Our Teaming

HOW DEGENSTEAM WORKS

DegenSTEAM is designed as a dynamic network where ownership is shared and leadership is distributed.

Every member has the opportunity to step into roles that address emerging needs based on their passions, strengths, experiences, and capacity. Rather than assigning authority from the top down, we cultivate an environment where people take ownership of the work they are best positioned to lead and support. As our understanding deepens and our community evolves, so do our roles, strengthening our collective capacity to think, learn, and serve.

Teaming: the intentional practice of bringing the right people together around a shared Vision.

Our Leadership Team stewards the DegenSTEAM Vision by cultivating the relationships, ideas, and opportunities that help our community thrive. They guide strategy, foster collaboration, and create the conditions for innovation, ensuring every initiative remains grounded in our mission to empower people, strengthen communities, and shape a more connected future.

Our DegenSTEAM Leadership Team

Serves as the founding driver and lead sponsor representative of DegenSTEAM. Without this role, the initiative does not exist. The Strategic Liaison stewards the long-term vision, secures the necessary resources, and ensures the initiative remains credible, aligned, and sustainable.

Our Strategic Liaison

Brie Apfelbaum Kula

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Our Directors

Our DegenSTEAM Coordinators & Leads

Technology Coordinator

Doug Fessler

Supports the technology systems that power DegenSTEAM’s programs, partnerships, and operations. Coordinates technical infrastructure, data systems, equipment, and technology integration to ensure reliable operations, strengthen program delivery, and expand access to hands-on STEM learning.

Programs Innovation Lead

DegenSTEAM Directors are individual leaders selected for their perspective insight, credibility, and systems awareness. They do not represent individual organizational agendas; they function as integrators of the broader community.

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Colleen Bowman

Leads the design and growth of DegenSTEAM learning experiences by developing scalable programs, facilitator training, and implementation systems. Strengthens connections among educators, partners, and communities to expand high-quality STEAM learning and create lasting regional impact.

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Workflow & Grant Compliance Coordinator

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Coordinates workflows that keep DegenSTEAM’s initiatives moving from planning to completion. Manages tasks, priorities, and organizational systems, supports clear communication and accountability, and helps ensure grant requirements, documentation, and reporting remain accurate and compliant.

Our Capacity Partners

Capacity Partners strengthen the foundation that makes our work possible. Through expertise, infrastructure, resources, and strategic support, they expand DegenSTEAM’s ability to innovate, grow, and create lasting impact across the communities we serve.

Our Funding Partners

Funding Partners fuel the mission that drives our work forward. Through financial investment and shared commitment, they provide the resources that enable DegenSTEAM to invest in innovative initiatives, empower regional partners, and create lasting impact across the communities we serve.

Our emPOWERED Partners

emPOWERED Partners advance the mission through action. Empowered by DegenSTEAM funding, they design and deliver initiatives, programs, and experiences that expand learning, strengthen the workforce, and create meaningful impact throughout our region.

Our Sense-Makers

Sense-Makers shape the regional view that guides our work. As embedded observers across learning, workforce, and community perspectives, they contribute grounded insights, identify emerging patterns, and help DegenSTEAM make informed strategic decisions that strengthen the future of our region.

What can we do together?

Together, we can ensure that every learner in Central Pennsylvania participates in hands-on, co-designed learning experiences — and that every county in the region is part of a connected ecosystem of discovery and opportunity.

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