Opening video for the 2026 STEMMy Awards Ceremony. Video Credit: Blase Pivovar
At the 13th Annual STEMMy Awards on October 29, 2026, Central Exchange recognized the women and organizations making significant contributions to
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine (STEMM) throughout the greater Kansas City region.
Since their inception, the STEMMy Awards have highlighted the achievements of women whose expertise, leadership, and dedication are making an impact across STEMM. These honorees include professionals, educators, students, entrepreneurs, and advocates whose work strengthens their industries and creates opportunities for more women to succeed in these fields.
This year’s honorees demonstrate the many ways women are influencing STEMM, from the work they lead today to the possibilities they create for others. Their achievements deserve recognition, and their stories serve as a reminder of the talent and potential that can shape the future of these fields.
STUDENT ACHIEVER
Lana Heslop
STUDENT ACHIEVER
Dana Thalman
WiSTEMM EDUCATOR
Dr. Erin Bumann
WiSTEMM EDUCATOR
Dr. Mei Rosemary Fu
ENTERPRISING INNOVATOR
Triumfia Houmbie Fulks
CORPORATE HERO
Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Community Spotlight
KC STEM Alliance
RISING TRENDSETTER
Abby Harders
GROUNDBREAKING LEADERSHIP
Jen Jewers Bowlin
GROUNDBREAKING LEADERSHIP
Fahteema Parrish
WiSTEMM CHAMPION
Sharmelle Winsett
13th Annual STEMMy Celebrations
Benefactor’s Roundtable
Discussion + Happy Hour
MAY 19, 2026 | 3:00 – 5:00 PM
T-MOBILE OVERLAND PARK CAMPUS
A thought-provoking conversation focusing on women in STEMM.
Followed by drinks and appetizers.
ROUNDTABLE PANELISTS:
MODERATED BY:
TERRI THOMPSON
Executive Director
Museum at Prairiefire
2025 Rising Trendsetter
CHRISTINA CHANDLER
Sr. Community Impact Education Manager
JE Dunn + KC STEM Alliance
2025 Groundbreaking Leader
Panelist
SUNITA LAVIN
Project Manager | Transmission & Distribution
Burns & McDonnell
2015 Rising Trendsetter
Panelist
LYDIA MORENO
Makerspace & Mobile STEM Unit Coordinator
Kansas State School for the Blind
2025 WiSTEMM Educator
Panelist
The 2026 STEMMy Award Honorees
STEMMy Awards Ceremony
+ Gala Luncheon
OCTOBER 29, 2026 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
FIORELLA’S EVENT SPACE
Recognizing the outstanding 2026 STEMMy Award Honorees at the annual awards luncheon.
FEATURING KEYNOTE:
TAMMY BUCKNER
Chief Executive Officer
WeCode KC
2023 WiSTEMM Champion
“Your Power, Your Choice: Unlocking the Future of Women in STEM”
EVENT EMCEED BY:
TERRI THOMPSON
Executive Director
Museum at Prairiefire
2025 Rising Trendsetter
2026 STEMMy Award Sponsors
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
