Children's books have the power to counter stereotypes, challenge norms, and open minds to new perspectives and ideas. In this webinar recording, hear from Terysa Ridgeway, author of the Terysa Solves It books, Dr. Gaby A. González author of Giana’s Mission, and Kim Collazo, author of the Emersyn Blake books. Discover the real-life inspiration behind their characters and gain insight into how these books are actively encouraging young children to embrace their inner scientists, engineers, and innovators.
This webinar was hosted by NGCP on December 18, 2025.
Kim Collazo
Kim Collazo, a retired educator with 30+ years in elementary education, is a passionate STEM advocate. She has collaborated with global tech companies on curriculum design and presented nationwide on integrating STEM and literacy, closing the gender gap in STEM, and bringing hands-on STEM experiences into elementary classrooms. Kim is a judge for the Educators Pick Best of STEM program and a published author of STEM-focused picture books.
Dr. Gaby A. González
Dr. Gaby A. González is a published author and CEO of CihuaTEC Connect, a firm driving innovation in STEM education through strategic, research-based solutions. She previously served as Director of Intel Corporation’s STEM Education Research Office, leading global STEM research, policy, and partnerships that advanced equitable education outcomes. Earlier in her career, Dr. González held leadership roles at Intel Foundation, Intel Labs, and Xerox Corporation, spanning operations, academic partnerships, and technology development.
A former Chair of the National Science Foundation Education Panel, she currently serves on the Boards of Directors for the National Girls Collaborative, Project Lead the Way, and on the Advisory Board for the University of Washington’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Dr. González holds a Ph.D. in Human and Social Dimensions of Science and Technology from Arizona State University, an M.S. in Engineering and Manufacturing Management from Clarkson University, and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington.
Terysa Ridgeway
Terysa Ridgeway is a Tech Leader at Google with degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics from Southern University and A&M College and a graduate of Stanford University’s LEAD Executive Education program. Her work and mission are rooted in expanding access to STEM for students who may not see themselves represented in tech or have clear pathways into these fields.
She is deeply committed to creating opportunities for youth in rural and under-resourced communities through storytelling, hands-on learning, and mentorship. She lives in Louisiana with her supportive husband and their four children, who inspire the work she does every day.