Our Journey: From Field Trips to Future-Ready Tech
Act 1: The Spark (2020)"STEM Fi Solutions began in March 2020 with a simple mission: to build STEM identities through exploration. It started with Saturday field experiences—curated trips to museums, cooking classes, and robotics competitions. Whether we were flying kites or building wind turbines in the park, one thing was always constant: the unmistakable joy on the students' faces."
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Act 2: The Pivot
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Act 3: Where We Are Now
"Today, STEM Fi Solutions is a proud minority woman-owned business providing comprehensive STEAM programming for summer and winter seasons. We’ve expanded into educational advocacy, ensuring students have the learning support they deserve. Through partnerships with churches and local organizations, we don't just teach tech—we help our community 'Get Techie' and build confidence for the future."
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About Our Founder:
Kendra Mallory, M.Ed
The Founder & Lead SpecialistExpert Chemist. 24-Year Educator. STEM Visionary.
The Foundation: From the Lab to the Classroom As a proud two-time graduate of Chicago State University (B.S. Biology/Chemistry & M.Ed. Elem. Ed.), my career began in the analytical world of science. I served as a Cosmetic and Forensic Chemist, where I applied rigorous scientific method to real-world challenges. However, my passion for community growth led me to transition my expertise into the classroom, where I have now served for 24 years.
The Experience: 24 Years of Educational Leadership As a middle-school endorsed Science and Math educator, I spent 14 years as a teacher leader and mentor at Morton School of Excellence in Chicago's Humboldt Park. Working within the Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL) network, I developed a reputation as a reflective practitioner, constantly shifting my methods to make learning relevant for urban youth. This effort was further refined through my fellowship with the Michigan State University WIPRO Urban S.T.E.M. program.
The Current Impact: STEAM Designation & Tech Integration In 2021, I spearheaded the rigorous process of securing a formal STEAM designation for Ruggles Elementary School. Currently, I serve as the STEAM Specialist at Ruggles, where I lead tech integration and support fellow staff members in shifting their pedagogy to meet the demands of a "techie" world.
The Research: Shaping the Future of Urban Education My commitment to the "Joy Factor" in learning continues through my doctoral research. I am currently investigating the academic benefits of Makerspace Education implementation in urban settings. Through STEM Fi Solutions, I combine these 24 years of pedagogical expertise with my research to advocate for students with diverse learning modalities and to help the greater community build their STEM identities.
The Foundation: From the Lab to the Classroom As a proud two-time graduate of Chicago State University (B.S. Biology/Chemistry & M.Ed. Elem. Ed.), my career began in the analytical world of science. I served as a Cosmetic and Forensic Chemist, where I applied rigorous scientific method to real-world challenges. However, my passion for community growth led me to transition my expertise into the classroom, where I have now served for 24 years.
The Experience: 24 Years of Educational Leadership As a middle-school endorsed Science and Math educator, I spent 14 years as a teacher leader and mentor at Morton School of Excellence in Chicago's Humboldt Park. Working within the Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL) network, I developed a reputation as a reflective practitioner, constantly shifting my methods to make learning relevant for urban youth. This effort was further refined through my fellowship with the Michigan State University WIPRO Urban S.T.E.M. program.
The Current Impact: STEAM Designation & Tech Integration In 2021, I spearheaded the rigorous process of securing a formal STEAM designation for Ruggles Elementary School. Currently, I serve as the STEAM Specialist at Ruggles, where I lead tech integration and support fellow staff members in shifting their pedagogy to meet the demands of a "techie" world.
The Research: Shaping the Future of Urban Education My commitment to the "Joy Factor" in learning continues through my doctoral research. I am currently investigating the academic benefits of Makerspace Education implementation in urban settings. Through STEM Fi Solutions, I combine these 24 years of pedagogical expertise with my research to advocate for students with diverse learning modalities and to help the greater community build their STEM identities.
Never limit yourself because of others' limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination."
-Mae Jemison