# A Model for Culturally Responsive STEAM Ecosystems

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**Date:** March 12, 2026 · 10:30 PM  
**Location:** Austin Marriott Downtown / Waterloo Ballroom 5-6  
**Format:** Panel  
**Track:** Sports & Gaming  
**Reviews:** 0

## Speakers

- **Chris Melissinos** — Principal Evangelist, Video Games & Immersive TechnologiesAmazon Web Services
- **Kirk KnutsenGraduate Teaching Assistant, Professionalism in ComputingVirginia Tech & Code Rising**
- **Latoya Smith** — VP, Employee Experience & Talent StrategyDominion Energy
- **Michelle Millben** — CEOCode Rising

How can gaming unlock access to STEAM careers for underrepresented youth? This panel explores the story of STEAM in Alexandria, VA, and a proven model that blends culturally responsive teaching, bilingual support, SEL, and industry exposure to create belonging. Participants will learn our scalable framework for building culturally responsive STEAM ecosystems through partnerships with higher ed, industry, and gaming partners. The session will also explore research-based strategies using gaming, project-based learning, and cultural content to build belonging in historically excluded students.

## Transcript

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