The STEM Road

The STEM Road: Episode 7 | Career Ready – The Power of CTE Education

The STEM Road Podcast by Elevate Southwest – Episode 7 | Season 2 Special Guests: Tom Tyree, Superintendent, Southwest Technical Education District of Yuma (STEDY) Adan Santos, STEDY Student Ambassador Hosts: Jerry Cabrera, President & CEO, Elevate Southwest Melina Conroy, COO, Elevate Southwest In this episode, we explore how career and technical education (CTE) is giving high school students a head start on their futures. We sit down with STEDY’s Superintendent and one of their student ambassadors to discuss how hands-on learning, industry certifications, and mentorship are helping local students prepare for careers in fields like healthcare, engineering, cybersecurity, and more—all before graduation. This episode is all about starting early—building skills, exploring careers, and creating opportunities that last a lifetime.

The STEM Road: Episode 6 | Movement, Medicine & Making a Difference

The STEM Road Podcast by Elevate Southwest - Episode 6 | Season 2 Special Guests: Maria Camila Macias, Physical Therapist and Owner of Yuma Orthopedic Physical Therapy Andrik Reyes, Summer 2025 Intern & Cibola High School Junior Hosts: Jerry Cabrera, President & CEO, Elevate Southwest Melina Conroy, COO, Elevate Southwest In this episode, we explore how physical therapy combines science, compassion, and career inspiration. We sit down inside a local clinic to discuss what it’s like to help people regain movement, why internships matter, and how students are gaining hands-on experience in healthcare before they even graduate high school. This episode is all about movement—of the body, of careers, and of purpose. Yuma Orthopedic Physical Therapy Facebook Page: Yuma Orthopedic Physical Therapy [https://www.facebook.com/people/Yuma-Orthopedic-Physical-Therapy/61557207116297/#]

The STEM Road: Episode 5 | Wellness, Innovation & Opportunity

The STEM Road Podcast by Elevate Southwest Episode 5 | Season 2 Special Guests: * Bryan Nance, CEO/Owner of Elemental LifeSpa * Julian Castillo, Summer Intern Hosts: * Jerry Cabrera, President & CEO, Elevate Southwest * Melina Conroy, COO, Elevate Southwest In this episode, we explore how wellness and science come together through innovative technologies like red light therapy, PEMF, and oxygen-enhanced recovery. We dive into how hands-on experiences can open doors to personal growth, career exploration, and unexpected opportunities. Listeners will learn how entrepreneurship, technology, and student internships can collide in powerful ways, revealing that the path to a STEM career doesn’t always look like a lab coat and test tube. Elemental LifeSpa Website: https://928spa.com [https://928spa.com]

The STEM Road: Episode 4 | Turning Opportunities into Careers

The STEM Road Podcast by Elevate Southwest - Episode 4 | Season 2 Special guests: * Amanda Koonjbeharry, Public Affairs Manager, Leeward Renewable Energy * Joshua Lopez, Student Hosts: * Melina Conroy, COO, Elevate Southwest * Arlyn Galaviz, Communications Director, Elevate Southwest In this episode, we explore renewable energy, career opportunities, and how young professionals are getting involved in building a sustainable future. Current Leeward Renewable Energy Projects in Yuma County: * Sierra Pinta Energy Storage - https://sierrapintaenergystorage.com/ [https://sierrapintaenergystorage.com/] * White Wing Ranch Solar - https://whitewingranchsolar.com/ [https://whitewingranchsolar.com/]

The STEM Road: Episode 3 | Your Future in Finance

The STEM Road Podcast by Elevate Southwest - Episode 3 | Season 2 Special guests: * Tom Rush, Founder - Yuma & Imperial Valley Wealth Management (YIVWM) * Jackson Takesuye, Student Hosts: * Jerry Cabrera, President/CEO - Elevate Southwest * Melina Conroy, COO - Elevate Southwest