Co-founder

Naomi Demessie

Naomi Demessie is a junior at Wheaton High School enrolled in the Bioscience Academy. She is passionate about education and youth equity. In her free time, she enjoys running, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Naomi hopes that STEMpedic's initiatives foster a love for learning and promote STEM careers among children. Additionally, she hopes STEMpedic's programs can make an impact in other countries in the future.

Co-founder

Hiwot Andargachew

Hiwot Andargachew, a junior at Wheaton High School, has a great interest in pursuing a career in medicine. One of the driving motivations behind the founding of STEMpedic Foundation was to help address the issue of inequitable access to quality STEM education across the nation. She is passionate about traveling and sampling the local cuisine wherever she goes. Hiwot is excited by the potential of initiatives like STEMpedic to create a more inclusive and equitable pathway.

Secretary 

Michelle Fadele

Michelle, a junior at Chesapeake High School and Secretary for STEMpedic, is a passionate student deeply involved in her school community. She participates in various clubs, including the Student Council, Key Club, and National Honor Society. STEMpedic holds a special place in Michelle’s heart because of its direct impact on youth, the future leaders. Helping them in any way possible for such a meaningful cause is important to her. She is grateful to be part of this incredible organization!

Treasurer & Director of Texas Branch

Samhitha Bandi

Samhitha is the treasurer and Texas state director for STEMpedic. Raised in Hyderabad since childhood, she enjoys coding and listening to songs during her leisure time. With a passion for STEM, she looks forward to brightening the lives of hospitalized children who are eager to explore this field.

Advisor

Matthew Ratz

​Rabbi Matthew Ratz is the Executive Director of Passion for Learning, Inc., a nonprofit focused on closing opportunity gaps for low-income students in STEM and college readiness. He also teaches English at Montgomery College and has authored several books. A recognized speaker and poet, his TEDx talk is available on YouTube and TED.com.

Advisor

Katie Rosenthal

Katie Rosenthal is an attorney with a decade of experience in investments, community development, and organizational operations. A full-time mother of three, she has served on numerous non-profit boards in the DC area and currently devotes her time as a member of the Economic Empowerment Committee of Many Hands, the Board Governance Committee of Project Create DC, and as Co-Chair of the Parent Advisory Committee of CCPC Nursery School. She earned a BA in Philosophy from Harvard University, a JD from Vanderbilt University Law School, and is a member of the Massachusetts Bar.