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Mentors
2023-24

Ann McGowan
Team Coach
Director of Innovative Instruction & STEAM
"During her tenure at Detroit Cristo Rey, Ms. McGowan has been integral in the development of an A.P. Environmental Science course and a competitive FIRST robotics program. In addition to teaching the A.P. Environmental Science course, she helps the students understand the basics of chemistry and physics. She strives to use real-world examples in her teaching to help bring the content to life for her students. Prior to coming to Detroit Cristo Rey was a member of the educational staff at Cranbrook Institute of Science for five years coordinating the outreach and scout programs in addition to the development and implementation of a variety of life sciences classes for the museum.   Her undergrad work was completed at the University of Michigan - Dearborn (B.S. Biology, Minor in Chemistry, 2002).  While a student at the University of Michigan she discovered her passion for the environment as a student ambassador for the Environmental Interpretive Center.  She continues to explore that passion with her family while exploring the beauty of her native state, Michigan."
Yaritza Ramirez (Alum)
Business Mentor
Student at Umich - Ann Arbor
"Currently, I am a student at the Unversity of Michigan Ann Arbor pursuing a Bachelors in Information Sciences. Back in 2018, I joined the robotics team because I had no knowledge about the world of STEM. In fact, before the team, I had no idea that STEM was even a thing. After joining the team, I grew passionate towards the world of FIRST Robotics and learned many practical skills that I know will apply to my future endeavors. After graduating from the team, I wanted to continue to learn a bit more about how much further it would evolve so I became a mentor to not only spread my own passion in Robotics but to continue learning about what its capability will be in the forthcoming years.​"
Jake Huang
Controls Mentor
Senior Mechanical Engineer at Eaton
"I'm a transplant originally from San Gabriel, California, and graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Engineering Physics. I started my career in plastics product development and design, mainly for automotive fuel systems. Currently, I'm a senior mechanical engineer for Eaton, working on power distribution/protection modules for EVs.
I grew up in a community with fewer means, in a school district that had fewer resources. We didn't have any FTC or FRC teams. But we had a scrappy Science Olympiad team that could outcompete some of the top schools at the county, state, and national levels. It was during my time with them that I found my passion in STEM, and it was all because we could pull together incredibly motivated students, backed by incredibly supportive coaches/teachers/parents, to push each other and exceed expectations. I wanted to support the Kinematic Wolves because I see and feel that same motivation, ambition, team spirit, and community activism from this team, and I think that any little thing I can do to pay it forward or help these members continue elevating themselves is time well spent."
Alice Ezell
Mechanical Mentor
Industrial Engineer at General Motors
"I was introduced to FIRST in 2006 through my local FIRST Lego League team, and from day one, I was hooked. I followed the path from FLL into FTC and finally FRC in high school. Through all of that experience, I learned that I definitely wanted to work in STEAM, so I got my degree as an Industrial Engineer from Kettering University. Now that I'm out of school and settled down, I thought it was well past time to get involved with FIRST again so I rejoined the FIRST mentor portal, and was invited to join the Kinematic Wolves in 2022. It's been great to be back in the thick of things again, sharing my knowledge and passion for STEAM with the next generation of students."
Edwin Yazbec
Programming Mentor
Project Engineer at VRSI
"I graduated from Michigan Tech with my master's degree in Mechatronics, and my bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Since 2017, I have been actively mentoring and coaching FIRST Robotics teams in the Western UP. I routinely volunteer at FRC events as a Robot Inspector and as a Control System Advisor. I am looking forward to working with the Motor City Alliance to further its goal to create a successful and sustainable FIRST ecosystem in Detroit."
Marco Marquez (Alum)
Business Mentor
Treasurer for Cadillac Urban Gardens
"I’m 22 years old and graduated from Michigan Technological University with my Bachelors of Science in Finance and Accounting in April 2023. I’m also a 2019 alumni from Detroit Cristo Rey and the FRC program. My spirit is a special blend of Business and Engineering. I mentor the 5577 Kinematic Wolves because I wanted to share my knowledge of both worlds with the students of Detroit Cristo Rey. I serve on the Board of Directors for Cadillac Urban Gardens. My current position is recognized as the Treasurer and I am in charge of structuring the Financial Management System. I also oversee the firm’s compliance in terms of Financial Reporting."
Dolores Perales
Business Mentor
Co-Director for Cadillac Urban Gardens
"Dolores is a first-generation college student and native Southwest Detroiter. Dolores holds a Bachelor of Science from Michigan State University in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science with a minor in Global Public Health and Epidemiology as well as two Master’s  degrees from the University of Michigan where she holds a Master of Science in Environment and Sustainability and Master of Urban and Regional Planning. Dolores aims to research and understand how built environments impact quality life, health, land access, and food systems within urban environments. Dolores now works closely with the Southwest Detroit community to develop environmental based projects and facilitate sustainability-based research and initiatives via the organizations they are affiliated with."
Wendy Montesinos (Alum)
Business Mentor
TRACK - Controls Integration Engineer at General Motors
"I joined the robotics team in 2015. I honestly did not really know what I was getting myself into, but it turned out so great. I really like what FIRST provides for students whether they decide to pursue STEAM degrees or not. Through my participation in FIRST robotics, I obtained a scholarship to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Robotics and Mechatronics Systems Engineering at the University of Detroit Mercy. I graduated in December 2021 and joined General Motors as part of their 2022 TRACK cohort. I am currently a Controls Integration Engineer and my main work is on the Blazer EV. During my university years, I was able to support the launch of new Detroit FIRST teams with my role of Robotics Coordinator at DPAL. Motor City Alliance picked up those teams shortly afterwards. Now I am continuing mentoring 5577 and regularly volunteer for the Detroit FTC competition."
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