Welcome to the ACE & Co STEAM Speaker Series, Episode 17, where we spotlight inspiring leaders making waves in STEAM fields. In this empowering episode of Full STEAM Ahead, Antoinette Ellis interviews Jeannette Richards, an award-winning IT professional, mental health advocate, and founder of Be Mentally Motivated. Jeannette’s story begins with her first VIC-20 computer, sparking a lifelong passion for technology that led to a successful career in the financial sector’s IT support and multiple Spotlight Awards for excellence. Jeannette opens up about navigating the realities of living with a mental health diagnosis, breaking down mental health stigma in the Black community, and how her late psychotherapist’s compassion inspired her to pursue an Honours BA in Psychology. She also shares her mission to combine her expertise in technology with mental health advocacy to create inclusive workplaces, safe spaces, and meaningful conversations. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in: • Women in STEAM and tech careers • Resilience and overcoming challenges in professional life • Mental health advocacy and inclusion in the workplace • The power of mentorship and community impact Whether you’re a student, educator, or professional, Jeannette’s journey will inspire you to stay curious, lead with empathy, and use your skills to make a difference. Connect with Jeannette Richards: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannette-richards-22337559/ 🌐 Website: bementallymotivated.com 📸 Instagram: @bementallymotivated 📘 Facebook: @bementallymotivated 📩 Bookings: speaker@bementallymotivated.com 📩 General Inquiries: hello@bementallymotivated.com About ACE & Co. ACE & Co. is a social enterprise recruiting advisory firm committed to helping women and girls as they explore and pursue fulfilling careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM). We stand up everyday for women empowerment and gender equality and dream of a day when more women would lead from the front lines of innovation, creativity, and technology. Follow ACE & Co. Website: www.aceandco.ca Instagram: @aceandcoltd Facebook: @aceandcoltd LinkedIn: @aceandcoltd Stay updated with our upcoming programs on our website to see how you can be a part of it!

Welcome to the ACE & Co STEAM Speaker Series, Episode 16, where we spotlight inspiring leaders making waves in STEAM fields. Meet Dr. Colleen Kelley, retired chemistry professor, TEDx speaker, and the visionary behind a kid-friendly chemistry comic book series that’s reshaping how young learners connect with science. In this episode, we explore Colleen’s journey from the lab to the drawing board, her Emmy-winning PBS documentary Comic Book Chemistry, and her inspiring vision of “Molecular Literacy for Ages 8–108.” Whether you’re a STEAM educator, parent, or curious learner, this conversation will reignite your belief that science is for everyone. Discover more about Dr. Kelley’s work: • Watch the PBS documentary, "Comic Book Chemistry”: https://youtu.be/wDmkJzcm4Pc • YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChemistryColleen • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-kelley-ph-d-049aa91ab/ About ACE & Co. ACE & Co. is a social enterprise recruiting advisory firm committed to helping women and girls as they explore and pursue fulfilling careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM). We stand up everyday for women empowerment and gender equality and dream of a day when more women would lead from the front lines of innovation, creativity, and technology. Follow ACE & Co. Website: www.aceandco.ca Instagram: @aceandcoltd Facebook: @aceandcoltd LinkedIn: @aceandcoltd Stay updated with our upcoming programs on our website to see how you can be a part of it!

Welcome to the ACE & Co STEAM Speaker Series, Episode 15, where we spotlight inspiring leaders making waves in STEAM fields. Meet Kaleb Laidman, filmmaker, entrepreneur, and founder of KalKaden Productions Inc. In this episode, Kaleb shares his journey from student to CEO, revealing his passion for inclusive storytelling and how he uses technology and creative vision to transform cinema. Whether you’re a young creative or STEAM enthusiast, Kaleb’s story will inspire you to lead, create, and innovate in your own path. Learn more about Kaleb and his work at kalkadenproductions.com About ACE & Co. ACE & Co. is a social enterprise recruiting advisory firm committed to helping women and girls as they explore and pursue fulfilling careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM). We stand up everyday for women empowerment and gender equality and dream of a day when more women would lead from the front lines of innovation, creativity, and technology. Follow ACE & Co. Website: www.aceandco.ca Instagram: @aceandcoltd Facebook: @aceandcoltd LinkedIn: @aceandcoltd Stay updated with our upcoming programs on our website to see how you can be a part of it!

Welcome to the ACE & Co STEAM Speaker Series, Episode 14, where we spotlight inspiring leaders making waves in STEAM fields. Meet Sunny Wu and Hasini Karumanchi, visionary student founders of The Pink Stairs, a global youth-led nonprofit dedicated to empowering young women through mentorship, leadership, and community building. Created by girls, for girls, The Pink Stairs makes leadership and innovation more inclusive, accessible, and impactful. Sunny and Hasini share their journey as high school leaders driving real-world change — from co-authoring global coding workbooks and supporting small businesses to creating safe spaces for young women to grow and lead. This inspiring conversation aligns with ACE & Co’s mission to help young women explore STEAM careers and build confidence through public speaking, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Learn more about Sunny Wu, Hasini Karumanchi and The Pink Stairs: • LinkedIn (The Pink Stairs): www.linkedin.com/company/thepinkstairs/ • LinkedIn (Sunny Wu): www.linkedin.com/in/sunny-wu-dev/ • LinkedIn (Hasini Karumanchi): www.linkedin.com/in/hasini-karumanchi/ • Coding Workbook: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UQphIjH8bz952KjFVW8w1L4jD50nq9BA/view?usp=sharing About ACE & Co. ACE & Co. is a social enterprise recruiting advisory firm committed to helping women and girls as they explore and pursue fulfilling careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM). We stand up everyday for women empowerment and gender equality and dream of a day when more women would lead from the front lines of innovation, creativity, and technology. Follow ACE & Co. Website: www.aceandco.ca Instagram: @aceandcoltd Facebook: @aceandcoltd LinkedIn: @aceandcoltd Stay updated with our upcoming programs on our website to see how you can be a part of it!