Keynote Speakers

EMPOWERING MINDS IN STEM; 

INNOVATING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THROUGH AI AND SEL

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

2024 Keynote Speakers - 

Mario Bracamontes

Mario Bracamontes, M.E.d., Sustainability Administrator of Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD’s Office of Sustainability.  He has given many invigorating and motivational speeches on sustainability, inspiring hundreds of students with examples of the remarkable work he has implemented.  Thus, encouraging both students and educators to respect and value our planet’s richness for the sake of sustainable development.

Eli Martinez

Eli is a highly versatile and seasoned professional with a diverse background in the TV and documentary world. He’s worn various hats – cameraman, wildlife guide, storyteller, producer, and safety diver. His commitment to delivering captivating content has made him a soughtafter TV presenter for multiple networks, including Discovery Channel's Shark Week, Disney Plus, Animal Planet, Nat Geo Wild, BBC, CNN, and the Outdoor Channel. He has been featured in numerous documentaries, newspapers, and magazines spanning the globe. Eli is not just a speaker; he's an explorer, a trailblazer, and a fervent advocate for the natural world. When you join Eli for his inspiring talks, you'll not only embark on an educational journey, but you will also discover a world of endless curiosity, unshakable passion, and a profound love for the Earth's most captivating creatures. 

2022 Keynote Speaker - Dr. Ali Esmaeili

As the Dean for the Math, Science, and Bachelor Programs Division, I am extremely excited to work with dedicated faculty and staff committed to providing STC students the opportunity to broaden their understanding and awareness of STEM careers. The STEM Connection Newsletter will serve as an ongoing communication publication between the Division and students seeking careers in STEM related areas. In my tenure at South Texas College, I have had the privilege to be a part of many successful initiatives and innovations. I consider this STEM Connection Newsletters as another milestone for increasing faculty, staff, and student engagement. I look forward to meeting each of you during your education journey at South Texas College. 

2019 Keynote Speaker - DINAH ZIKE

Dinah Zike, M.Ed., is a nationally renowned author, education consultant, and lecturer. She has invented hundreds of educational manipulatives (graphic organizers) that are used internationally by educators, trainers, and consultants. Dinah has developed over 200 supplemental educational books and materials used in homes and classrooms nationally and in English-speaking countries around the world. Her Foldables® are an exclusive feature of McGraw-Hill textbooks.

Five of Dinah's books have won LearningTM magazine's Teachers' Choice Awards. Envelope Graphic OrganizersTM and Foldables® and VKV®s for Phonics, Spelling and Vocabulary PreK- 3rd, were judged top Professional Development picks for 2014. Notebook Foldables® and Foldables®, Notebook Foldables®, and VKV®s for Spelling and Vocabulary 4th-12th were designated For the Classroom winners in 2011. Dinah's Big Book of Books and Activities won the distinction in 1994, the very first year LearningTM magazine instituted these awards.

Among other awards and recognition, Dinah received the Council for Elementary Science International's Elementary Science Advocate Award in 2004, which remains one of her most treasured accolades.

Dinah lives in an 1800s stone house with her husband, three dogs, five longhorns, four chickens, cat in the historic village of Comfort in the Texas Hill Country.

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2018 Keynote Speaker- Cassandra Corbin-Thaddies

Cassondra Corbin-Thaddies is a passionate leader committed to creating a shift in mind-set and educational practices to positively impact student learning. She has been an educator for over 22 years in various sectors including government and non-profits. Prior to joining McGraw Hill, Cassondra worked as a Regional Director managing educational programs serving underserved students in K-12 schools. In addition, she worked as the Director of Professional Learning at Redbird Advanced Learning where she collaborated with Stanford University's Graduate School of Education as a contributor to the design and course development of the Redbird Professional Learning Platform that provides innovative online professional development to thousands of teachers and leaders across the country. As the National Consultant, Blended Learning, for McGraw-Hill Education, Cassondra travels nationally and internationally supporting district and school leaders to implement 21st century teaching strategies that transform learning experiences for students.