This April, five runners are taking on the Boston Marathon with a goal that goes far beyond completing the 26.2 mile race. They’re running to power the next generation of innovators by fundraising for FIRST®.
The team brings together the best of purpose and partnership: FIRST CEO Chris Moore will run alongside four passionate employees from Schneider Electric, a longtime FIRST supporter and the Official Sustainability Partner of the 130th Boston Marathon.
The journey of a FIRST participant isn’t so different from running the Boston Marathon. It starts with curiosity. It requires dedication. There are setbacks, breakthroughs, and moments that are transformative. With the right support system and the determination to keep going, what once may have seemed hard –or even impossible – feels well within reach.
Meet the Runners
Chris Moore
CEO, FIRST
“With more than 4 million young people impacted by FIRST globally, I’ve seen what happens when students commit to the process: putting in the work and pushing through challenges. That same mindset is what carries you through marathon training. I’m running to show our community that the most meaningful growth comes from taking on hard challenges, and that with resilience and determination, you can create impact far beyond yourself.”
By stepping onto the Boston Marathon course, he’s hoping to lead by example and show students that the skills they build through FIRST can take them anywhere.
Dairous Osei Bonsu
Expert Support Engineer, Schneider Electric
FIRST® Robotics Competition & FIRST® Tech Challenge Mentor & Event Volunteer
“FIRST gives students the opportunity to use both their technical skills and their creativity. Being around STEM early helped shape my path today.”
For Dairous, this race is deeply personal and a full-circle moment.
With a background in STEM and a lifelong passion for robotics, Dairous understands the power of early exposure. Inspired by the energy and dedication of FIRST Tech Challenge Team #10331, “ARC Hailstorm,” he now gives back as a FIRST event volunteer and team mentor, helping students build technical skills, confidence, creativity, and teamwork. After years of completing road races and challenging obstacle course races, Boston will be his first full marathon, which he’s taking on with the same mindset he instills in his teams: persistence, curiosity, and a drive to grow.
Brittney Pfeffer
Territory Sales Manager, Schneider Electric
FIRST Robotics Competition Event Volunteer
“I chose to partner with FIRST because, like running the Boston Marathon, it takes months of preparation, a strong team around you, and the courage to show up and perform when it matters most.”
As both a Schneider Electric leader and a FIRST event volunteer, Brittney has seen the positive impact of the FIRST mission in real time. Now, she’s channeling that same energy into her Boston Marathon journey, running to support programs that build confidence, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving skills in students around the world.
Sabrina Schwartz
Complex Order Services Specialist, Schneider Electric
“It’s been a long time since I’ve run a race like this, but I’m doing it for my daughters, to show them that with determination, anything is possible, and that what you do can truly make a difference.”
After seeing her daughter, Miah, experience the excitement of the FIRST Championship in Houston, Sabrina witnessed firsthand the spark that STEM can ignite in young people. While her daughter eagerly awaits the opportunity to join a FIRST team in high school, Sabrina is already taking action, running to help ensure more students can have the same inspiring experiences. Her journey is a reminder that exposure matters, and that a single moment of inspiration can shape a student’s future.
Damian Flott
Key Account Manager, Schneider Electric
“I’m excited to make a difference in the lives of young STEM enthusiasts.”
For Damian, running the Boston Marathon is about impact. With every mile, Damian is contributing to a future where more young people are provided with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities they need to explore STEM and unlock their potential.
Donate. Share. Cheer them on.
These runners are putting in the miles, now it’s our turn to show up for them!
Every donation fuels more than a race day goal. It helps power hands-on STEM programs, unlock opportunities for students, and build the confidence and skills that carry young people from classrooms to careers.
Follow their journeys. And if you’re able, donate to support their incredible efforts. Because when you support these runners, you’re investing in the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders.
