Sandra "Coach Roach"Speaking Topics
|
|
About Sandra Roach |
|
Sandra Roach is a multidisciplinary leader with over two decades of experience bridging electrical engineering, STEM education equity, and AI workforce development. Currently serving as an Associate of Research in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University and a key member of the Athena AI Institute's Education and Workforce Development team, she has dedicated her career to broadening participation in STEM, particularly for underserved and marginalized communities.
As the Director of Programs - Emerging Tech Education and Innovation for the LIFT Lab, Sandra leads initiatives ensuring the ethical and inclusive development of AI technologies by cultivating diverse future leaders. Her research focuses on creating pathways for underrepresented populations in STEM fields, addressing systemic barriers to access and belonging.
Roach founded and scaled The Tutoring Tree, a comprehensive STEM-based learning and supplemental education service for K-12 students. This venture demonstrates her ability to design, implement, and grow programs that deliver measurable educational outcomes while maintaining financial sustainability.
Sandra Roach has authored publications that directly address STEM access and career navigation. Her books Alina's Options: CAREERS from A to Z and STEM NAVIGATORS: Pathways to Achievement in Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics provide frameworks for exploring diverse pathways in technical fields, making STEM careers accessible and aspirational for young people from all backgrounds.
Roach excels at external representation and partnership development. She regularly addresses AI workforce development, inclusive technological futures, and leadership transitions for educators, funders, and community partners. Her communication skills make her an effective ambassador for organizational missions and program outcomes.
Roach's holistic approach to leadership extends beyond technical expertise. As a Certified Life Coach, she brings emotional intelligence, empathy, and adaptive management skills to her work with teams navigating transitions. This coaching background strengthens her ability to develop talent, provide effective feedback, and foster inclusive environments where diverse perspectives are valued.
Her unique combination of electrical engineering credentials, education program development experience, entrepreneurial success, research leadership, and commitment to equity positions Roach as a strategic thought partner capable of driving programmatic vision while ensuring measurable impact. She understands both the technical content of STEM education and the systemic changes required to make STEM truly accessible to girls and gender-expansive youth from BIPOC and marginalized communities.
Through research, program development, speaking, writing, and coaching, Sandra Roach continues to reshape STEM education landscapes and create pathways for the next generation of diverse innovators.
As the Director of Programs - Emerging Tech Education and Innovation for the LIFT Lab, Sandra leads initiatives ensuring the ethical and inclusive development of AI technologies by cultivating diverse future leaders. Her research focuses on creating pathways for underrepresented populations in STEM fields, addressing systemic barriers to access and belonging.
Roach founded and scaled The Tutoring Tree, a comprehensive STEM-based learning and supplemental education service for K-12 students. This venture demonstrates her ability to design, implement, and grow programs that deliver measurable educational outcomes while maintaining financial sustainability.
Sandra Roach has authored publications that directly address STEM access and career navigation. Her books Alina's Options: CAREERS from A to Z and STEM NAVIGATORS: Pathways to Achievement in Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics provide frameworks for exploring diverse pathways in technical fields, making STEM careers accessible and aspirational for young people from all backgrounds.
Roach excels at external representation and partnership development. She regularly addresses AI workforce development, inclusive technological futures, and leadership transitions for educators, funders, and community partners. Her communication skills make her an effective ambassador for organizational missions and program outcomes.
Roach's holistic approach to leadership extends beyond technical expertise. As a Certified Life Coach, she brings emotional intelligence, empathy, and adaptive management skills to her work with teams navigating transitions. This coaching background strengthens her ability to develop talent, provide effective feedback, and foster inclusive environments where diverse perspectives are valued.
Her unique combination of electrical engineering credentials, education program development experience, entrepreneurial success, research leadership, and commitment to equity positions Roach as a strategic thought partner capable of driving programmatic vision while ensuring measurable impact. She understands both the technical content of STEM education and the systemic changes required to make STEM truly accessible to girls and gender-expansive youth from BIPOC and marginalized communities.
Through research, program development, speaking, writing, and coaching, Sandra Roach continues to reshape STEM education landscapes and create pathways for the next generation of diverse innovators.