The STEM Road

The STEM Road Podcast by Elevate Southwest – Episode 7 | Season 2

Special Guests:

Tom Tyree, Superintendent, Southwest Technical Education District of Yuma (STEDY)

Adan Santos, STEDY Student Ambassador

Hosts:

Jerry Cabrera, President & CEO, Elevate Southwest

Melina Conroy, COO, Elevate Southwest

In this episode, we explore how career and technical education (CTE) is giving high school students a head start on their futures. We sit down with STEDY’s Superintendent and one of their student ambassadors to discuss how hands-on learning, industry certifications, and mentorship are helping local students prepare for careers in fields like healthcare, engineering, cybersecurity, and more—all before graduation.

This episode is all about starting early—building skills, exploring careers, and creating opportunities that last a lifetime.

The STEM Road Podcast by Elevate Southwest - Episode 6 | Season 2

Special Guests:

Maria Camila Macias, Physical Therapist and Owner of Yuma Orthopedic Physical Therapy Andrik Reyes, Summer 2025 Intern & Cibola High School Junior

Hosts:

Jerry Cabrera, President & CEO, Elevate Southwest

Melina Conroy, COO, Elevate Southwest

In this episode, we explore how physical therapy combines science, compassion, and career inspiration. We sit down inside a local clinic to discuss what it’s like to help people regain movement, why internships matter, and how students are gaining hands-on experience in healthcare before they even graduate high school.

This episode is all about movement—of the body, of careers, and of purpose.

Yuma Orthopedic Physical Therapy Facebook Page: Yuma Orthopedic Physical Therapy

The STEM Road Podcast by Elevate Southwest

Episode 5 | Season 2

Special Guests:

• Bryan Nance, CEO/Owner of Elemental LifeSpa
• Julian Castillo, Summer Intern

Hosts:

• Jerry Cabrera, President & CEO, Elevate Southwest
• Melina Conroy, COO, Elevate Southwest

In this episode, we explore how wellness and science come together through innovative technologies like red light therapy, PEMF, and oxygen-enhanced recovery. We dive into how hands-on experiences can open doors to personal growth, career exploration, and unexpected opportunities.

Listeners will learn how entrepreneurship, technology, and student internships can collide in powerful ways, revealing that the path to a STEM career doesn’t always look like a lab coat and test tube.

Elemental LifeSpa Website: https://928spa.com

The STEM Road Podcast by Elevate Southwest - Episode 4 | Season 2

Special guests:

• Amanda Koonjbeharry, Public Affairs Manager, Leeward Renewable Energy
• Joshua Lopez, Student

Hosts:

• Melina Conroy, COO, Elevate Southwest
• Arlyn Galaviz, Communications Director, Elevate Southwest

In this episode, we explore renewable energy, career opportunities, and how young professionals are getting involved in building a sustainable future.

Current Leeward Renewable Energy Projects in Yuma County:

• Sierra Pinta Energy Storage - https://sierrapintaenergystorage.com/
• White Wing Ranch Solar - https://whitewingranchsolar.com/

The STEM Road Podcast by Elevate Southwest - Episode 3 | Season 2

Special guests:

• Tom Rush, Founder - Yuma & Imperial Valley Wealth Management (YIVWM)
• Jackson Takesuye, Student

Hosts:

• Jerry Cabrera, President/CEO - Elevate Southwest
• Melina Conroy, COO - Elevate Southwest

The STEM Road Podcast by Elevate Southwest - Episode 2 | Season 2

Special guests:

• Jay Simonton, City of Yuma Administrator
• Didi Dillard, Student

Hosts:

• Jerry Cabrera, President/CEO - Elevate Southwest
• Melina Conroy, Program Coordinator - Elevate Southwest

The STEM Road Podcast by Elevate Southwest | Episode 01 - Season 02.

Guests:

• Chris Thompson, Thompson Design Architects.
• Connor Legros, NAU student.

Hosts:

• Jerry Cabrera, Elevate Southwest President/CEO.
• Melina Conroy, Elevate Southwest Program Coordinator.

The STEM Road Podcast by Elevate Southwest - Episode 10.

Hosts:

• Jerry Cabrera, Elevate Southwest President/CEO.
• Melina Conroy, Elevate Southwest Program Coordinator.

The STEM Road Podcast by Elevate Southwest - Episode 09.

Special guests:

• Harry Red, Infyrno LLC CEO
• Alyssa Rivera, Cibola High School Student

Hosts:

• Jerry Cabrera, Elevate Southwest President/CEO.
• Melina Conroy, Elevate Southwest Program Coordinator.

The STEM Road Podcast by Elevate Southwest - Episode 08.

Special guests:

- Abned Meraz, Combination Building Inspector, City of Yuma, Arizona

- Emma White, Mechanical Engineering Student, NAU Yuma and ESW Intern at Rouff Engineering, P.C.

Hosts:

- Jerry Cabrera, Elevate Southwest President/CEO.

- Melina Conroy, Elevate Southwest Program Coordinator.