Qwest Supports IENM 2009 Conference

Innovate-Educate New Mexico Announces Speakers for Inaugural Event

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (March 26, 2009) – Qwest Communications has joined other visionary companies across the U.S. today in support of Innovate-Educate New Mexico’s (IENM) first national conference to advance STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and ICT (information, communication and technology) digital education on April 30, May 1 and May 2 at the Albuquerque Convention Center.

“Qwest is proud to partner with Innovate-Educate New Mexico to positively impact students in the areas of engineering and science education,” said Loretta A. Armenta, Qwest president for New Mexico. “This relationship continues and expands our commitment to education, educators and students in New Mexico in order to better equip students for the future.”

The goal of IENM 2009 Conference is to initiate collaboration between industry, education and government to advance 21st century technologies in the classroom, engage students in areas that will peak their interest in science and technology fields, and keep them engaged so they remain enrolled in the school system and pursue a higher education degree. Participants will have the opportunity to network and visit exhibits displaying innovative programs, engaging education platforms, and state-of-the-art technologies being used in 21st century classrooms across the U.S.

Some of the conference’s confirmed speakers from across the U.S. include:

Bill Valdez, Director, Office of Workforce Development, U.S. Dept. of Energy’s Office of Science; Judith D’Amico, Director, U.S. Relations, Project Lead the Way; Jan Morrison, Executive Director TIES and Senior STEM Consultant for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Merrilea J. Mayo, Director of Future Learning Initiatives, Kauffman Foundation; Michael Belcher, Education Solution Director, HP; Senator Eric Reeves (N.C.), Schooldude; Jessie Woolley-Wilson, President, K-12 at Blackboard Inc.; Andy Bell, Robotics U.S. Education Director, LEGO Education North America; Michael Schmedlen, Global Education Director at Lenovo; Pete Cevenini, Cisco Systems, U.S. Lead, (Internet Business Solutions Group); Dr. William Graves, Sungard Higher Ed, Senior VP, Academic Strategies; Kim Adams, Vice President of Human Resources, Lockheed Martin, Washington, D.C.; Dr. Norm Hollyn, USC School of Cinematic Arts; Celeste Alleyne and Dr. Carla Faini, Microsoft Corporation; Colleen Jenkins, SAS, U.S. P-20 Industry-Education Strategist; and Bill Bowman, Regional VP, Apple, Inc.

CLICK HERE to view our full speaker line-up and biographies.

This will be an eye-opening event with a dynamic agenda to engage K-12, higher education, non-profit education, industry and government participants. Focus areas include higher education, K-12 educators and leadership, industry, technology leaders and government officials, economic development leaders and state/national legislators. The last day features the 8th Annual RoboRAVE Robotics Competition where more than 350 middle and high school students will compete for cash, awards, trophies, banners and prizes with line-following robots.