Making the world a better place, helping one student at a time.

Our Mission
The mission of The Rainbow STEM Alliance, Inc. shall be to promote acceptance and inclusion of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, etc. youth within the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics educational fields.

The Rainbow STEM Alliance (RSA) was founded by Jon Kentfield, Brian Boehler and Tom Wexler in 2018. These three are alumni and volunteers of FIRST , a global robotics organization community preparing young people for the future. They saw through the students involved that there is a need to help and support LGBTQ+ youth competing on teams.​

Board of Directors

Rae E., they/them
​President

I was born and raised in Texas. I joined the FIRST community in 2008 when I joined FRC 1255, Blarglefish as a student. I began volunteering in 2011 at FLL events and FRC in 2013. I became an FRC Head Referee in 2016 and had the privilege to be a 2022 Head Referee at the Championship Event. I have mentored a few different FRC teams. I am currently pursuing an MBA degree. Being part of the FIRST Community has saved my life. I hope to help the FIRST community be a safe space and welcoming to all.

Devyn K., she/her
Treasurer

I began my FIRST journey in 2010 as a student on an FLL team, eventually becoming a part of FRC Team 1982. I've mentored FTC teams 3507 and 9410 in Chicago, and I'm also heavily involved with FLL, FTC, and FRC in many roles, such as Event Coordinator, Head Referee, and FTA. In the real world, I'm a Linux Systems Engineer. I continue to be inspired at every event by the passion of the students in FIRST programs and hope that I can inspire more students through volunteering.

Kara B., she/her
Board Member

I joined FIRST Robotics Competition team 1189 as a student in 2008, and volunteered in FIRST in Michigan from 2011-2015. I moved to the Philadelphia area after college, where I now mentor a FRC team and continue to volunteer as a Field Supervisor for FIRST Mid-Atlantic. I work in quality assurance for a manufacturing facility and am a proud cat mom. I have been privileged to have a strong and encouraging support system since beginning my forays into FIRST, STEM, and manufacturing, and I recognize that my experiences may have been very different and difficult without it. I am passionate about supporting students in STEM programs to help them feel safe, empowered, supported, and encouraged so that all students can experience the benefits of these programs in a safe and positive way.

Tristan D., he/him
Secretary

I’m an FLL and FRC Alum, as well as a mentor and volunteer for the entire range of FIRST programs. In high school, I was a founding member of LGBTQ+ of FIRST as a way to help students feel seen and to know they belong. At FIRST events, you’re most likely to find me making bad puns as a Master of Ceremonies, but by day, I’m a Benefits Navigator (and de facto IT guy) at a small nonprofit. In my free time, I enjoy board games, gardening, and getting distracted by DIY projects.

Sid T., he/they
Board Member

I first got involved with FIRST with FLL as a student in 2012 and have been obsessed since. Currently I'm a mentor for FRC team 1771, in the PCH district. In the off season, I spend my free time traveling and enjoying live music. Outside of FIRST, I'm a classically trained Mechanical Engineer and work in R&D. FIRST has had a tremendous influence on me and helped me grow into who I am today, and I hope that I can help make the program a welcoming space for everyone.