2017 Five Star Journal Winter Issue

From left to right, Denver Broncos player Casey Kreiter, Jackie Pacheco, University of Denver Daniel’s College
of Business Dean Brent Chrite and Colorado Technology Association President and CEO Andrea Young.
Developing Future Leaders
STEM Launch student named Youth Tech Leader of the Year
Photo credit: Cody Sowa
Jackie Pacheco used to wonder how some of her favorite app-based games worked. Now,
she can code her own. And, she’s passionate about sharing her love of coding with others.
The STEM Launch seventh-grader has been instrumental in getting the school’s Family
MakerSpace – a place where family members can learn about technology with their children
– off the ground. She introduces families to the MakerSpace, offers instructional support in
Spanish and English, and built a parallel circuit board that lights up a piece of art.
“Everyone looked really happy to be learning,” Jackie recalled. The MakerSpace is important,
teachers say, so that family members understand technology and the career opportunities
that lay ahead for their students.
Her teachers describe Jackie as a rising star. It’s her leadership and drive that led the Colorado
Technology Association (CTA) to recognize her as its Youth Tech Leader of the Year in November.
“As a young Latina girl empowering others to pursue an education in tech, Jackie is an
inspiration,” said Kelly Underell, executive director of the Colorado Technology Association’s
Colorado Technology Foundation.
CTA honors a student leader as part of its annual APEX Awards because they’re focused on
growing the next generation of tech leaders and want to celebrate those who are writing
that next chapter – and inspiring others.
10 | Middle School Feature