Pursuit of Innovation (Pi515)

AI Challenge Mentor Highlight: Matt Zent A Ph.D. candidate at the University of Minnesota, he has experience as a Software Engineer at Microsoft and a Machine Learning Scientist. He wants to help students explore new technologies, while thinking critically about their impact.

Pi515’s annual tech event, Day of Innovation: Harnessing Talent in the Age of AI, is almost here! 🧠💚 A special thank you to our sponsors for helping make this experience possible. Register and learn more here 👉 pi515.org/events/day-of-… #techevent #desmoines

Our scholarship workshop was a success! 📝 We love creating spaces where students can get the support they need to best prepare for their futures. Students learned about scholarship and internship opportunities and even received help applying right then and there. #scholarships

Mentor Highlight: Alex Alvarado 🚀 We are excited to have Alex Alvarado joining our AI Challenge as a mentor! Alex is the CTO and co-founder of Songscription. We are grateful to have mentors like Alex supporting the next generation of innovators! #Pi515 #AIChallenge

A little glimpse into our Girls Entrepreneurship Incubator Workshops 💡 So far, students have visited GDMP, Flynn Wright, and KKR! We also want to thank Connie Boesen for speaking with students at our most recent session! #pi515

AI Challenge Mentor Highlight! 🌱💡 Clayton Mooney, Co-Founder and Chief Farmer of Clayton Farms (backed by Y Combinator), is on a mission to bring better food to more people through innovation and technology. We are grateful to have him supporting our students! #pi515

What makes Pi515 different? Students are at the center of everything we do, and their ideas, voices, and potential guide every decision we make. Want to stay updated on our events, programs, and impact? Subscribe to our newsletter here: pi515.myflodesk.com/f3kwz3m3uq #Pi515

We asked our 2026 AI Challenge students one question... Why is your team interested in participating in this challenge? 💬 Their responses highlight the bright young minds leading the future. We hope their words inspire you as much as they inspire us. 💚 #pi515

AI Challenge Mentor and Speaker Highlight! ✨ Austin Suiter is a Software Consultant at Lean TECHniques. “I am excited to serve as a mentor for Pi515’s 2026 AI Challenge, recognizing the immense potential of Iowa’s college students to drive innovation.” #pi515 #ai #aichallenge

Our GEI students had the opportunity to visit Flynn Wright, one of the host locations for this year’s programming, where they learned from industry professionals and even received headshots during the visit. What an exciting day! 🙌 📸 #pi515 #gei2026

We are excited to share that our founder, Nancy Mwirotsi, was recently recognized by the Des Moines Women's Club and had the opportunity to share remarks during the event. A special moment celebrating leadership and community. 💚 ✨ #Pi515

Students should be part of the conversation shaping the future of AI. In our latest student blog, Iowa State senior Asray Gopa reflects on how AI is transforming the way students learn, build, and innovate. Read the full blog at pi515.org/about-us/blog #pi515

Our 2026 Day of Innovation is less than two months away! 🧠💚💻 Join us on April 23 for a day of breakout sessions focused on AI, coding, and entrepreneurship! ✨ Register at: pi515.org/events/day-of-… #pi515 #dayofinnovation

🚀 What Students Gain from Participating in Our AI Challenge. They gain hands-on experience using real AI tools and data while building skills in innovation, problem-solving, and ethical design. Learn more at pi515.org/programs/ai-ch… #pi515

✨ GEI Speaker Highlight — Session 1 ✨ We loved welcoming Jaci Wilkinson, Senior UI/UX Designer at Homesteaders Life Company, as our first speaker for the Girls Entrepreneurship Incubator! 🌐 jacipaigewilkinson.com #pi515 #gei #entrepreneurship

Join us this March for Scholarship & Internship Workshops where you’ll discover new opportunities and build a stronger resume! 👉 2-hour sessions at our office on March 13 and March 25 📝 Registration deadline is March 10 🔗 Sign up: forms.office.com/Pages/Response… #pi515

The 2026 Girls Entrepreneurship Incubator is officially underway! 💚 We can’t wait to see these young entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life. Follow along as they learn, build, and inspire us along the way. ⭐ #pi515 #youth #entrepreneurship #learnbusiness #buildabusiness

🎓 Scholarship Opportunities!
 👉 Freddy Miranda Access Scholarship: Deadline Feb 28 Apply: ow.ly/Y7fl50YkOYU

 👉Sweet & Simple Scholarship: Deadline March 1 Apply: ow.ly/yzoR50YkOYS
 #scholarship #pi515

36 girls have officially signed up for our Girls Entrepreneurship Incubator! We’re excited to share our host partners: Greater Des Moines Partnership, KKR, Flynn Wright, JPMorgan Chase, and EY. And special thanks to our sponsor, KKR! #pi515

Registration coming soon for our Career Accelerator program, an excellent opportunity to get college credit and grow professionally! #pi515 #professionaldevelopment #programming #collegecredit #desmoines