#PeopleofSTEAM: Meet Rae

Rae, FIRST^® Robotics Competition alum from Team 1255 “Blarglefish,” is the current Rainbow STEM Alliance (RSA) President and an avid supporter of FIRST^®. Dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ members of FIRST, Rae fundraises, engages members, and markets RSA to keep the mission ongoing. 

Rae finds that everyday life is much easier when utilizing STEAM skills to fix problems. With just a 3D Printer, CAD skills, and a dream, they are able to come up with solutions for nearly anything. With a background in tech startups and hoping their code made a difference, to opening doorways to people within their software management team, Rae finds a way to make a difference in everything they do – including with their time now volunteering at FIRST events as a referee or running the RSA scholarship booth. 

Most importantly, Rae finds comfort in their ability to find chosen family and community through FIRST and STEAM, as well as taking a moment to box breathe. Keep reading to learn more about Rae’s inspiring story and the important work they are doing through STEAM. 

FIRST Staff: Can you share some information about your current role at the Rainbow STEM Alliance? 

Rae: The Rainbow STEM Alliance is a small non-profit whose mission is to support LGBTQ+ youth in STEM. I am the President of the Board of Directors. For non-profits, the Board of Directors takes the place of investors or shareholders you would have in a for-profit business. The Board of Directors ensures financial sustainability and advances the organization’s mission.  

As the board President, I act as the executive director and CEO of the company. I am responsible for keeping the organization running, which includes fundraising, marketing, engaging members, and supporting our ongoing initiatives.  

FIRST Staff: What is your favorite part of your current role as President for the Rainbow STEM Alliance?  

Rae: As President of the RSA, I had the honor of running our scholarship booth at the FIRST in Texas District Championship and FIRST Championship, both in Houston, Texas, where I was born and raised. Being able to pass out Pride flags, LGBTQ+ of FIRST Pride pins, and talk to teams, mentors, and adults who support LGBTQ+ individuals was an absolute joy. I love meeting different folks in the FIRST community and learning about all experiences. It helps me stay grounded and reminds me why this work is important.  

Rae with Jon, former Rainbow STEM Alliance President.

FIRST Staff: What is the hardest part of your job?  

Rae: Mentors ask me about how they can support LGBTQ+ students, and unfortunately, there is not always a good answer. It is heartbreaking to explain the challenges that LGBTQ+ students face and how it affects FIRST participants. There are a lot of tough conversations to have. 

FIRST Staff: How do you use STEAM skills in your everyday work/life?  

Rae: When my car window broke so that it would not roll up or down anymore, and I did not have money to fix it right away, I 3D-printed a wedge to hold it up so I could still drive it. By having access to a 3D printer and knowing just enough CAD, you can fix a surprising number of things around the house. The problem-solving skills I learned in FIRST have given me the confidence to tackle tough challenges, and if I cannot solve them on my own, there is no shame in asking friends for help.  

FIRST Staff: Can you share your thoughts on the impact of your personal/professional work in STEAM?  

Rae: As a software engineer, I have worked at two tech start-ups and do not think my code made a difference. As a software manager, I built teams, balanced out pay ranges so that salaries for the same job title were consistent, and promoted the engineers on my team who usually got passed up for growth opportunities.  

In the FIRST community, I use my voice to advocate for the changes others want but cannot push for themselves. Am I making a difference? Probably, I just hope it is for the better.  

FIRST Staff: Who is a “Person of STEAM” who inspires you?  

Rae: I met David Yanoshak in college at the University of Texas in Austin. In college, he was a member of the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, a professional organization I joined in my freshman year. He stopped by a few times to say hi to old friends and encouraged me (and others) to volunteer for FIRST^® LEGO^®  League. David is a FIRST mentor who has helped start several teams in Texas, is a co-founder of REV Robotics, and is always a friendly face. When I started volunteering and was easily intimidated by the “cool mentors,” David helped me feel included and safe.  

FIRST Staff: If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?  

Rae: Breathe — you will be okay and grow into the person you want to be one day. Until then, take it slow, enjoy the show, live a good story, and: 

Breathe in for 1,2,3,4 - Hold your breath for 1,2,3,4 - Breathe out for 1,2,3,4 - Hold for 1,2,3,4 and repeat.  

Box breathing is a great exercise to regulate yourself, calm down, and help manage panic attacks. Breathing is one of the first things you do in life, and it is one of the last. So, remember... breathe.  

FIRST Staff: Do you have a message you want to share with students who are participating in FIRST today?  

Rae: Humans need community to survive. While you have the capacity to solve big problems, you can find better solutions and tackle bigger problems when you are part of a group. The FIRST community has helped me through some of the toughest times in my life and is my chosen family. When I struggled with college, the FIRST community encouraged me to continue on. You belong in the FIRST community, and it is here if you need it. Your role may change as you get older, but the community will always be here if you need us. 

Are you a person of STEAM? Share your story with #PeopleofSTEAM on social media or send us your story at marketing@firstinspires.org.