The 22nd Annual sySTEMnow Conference
October 29, 2025
Italian Community Center - Milwaukee
Theme: Ignite the Spark – Growing STEM from Curiosity to Career
Don’t miss out, register by October 24th for The 22nd Annual sySTEMnow Conference to be part of a day filled with inspiration, innovation, and connections!
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Parking: Complimentary parking is available in the Italian Community Center lot. Several spaces are reserved and unavailable to sySTEMnow guests. Please follow posted signage when parking.
Check-In: Registration will be located inside the main entrance of the ICC. Name badges will be arranged alphabetically by first name. No ticket is required at check-in.
The sySTEMnow Conference is Southeast Wisconsin’s premier annual event for advancing STEM education and workforce development. This year’s theme, “Ignite the Spark: Growing STEM from Curiosity to Career,” celebrates the whole journey of STEM discovery—beginning with early curiosity and extending through education, training, and professional careers.
The conference brings together a dynamic mix of students, educators, industry professionals, and community leaders to explore how we can ignite interest, foster engagement, and build sustainable pathways in STEM. Participants will uncover strategies for connecting real-world careers to classroom experiences, strengthening STEM ecosystems, and creating equitable access to opportunities. Join us as we light the way for the next generation of innovators wherever they are in their journey!
Keynote Speakers:
We’re excited to welcome Dr. Nehemiah Mabry, P.E. — structural engineer, award-winning educator, and founder of STEMedia, a groundbreaking platform blending STEM, creativity, and culture. Known for his unique mix of technical expertise and motivational energy, Dr. Mabry makes STEM come alive in ways that are engaging, relatable, and deeply inspiring. Get ready for an energizing session that breaks down stereotypes, celebrates innovation, and sparks fresh ideas for making STEM more inclusive and impactful. You’ll leave his talk motivated and ready to ignite the curiosity of the next generation of changemakers.
STEM Forward is thrilled to announce Tara Chklovski, founder and CEO of Technovation, as our morning keynote speaker for this year’s event. Featured in the award-winning documentary Codegirl, Tara has been recognized by Forbes as “the pioneer empowering the incredible tech girls of the future” and honored by Discovery Science Channel as its first-ever “CEO Science Super Star Hero” for her groundbreaking work inspiring the next generation of innovators, problem solvers, and game changers. A true global advocate for young changemakers, especially girls, Tara will share powerful insights on how we can ignite curiosity, fuel confidence, and equip the next generation of STEM leaders to shape a better future.
THE STEMMY AWARDS
The Excellence in STEM Awards—the Stemmys — were established in 2005 to recognize educational institutions, businesses, organizations, and individuals who promote STEM awareness and improve students' STEM competencies. The four award categories are Education, Individual, Employer, and Partnership. The award winners will be celebrated at the sySTEMnow Conference.
Congratulations to the 2025 Stemmy Award Winners!
Education Category: Pathways High
As a UW-Milwaukee authorized charter school, Pathways High is redefining education through real-world, project-based learning that builds STEM, communication, and problem-solving skills. Serving 155 diverse high school students from Milwaukee and surrounding suburbs, Pathways offers hands-on experience in coding, robotics, drones, and data analytics using industry tools like the FANUC Robotic Arm and Amatrol Skill Boss. Students earn certifications, college credit, and mentorship from industry leaders. Projects such as converting a motorcycle engine to electric power with Harley-Davidson showcase the school’s innovation. Pathways students graduate confidently, connected, and prepared to lead in STEM careers and higher education.
Employer Category: Clarios
Clarios’ mission to power the future goes beyond batteries; it includes inspiring the next generation of innovators. Through its STEM outreach group, EXTND (Educate, Expand, Transform, Network, and Develop), Clarios engages students from K–12 to college with real-world STEM experiences and mentorship. In 2025, EXTND reached hundreds of students across Greater Milwaukee through more than 15 events, including Girls in Tech Day, where young women tour labs and meet female engineers, and Engineering Challenge Day at MSOE, featuring hands-on STEM activities led by Clarios volunteers. The group also launched its first sponsorship season with the Milwaukee Robotics Academy and continues to support university students with resume reviews, interview prep, and career insights.
Partnership Category: Waukesha County Technical College
Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) is a regional leader in STEM education, preparing thousands for careers driving Wisconsin’s innovation economy. With 35+ STEM programs and 2,500 students, nearly one-third of its enrollment, WCTC continues to lead in emerging fields. In 2024, it became Wisconsin’s first two-year college to launch a state-approved AAS in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, addressing a projected 35% job growth rate for AI specialists. WCTC’s 2023 Graduate Success Report shows 95% of STEM graduates employed within six months, earning median salaries of $55K–$80K. Through early pipeline programs like Contrapt Wisconsin and dual enrollment, saving students $1M+ annually, WCTC builds future STEM talent while strengthening Southeast Wisconsin’s economy through innovation, access, and strong industry partnerships. One example is WCTC’s commitment to the Waukesha County Business Alliance’s Schools2Skills™ program. By providing behind-the-scenes tours of companies where students can see advanced technology, robotics, and design in action, WCTC helps broaden awareness of high-demand careers and inspires the next generation of problem solvers.
Individual Category: Sarah Stelsel
Sarah has led the development of innovative, hands-on STEM programs that connect classroom learning to real-world applications and inspire K–12 students’ curiosity and creativity at the WE Energies STEM Center at MSOE. Her Fab Maker Studio curriculum evolved into the Generac Youth Engineering Design Academy, offering free, multi-session engineering experience. Through strong partnerships with educators, industry, and community organizations, Sarah has expanded equitable access to STEM education and helped the STEM Center reach a record 7,000+ students in 2024–2025. She continues to enhance and diversify programs, from early technology experiences to revitalized initiatives like the NFPA Fluid Power Action Challenge.
Generation STEM Displays
Generation STEM (Gen STEM) is a K-12 student display that enables schools and organizations in the Southeastern Wisconsin area to showcase their students’ amazing STEM projects. Since this is always a favorite part of the conference for attendees, make time to interact with local youth as they share their STEM projects from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the sySTEMnow Conference.
Conference Sponsorship Options
Support the future of STEM in Wisconsin by becoming a sponsor of the 22nd Annual sySTEMnow Conference on October 29, 2025. Sponsorship opportunities offer visibility and the chance to champion STEM education in our region. Together, let’s Ignite the Spark that drives curiosity, creativity, and careers in STEM. Contact Rich Merkel (rmerkel@stemforward.org) or Theresa Wolf (twolf@stemforward.org) and view the sponsorship information to learn more.
