Jenna Grubman
Manager, Strategic Alliances
First Book
Jenna Grubman has worked in the nonprofit sector ever since she got her start as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer after college. She originally comes from Indiana, but has made Washington, D.C. her home. First Book is now not only her place of work, but source of passion to help make education equal for all students.
Theogene (Theo) Lavergne
Assistant Plant Manager, GM Flint Assembly
GM
Theogene (Theo) Lavergne, Jr., is assistant plant director at General Motors’ Flint Assembly in Flint, Mich. He began his career at GM as a controls engineer at Shreveport Operations and has held positions of increasing scope and responsibility. Lavergne is originally from Grand Coteau, Louisiana, and graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a degree in electrical engineering. He is passionate about STEM education and is active in promoting science, technology, education, and mathematics opportunities in his local community. Lavergne is married (Anna) with four children (Kameron, Kristen, Korinne, and Khariss). He and his family live in Novi, Mich.
Cedric Stokes
Safety Forensic Engineer
GM
Cedric Stokes (he/him/his) knows a thing or two about gadgets, gizmos, and even airplanes and cars. With 27 years of engineering experience, Cedric now holds the role of Safety Forensic Engineer at GM or an engineering detective! He joined GM in 2015 and has truly enjoyed each day with the company. Cedric began his journey into STEM when he left his home in Detroit, MI where he was born and raised, for Nashville, TN where he attended Tennessee State University, an HBCU. There he received his degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Now back in the Detroit area, Cedric and his wife of 25 years, Tonie Stokes, who serves as an Assistant Principal in the Detroit Public Schools Community District, make time to play football and basketball with their 12-year-old son, but always stress the importance of getting good grades so that he can continue to play sports.
Kelsey Gaines
Corporate Giving
General Motors
Kelsey Gaines (she/her) is the STEM Education Program Officer at General Motors where she develops and implements the corporate giving strategy for STEM Education grantmaking across the U.S. She is responsible for building and maintaining world class relationships among GM’s STEM nonprofit partners – increasing GM’s impact through socially responsible initiatives that are equitable and accessible. As an ally in the shift toward increased opportunities in STEM, Kelsey ensures that the diversity in GM’s STEM Education portfolio is also reflected in the communities served, helping to forge new entry points toward STEM careers and opportunities for all.
Samantha Sugiyama
Manager, Corporate Grantmaking
GM
As Manager, Corporate Grantmaking at General Motors, Samantha collaborates with STEM education nonprofit organizations as well as nonprofits based in GM’s hometown of Detroit, Michigan. Prior to working at GM she worked in development at the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan and graduated from Valparaiso University with a major in Communication and a minor in Philanthropic Leadership and Service.