ABOUT OUR TEAM
At STEM Minds, our team consists of a unique blend of certified teachers and STEM professionals. We have demonstrated experience working with students both in-person and online. Every STEM Teacher is rigorously vetted and trained to ensure that all students receive a high-quality experience that is customized to their learning needs.
As a mission-driven social enterprise, we recognize our global impact and remain committed to values of:
Integrity
- As a people-first organization, STEM Minds holds integrity as a core value in how we interact with the world. We stick with our goals and values, even when it’s not easy.
Inclusivity and Accessibility
- Everyone belongs in the world of STEM, full stop. We recognize that all learners are unique and deserving of support in their learning journey, so we are committed to breaking down barriers to make sure everyone is empowered to find their place.
Innovation
- The world (and education) are constantly evolving. We actively choose to view these changes as opportunities rather than threats.
Anu Bidani, Founder & CEO
(Pronouns: she/her)
Anu Bidani is the CEO of STEM MINDS (a BCorp certified Social Enterprise) and Inno-Hive, an Innovative Learning Community – Charity), two companies that focus on shaping the future of education by transforming learning experiences for both children and adults. STEM Minds is on a mission to empower youth to become fearless leaders by developing agility and a love of learning through STEM (science, technology, engineering, math). She believes in creating our future leaders, game changers and problem solvers to build a better, more agile society for future generations. With a dedicated teaching staff, a state-of-the art learning environment, a research and development center, and a network of strategic partnerships, she has built both these businesses that are successfully expanding the reach and impact of education to all children!
Inno-Hive, an Innovative Learning Community, is a grassroot charity focused on supporting communities to innovate for skill building regardless of age or geographic boundaries.
She is an award winning entrepreneur, a passionate innovator, leader and revenue generator with solid experience as a corporate executive where she witnessed the evolution and impact of accelerated technology changes on business processes from a Corporate lens. Her passion for innovation served as the catalyst for repeated successes in optimizing emerging business models to deliver agile profitability and value. With vetted expertise in the areas of strategy, product development, solutions development, project delivery, information security and audit, Anu has built a solid foundation for her two entrepreneurial ventures – STEM MINDS and Inno-Hive, an Innovative Learning Community. She is also a SHEEO activator and supports other women entrepreneurs in their journey of following their passion.
Yash Bidani | CFO & Managing Partner
(Pronouns: he/him)
Yash Bidani is a financial services professional with extensive experience in driving sales and profitability through targeted product development. Yash has a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from the University of Toronto. He also has a Post-Graduate diploma in Marketing Management from Humber College.
Reza Beyzaei | Director of Operations
(Pronouns: he/him)
Reza will be joining us soon this summer. He holds an Electronics Engineering degree from the University of Fresno, California, and holding Montessori teaching diplomas, a parent for many years, and an educator for more. As an “out-of-the-box” educator, I believe the success of any education system relies on its ongoing adaptability and innovations and I have been persistent in following this belief throughout my career. He will be responsibile in managing our day to day operations at STEM Minds and supporting our client needs.
Alex Husack | Manager Client Relationships and Operations
(Pronouns: she/her)
Alex has recently graduated from University of Ottawa with a Bachelors in Commerce with a specialization in finance and entrepreneurship. She previously worked for STEM Minds during several summers as a STEM Coach for the 4 to 7 age group and has now transitioned to a full-time team member. Responsible for overall management and general oversight of operations, Alex continues to share her passion for STEM.
Riddhesh Soneji | Director, Content Research and Development|
(Pronouns: he/him)
Riddhesh is an engineer and educator fascinated about the future of STEM. He also curious about will power, creativity, and developing good habits. He has recently completed his Masters in Education (M.Ed) and supporting us in our content development initiatives.
Craig Irwin | Manager, Interactive Development
(Pronouns: he/him)
Muzammil Rahimi | Data Engineer
(Pronouns: he/him)
Mustafa Husain | Quality Assurance
(Pronouns: he/him)
Mustaf is a recent graduate from the University of Toronto with a focused enthusiasm for improvement and learning . He is supporting us in the management of our online learning tools and media.
Alvin Chan | STEM Coach
(Pronouns: he/him)
Nicole Myers | Strategic Advisor, Education
(Pronouns: she/her)
Nicole Myers is a certified teacher with a passion for revolutionizing the education system. She is responsible for helping to develop the STEM Minds curriculum.
Aishwary G| Content Lead
(Pronouns: she/her)
Aishwarya is working towards her Masters in Education. She is responsible for helping to develop the STEM Minds curriculum.
Nikhayl Bidani | Climate Change Ambassador
(Pronouns: he/him)
Nik is a first-year environmental studies major at the University of Toronto. He is a STEM Minds graduate turned employee who helps lead our social and climate responsibility initiatives.
Rik Bidani | Junior STEM Coach
(Pronouns: he/him)
Rik is a student turned staff member who currently assists the team with technology and development efforts.
STEMBOT™ | Avatar
STEMBOT is the Avatar of STEM Minds that guides students through their journey of STEM learning by posting blogs, updates, course information and most importantly encouraging them to have fun!
Our Team Memories
OUR LOCAL ADVISORY BOARD
STEM Minds is proud to have an Advisory Board to guide us through our journey of growth in our local communities. We are joined by a team of experts whose passion will bring the best of what we have to offer.
- Tracey Bissett, President, Financial Fitness
- Michele Reaume, Ministry of Education
- Al Wilson, York Workforce Board
- Jill Moore, Parent and Southlake Hospital
- Donna Kowalchuk, Ph.D Education
- Varma S, Avant Techno Solutions
OUR GLOBAL ADVISORY BOARD
STEM Minds is proud to have Advisors supporting our global expansion plans.
- Brijesh Chopra, Managing Director, OMERS
- Helena Ma, Managing Director, IDEA Communications
STEM Minds is also supported by Advisors from:
- VentureLab
- SheBoot (Invest Ottawa)
- SHEEO World
- Avant Techno Solutions
Brijesh Chopra | Managing Director, OMERS
Helena Ma | Managing Director, IDEA Communications
Helena helms IDEA Communications, a multi-disciplinary brand communication consultancy as managing director. A communication specialist by training, Helena leverages her media knowledge, China insights and an international perspective to provide strategic counsel and advisories on reputation management, cross-cultural stakeholder engagement, expansion strategy and public affairs issues to leadership of fast-growing tech companies, large MNCs and family businesses. She has sector expertise in tech, bioscience, manufacturing, consumer goods, industrial engineering communications with blue-chip companies, industry-leading tech startups, non-profits and government agencies.
A Singapore permanent resident, Helena started the career as trilingual simultaneous interpreter in Mandarin, English and Swedish for senior government leaders in Beijing, and later embraced an international career working and living in China, Sweden, London and Singapore. An open advocate for woman empowerment, Helena spoke about gender equality in the workplace and women leadership empowerment in tech sector at the Womens Forum in 2019. She is passionate about photography, sports (golf, skiing, mountaineering), and charity fund raising.
STRATEGIC PARTNERS
We are joined by subject matter experts who support our execution.
- Maryam Golabgir, Digital Marketing Experts
- Avant Techno Solutions, Technology Development
- Dr. Michael Chen, York University (Algo Development)
- Dr. Steve Joorden, University of Toronto (Gaming Research)