Alicia. We began to discuss our shared motivations, current occupations and future goals. Through our combined connections and experience with STEM, Ministry and Community Improvement we have an incredible group capable of mighty feats.

Chris’ major takeaway from the evening:
“Wow. Is this real life? Sometimes I’m caught off guard by how powerful the experience of meeting other people with similar missions can be. Tonight was certainly one of those times where my heart swelled with shared purpose and my mind was exploding with ideas of how we could all work together towards the effort of improving our community. What a fantastic group of people I feel honored to have met - thank you Alicia! I know this is just the beginning of wonderful collaborations. Our various experiences, skill sets and networks make up an amazing group. Everyone has a heart of gold and a true altruistic motivation - the kinds of people I love to be around and share with. Moving forward I’m excited to start sharing what I have to offer and I know together we can move mountains.”  
Following are some general notes taken during the meeting by Chris, though these are not exhaustive in their detail of the discussion.

?’s

• Chris to himself - “What do I have to offer and what do I need?”
  
  • Offer: expertise and experience in technology and education
    
  • Need: partnerships to fill in the gaps where my skills and experience end
    
    • Example: I am not a classically trained educator though currently learning rapidly through research, mentorships and in-classroom practice. I need continued mentorship and perspective on structuring lesson plans to be compliant with all standards possible from local to international.
      
• What motivations does Tyler Estes (Terrilyn’s son) currently have - is it relevant to arrange for a meeting in February some time if possible?
  
• What resources are local and willing to conduct research with us as we set out proving how STEM activities are helpful in re-wiring the brain and preventing or treating issues like mental health?
  
• How can we get more details on how STEM 101 is rolled out in a K-12 environment?
  
  • Alicia! She has a great amount of perspective in this, plus she has offered to introduce us to Russ the CEO of STEM 101 when he is in town in February if his schedule permits - woohoo!
    
• When/how should we interact with Marketplace One in terms of finding potential investors?
  

Alicia Roberts = Director of STEM at NVCA (North Valley Christian Academy)
Terrilyn Miller = Director of Faith and Community Initiatives - Arizona Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family
Jeff Ruby = Senior Pastor at La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church
Nate Kretzmann = CEO/Executive Director of NVCA
Nestor Llanos = Founder/Master Maker with Dream Factory
Chris Dastan = Maker Teacher with Dream Factory