The Change Agent Advisory Board
We are privileged to have a dedicated group of individuals on our board who play a crucial role in steering the organization toward our mission to educate, enlighten, and empower young women to pursue STEM careers. The primary goal of our board is to drive impactful change by leveraging their robust networks and resources. Their collective vision and leadership help steer the organization to new heights, ensuring that Operation One STEM at a Time continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the young women we serve.
Meet The Board
Marsha Tomlin
Engineering Process Analyst
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp
Marsha Tomlin's passion for STEM ignited in high school chemistry, where she excelled in experiments and problem-solving. Encouraged by her teacher, Dr. Mavis Rollins, she pursued chemical engineering at Texas A&M University. This led to a successful career in the oil and gas industry, where she made significant contributions to product development, operations, and global marketing. Now, Marsha applies her expertise in the aerospace sector, focusing on engineering processes. She is actively involved in organizations such as NSBE, SWE, and 100 Women Who Care. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her sons, reading, relaxing at the beach, and traveling. Marsha holds a Bachelor of Science in agricultural engineering from Texas A&M University and a Master of Business Administration from Sam Houston State University.
Nijma Lara
Youth Member
Georgia South University
Nijma Lara, a senior at Woodville Tompkins and a Savannah native, is an accomplished honors student. With a focus on Business Technology, Hospitality, and Accounting, she has earned multiple industry certifications, including NOCTI certifications in hotel management and accounting. Nijma holds officer positions in various student organizations, such as Beta Club, DECA, National Honor Society, and Student Senate. Marketing is her favorite area of study at Woodville Tompkins, where she applies her knowledge in CTSO competitions, networking with industry leaders, and engaging with the Savannah community. Nijma's dedication has yielded impressive results, including first place at DECA and FBLA regional competitions and second place overall in the state of Georgia at the Atlanta Hawks Marketing Competition. Alongside her academic pursuits, Nijma is passionate about activism and community service, organizing service projects as a school ambassador and volunteering with organizations like the Savannah Music Festival, Toys for Tots, and Rooted Ummah. Upon graduation, she aspires to attend SCAD or Georgia Southern University to pursue a major in Fashion Design and Business Administration.
Tim Cone
CEISMC Program Director
Georgia Tech Savannah
After graduating from the University of Georgia in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in Engineering Education, Cone dedicated five years to teaching Manufacturing, Robotics, and Engineering at Woodville Tompkins Technical and Career High School in Savannah. During this time, Cone's contributions were remarkable, establishing a local Technology Student Association chapter, creating a VEX robotics team, and forging numerous business partnerships. Cone's teaching excellence earned recognition as the New Teacher of the Year by Georgia Affiliate for Engineering and Technology Education in 2011 and as the Savannah Chatham County District High School Teacher of the Year in 2014.
Under Cone's leadership, Woodville Tompkins achieved national program certification and received prestigious awards from the Technology Association of Georgia and the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association. The school's exceptional engineering and technology programs were acknowledged as one of the top 30 in the world by ITEEA. Concurrently, Cone served as the President of the Board of Directors for The Georgia Technology Student Association and co-founded Maven Makers in 2013. Maven Makers aimed to provide access to woodworking, electronics, and 3D printing/design tools, offering educational opportunities through classes and camps for children and adults. he now serves as the Director of Georgia Tech's CEISMC Program.
Mattison Williams
Creative Consultant and CEO
Mindful Media Consulting
Mattison Williams is a creative consultant and digital communications professional with extensive experience in providing creative direction for various visual projects, from planning to content creation. Mattison's expertise spans the private and public sectors, as well as corporate, government-adjacent, and non-profit agencies. As an Air Force veteran and holder of a Master's degree in Global Media and Transnational Communications, Mattison offers a unique interdisciplinary perspective that is innovative, industrious, and backed by both studies and work abroad.
Mattison's personal and professional passion lies in creating, collaborating, and fostering communication, regardless of the medium. Mattison believes that establishing, facilitating, and nurturing the relationship between the communicator and the intended audience requires not only time and research but also empathy and compassion. With dedication to quality, commitment to meeting deadlines, and a passion for creativity, Mattison is confident in the ability to excel in any role that requires a strategic and creative thinker.
Barbra Foley
Explorer Post Program Executive
Boy Scouts of America Coastal Georgia Council
COMING SOON
Kaitlin Lance
Director Program & Communications
The Creative Coast
Kaitlin Lance, Director of Programs & Communications at The Creative Coast, Inc.
As a Savannah native, Kait is passionate about building community and creating opportunities for others in the Coastal Empire. She has over a decade of experience in the non-profit industry through various roles and has worked with the Creative Coast for over eight years fostering the local startup and innovative ecosystem.
With a background in communications and digital marketing, Kait manages The Creative Coast's media productions and social channels. She also organizes educational and social programming such as Lunchtime Topics, happy hours, youth events (STEM and entrepreneurship education), collaborations with Community Partners, and more.
Kait has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Georgia Southern University and also has a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Georgia. She enjoys combining the creative aspects of her job in communications with her passion for improving STEM and entrepreneurship education through The Creative Coast’s K-12 youth programming.
Mike Holland
Industrial Engineer
State Farm Insurance - The Holland Agency
Mike Holland owns the Holland Insurance Agency, a local State Farm office. Established in 2011, Mike is
the lead agent where he and his team serve the Greater Savannah and Bluffton markets. Originally a
native of Richmond, VA, he came to Savannah in 2011. While building his business, Mike has grown his
fondness, passion, and understanding of our coastal community. He is actively engaged in community
events and serves on the boards of Chatham-Savannah Citizens Advocacy, and as a Commissioner with the Housing Authority of Savannah.
Mike earned his degree in Industrial & Systems Engineering from North Carolina A&T State University and has previously worked for more than a decade in the corporate and private sector for such
companies as Eaton Corporation, Boeing, Johnson Controls, and Honeywell Corporation.
Jessica Wynn
S.T.E.M. Educator
Savannah Chatham County Public School System
Jessica Chaplin-Wynn worked in the Savannah-Chatham County School system as a Science teacher for 5.5 years before resigning to stay home with her children. Besides being a full time mommy, Jessica now works at an awesome non-profit, Loop It Up Savannah, where she assist with writing lesson plans for the Farm 2 School program. Jessica is a native of Savannah, GA and attended Alfred Ely Beach High School. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Savannah State University and received her Masters in Teaching (Secondary Science) from Armstrong State University (currently known as Georgia Southern University). I reside in Ludowici, GA with her husband Jamall and their two children Emeri & Jameson. Jessica actively look for opportunities to promote the world of STEM education throughout my community. Her favorite quote is "I got my start by giving myself a start" by Madam C.J. Walker