LEADERSHIP
Donna Hylton
Board of Directors Chairman | President | CEO
Donna Hylton is a technology professional and community leader with over 30 years of experience. Donna began her technology career in college while working as a Data Center Coordinator in New York City. She has worked as an end-user database specialist, programmer, systems team leader, and information systems manager before making the transition to academia. In 1997 Donna started teaching at Middlesex Community College as an adjunct professor and was hired full-time in 2000. Today she serves as a professor and Program Coordinator of the Computer Information Technology Systems and Management Information Systems degree programs at the college.
Donna earned her undergraduate degree in Administrative Computer Systems from Hofstra University, in Hempstead, Long Island, and her master’s degree in Computer Information Technology with a concentration in Management Information Systems from Central Connecticut State University. She has also earned a second master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University.
Donna has a deep desire to inspire people from all strata of life to be the best they can be. She also applies this energy to the many community-based activities with which she is engaged. In 2002, she created “Adventures in Learning” an afternoon program of JOY Camp, a free enrichment camp for kids. This educational camp (which she continues to direct) uses creativity and innovation to get children excited about academics.
In 2017 Donna took a sabbatical leave from Middlesex Community College to attack the problem of the underrepresentation of women, girls, and people of color in STEM. Out of this community endeavor, Donna founded the STEAM Train non-profit organization that works to move generations of under resourced and underrepresented populations to STEM. Today, Donna serves as STEAM Train’s president and she is joined by a Board of Directors who are STEM professionals. This diverse group provides thought-leadership to the organization.
Donna and her husband Pastor Paul Hylton have served in Christian ministry at Shiloh Christian Church since 1988. Working alongside her husband, who is the church’s Senior Pastor, Donna serves as Pastor of Administration and Counseling. She is also involved in humanitarian mission trips to various locations in the United States and around the world. Donna sees the sum total of her work in academia, the community, and the ministry as a part of God’s purpose and plan for her life and, as such, she strives to do it all with excellence and humility, so that He would be glorified. (James 1:27)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The STEAM Train will benefit from the support and experience of an especially talented Board of Directors
who were recruited to ensure that the organization benefited from range of key viewpoints, had access to critical
specialized knowledge and represented important constituents.
Together the Directors add expertise from the fields of science, engineering, physics, mathematics,
information technology, community engagement, education, law, and financial management.
E. Wayne Rose
Board Member |
Technology Education Officer
Wayne was the former Information Officer at Bowie State University. Prior to arriving, Wayne held several positions to include: IT Specialist and IT Business Manager for the Naval Criminal Investigation Service (NCIS) where he also led a satellite project (2003-2011), and also served as Regional Director of Information Technology, the Americas for Swissôtel Hotels and Resorts (1994-2003).
Laurie Robinson
Board Member |
Chief Financial Officer
Laurie, now retired, worked at Verizon as an Engineer. Prior to her transition to Verizon, Laurie worked at AT&T as an Electrical Engineer for over 25 years.
She has a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Connecticut and a MBA degree in Finance from Quinnipiac University.
Genieva DePass
Board Member
Litigation and enforcement associate Genieva DePass joined Ropes & Gray’s Washington, D.C. office in 2017. Genieva’s practice includes anti-corruption, internal investigations, financial fraud investigations and complex civil litigation. She maintains an active pro bono practice representing victims of domestic violence in partnership with the D.C. Volunteer Lawyers Project.
During law school, Genieva was a Current Development editor for the Georgetown Immigration Law Journal. She was also an active member of the Georgetown Black Law Students Association, serving as Career Chair for the 2016-2017 academic year.
Michael Turner
Treasurer
Former Vice President, of Manufacturing & Engineering for Perdue Agribusiness Inc, and division of Perdue Farms Inc., and it’s over 60 diverse manufacturing facilities in the US.
Mike enjoys mentoring and giving back
to the youth. He served as a AAU Girl’s basketball coach for seven years.
Many of his players receiving college scholarships, and three being drafted
into the WNBA.
Mukshud Ahamed
Board Member
Mukshud is graduate of Middlesex Community College and received his B.A. in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Wesleyan University. Mukshud is currently pursuing a Ph.D in Molecular and Cell Biology from Stony Brook University.
He previously worked under the guidance of Dr. Erika Taylor developing novel ways to treat antibiotic resistant bacteria. Prior to that, he worked under the guidance of Nicole Clay ya Yale University studying the plant innate immune system.
Mukshud firmly believes in giving back, and ensuring that exposure and training in STEM is accessible for everyone.
Deboala Bamgbose
Board Member
Chemical Engineer that works as an Air Pollution Control Engineer at the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (the Agency), where she has extensive knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations.
She has a master's degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park and is licensed
as a professional engineer in the State
of Connecticut.
Brittany Reynolds
Board Member
Brittany Reynolds is a STEAM Train Board member, web developer, and proud wife and mother. In December 2017, Brittany completed the Fast Track Academy, graduating at the top of her class. Brittany has experience across industries. She has worked in retail, healthcare, social services, as well as the technology sectors and has developed a unique perspective and sought after voice as an advocate for children and single mothers. She has also served on the boards of other non-profits, in her local church, and in as a volunteer in local schools.
She now resides with her husband and two daughters in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. She is currently continuing her education pursuing a degree in sociology from Middlesex Community College.
Maggie O'Hanlon
Board Member
Maggie hails from Boston, Massachusetts. She is currently a sophomore at Wesleyan University, pursuing a joint degree in American Government and Environmental Science. She will be working for STEAM Train this year as a participant in Wesleyan’s Nonprofit Board Residency Program.
At Wesleyan, she is also involved with the Center for Prison Education and the Foster Care Support program.
in memoriam
barbara hammond
Barbara was a statistician/programming professional. She worked at EverSource as a Market Research Analyst, Statistician, Human Resource Analyst, SAS programmer.
In 2001, Barbara gained employment with Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) in Wallingford, CT as a SAS Programmer. There she worked on clinical trial data analysis and programming in various therapeutic areas.
In January 2021, Barbara passed away. She will be greatly missed.
