STEM Next Opportunity Fund is proud to welcome these distinguished, national leaders to our Board of Directors: Dean Acosta, Kumar Garg, Leanne Caret, Dr. Bernard Harris Jr., and Jacquelyn (Jackie) Schirmer.
Together, they represent a breadth of experience across aerospace, technology, engineering, and philanthropy as well as a shared belief in the power of hands-on STEM learning to prepare young people for what’s next. Their guidance will help shape our next chapter as STEM Next expands its national impact through career-connected STEM learning in afterschool and summer programs as part of our ambitious goal to excite 20 million youth by 2030.
Each new board member brings a unique perspective to our mission:
Dean Acosta, Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at Lockheed Martin, brings nearly three decades of experience leading high-impact communications across the aerospace, defense, energy, and technology sectors. From NASA to Fortune 500 companies, Dean’s strategic insight and leadership in brand and public affairs will be instrumental as we continue to grow our national presence.
Kumar Garg, President of Renaissance Philanthropy, has spent nearly two decades at the intersection of STEM education, public policy, and philanthropy. A former senior advisor in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Kumar helped shape landmark national STEM initiatives. His leadership will support STEM Next’s efforts to build bold, cross-sector collaborations that advance real-world STEM learning.
Leanne Caret, Senior Advisor to Blackstone and former President and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, is a seasoned executive with deep expertise in aerospace, operations, and business transformation. She serves on several corporate and nonprofit boards, including as Audit Committee Chair for RTX and Deere & Company. Her leadership will help guide STEM Next’s national strategy and growth.
Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr., President of Vesalius Ventures and The Harris Foundation, is a physician, entrepreneur, and former NASA astronaut—as well as the first African American to walk in space. A longtime champion of STEM education, Dr. Harris brings unparalleled experience in space exploration, healthcare innovation, and advancing STEM access for youth nationwide.
Jacquelyn (Jackie) Schirmer, President of Congruex Network Services, is a transformational leader in technology infrastructure, engineering, and energy. With extensive experience driving operations and strategic growth across sectors, Jackie’s leadership and deep commitment to building future-ready systems will be a tremendous asset as STEM Next scales its work nationwide.
These leaders join STEM Next at a pivotal time as we continue to drive innovation in afterschool and summer STEM programs. Their vision and expertise will help strengthen our long-term strategy and deepen our impact across the nation.