Page 9 - 64th Attendee Brochure
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Thursday's KEynote Address
July 20, 2017
First General Session and Luncheon
11:15 am to 2:15 pm
General Session & Keynote Address 11:15 am to 2:15 pm
Improbable to Unstoppable Tucson Ballroom
By: Fredi Lajvardi
Biography of Fredi Lajvardi
Fredi Lajvardi shares with audiences nationwide
a first-hand account of the story that brought
renewed national focus to S.T.E.M. (Science,
Technology, Engineering and Math) education
and inspired the critically acclaimed documen-
tary Underwater Dreams, as well as the major
motion picture, Spare Parts, starring comedic
legend George Lopez.
With humor and passion, Lajvardi reveals the
simple secrets to his national champion robot-
ics team’s unprecedented success, and imparts
to audiences the same wisdom, spirit of inven-
tiveness, and determination that transformed Nationally Recognized STEM Educator &
an improbable group of disadvantaged Hispanic Subject of the Critically Acclaimed
teenagers into an unstoppable national power- Documentary, Underwater Dreams, and
house. His heartfelt presentation captures the Major Motion Picture, Spare Parts
imagination, maximizes potential, and sparks
the creativity in all of us. Fredi Lajvardi kindles your innate sense of ingenu-
ity with his remarkable firsthand account of how he
transformed a group of high school students into a
Note: The First and Second General Session will national champion robotics team.
begin promptly at 11:15 a.m. with luncheon service Fredi captivated the country when he led his team
followed by keynote program speakers. Attendees of disadvantaged teenagers in a university-level un-
are requested to be on time and to stay for the en- derwater robotics competition, where they defeated
tire session to minimize disruption. leading schools, including top-ranked MIT. Their sto-
ry inspired the acclaimed documentary “Underwater
Dreams” and was also adapted into the major motion
picture, “Spare Parts,” starring actor and comedian,
George Lopez as Fredi. His award-winning Falcon Ro-
botics team will be featured in the 2017 film “Dream
Big.”
Honored with numerous awards for his spirited pas-
sion for teaching, Fredi continues to serve as a promi-
nent advocate about the importance of STEM educa-
tion nationwide.
With humor and compassion, Fredi brings audienc-
es on his inspiring journey, illustrating the need to
embrace diversity and invest in people to help oth-
ers realize their potential. His incredible real life tale
equips you with the real life encouragement to maxi-
mize your own potential and to work together to solve
complex problems.
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