About 4ward Innovation
Our Mission
Advancing Innovation Worldwide. We are dedicated to preparing innovators everywhere for careers in high-demand industries through cutting-edge technology and innovation.
Our Vision
To empower diverse communities by creating equitable access to innovation education and workforce development, fostering a future where everyone can contribute meaningfully to emerging technologies and global progress.
Our Team
The people driving innovation education forward.
Yaritza Ortiz
Founder & CEO
Yaritza Ortiz is a trailblazing educator, entrepreneur, and advocate for innovation and intellectual property education. As the Founder and President of 4wardInnovation Inc., she leads entrepreneurship and STEM education initiatives that empower students and educators to think critically, solve real-world problems, and navigate the pathways of invention, intellectual property, and business creation. Her work bridges the gap between education and industry, fostering collaborations that drive economic empowerment through innovation. With extensive experience as an Innovation Advocate and Program Leader for the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), NASA HUNCH, the InventEd Community, and the Lemelson Foundation, Yaritza has played a key role in developing invention-based learning programs, mentoring future innovators, and leading national workshops on intellectual property and entrepreneurship. She is passionate about equipping educators and students with the skills to transform ideas into patents, products, and businesses, ensuring the next generation is prepared for success in the knowledge economy. Holding a Master of Science in Organization, Learning, and Technology from Texas A&M University-Commerce and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences from Universidad de Puerto Rico, Yaritza combines data-driven instructional design with a focus on hands-on, experiential learning. She is a certified educator in Science and English as a Second Language (ESL), with expertise in STEM curriculum development, leadership training, and entrepreneurial education. Her experience as a school principal, curriculum writer, and higher education coordinator has allowed her to design scalable, interdisciplinary programs that integrate innovation, technology, and business development. In addition to her contributions to education and entrepreneurship, Yaritza is experienced in real estate consulting, using her skills to support individuals and communities in building financial literacy and economic stability. Her ability to connect diverse sectors (education, business, and community development) makes her a sought-after leader in innovation-driven learning and entrepreneurial strategy. Whether mentoring educators, guiding students through the invention process, or designing programs that foster creativity and business acumen, Yaritza remains committed to building a future where innovation and entrepreneurship are accessible to all.
Johannes Starks
President
Johannes Starks currently serves as the Executive Director of BEST of Texas Robotics, overseeing a network that impacts over 300 schools and 3,000 students across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and New Mexico. Actively traveling the state, she encourages District leaders and industry partners to play a pivotal role in shaping the STEM pipeline by mentoring students in STEM competitions and assisting them in uncovering their hidden talents. In her previous role as the Campus Director for iSchool High STEM Academy in Lewisville, Johannes excelled in fostering collaborations with entities such as High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware (HUNCH), the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and Young Science Achievers Program (YSAP), ensuring meaningful STEM experiences for students. Driven by a commitment to align her vision with STEM education, Johannes actively collaborates with organizations, aiming to provide transformative opportunities. Drawing inspiration from observing students' lives undergo positive transformations through their participation in network schools, she firmly believes in their inherent potential to achieve greatness.
Michael Hayes
Vice President
Michael Hayes is a visionary entrepreneur, engineer, and educator with a strong passion for technology, innovation, and STEM education. He currently serves as the Software AI VR Cybersecurity Project Manager for NASA's HUNCH program. He leads cutting-edge engineering, software development, AI, VR, and cybersecurity projects. Michael works closely with high school and college students, mentoring them through real-world projects that contribute directly to NASA's initiatives. An expert in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, software development, and cybersecurity, Michael is dedicated to driving technological advancements in both education and industry. He is the co-founder of Tempbridge Inc., a tech and business consulting firm, and UltraPreneur, an initiative focused on entrepreneurial innovation and product development. His leadership in STEM education, recognized by awards such as BBA Teacher of the Year (2021-2022), empowers students and professionals to think creatively, solve problems, and innovate for the future. In addition to his roles in engineering and entrepreneurship, Michael is a highly regarded speaker and thought leader in the STEM community, frequently engaging in conferences, panels, and leadership events. His ability to bridge engineering expertise with business strategy has made him a sought-after mentor, developing programs that prepare the next generation of engineers, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
David Berry
Treasurer
David Berry is a high school engineering educator, seasoned designer, and relentless innovator dedicated to shaping the future of technology, education, and engineering design. With a career spanning engineering, construction, technology, and education, David brings a dynamic fusion of real-world expertise and visionary leadership to every project he undertakes. Engineering & Design Leadership As a New Home Designer and Project Manager for his family's business, BT Construction, David has successfully managed over $10 million in residential construction projects across the Dallas metroplex. From luxury homes to custom renovations, he leads every project with a deep understanding of structural design, budgeting, and client collaboration. His background in civil engineering and construction management ensures that each build is executed with precision and integrity. Beyond the structures he designs, David is also an inventor and engineer, constantly pushing the boundaries of 3D printing, robotics, CAD modeling, and embedded systems. His work with Autodesk Inventor, microcontrollers, and AI-enhanced designs fuels his passion for the next generation of smart technology. Shaping the Next Generation of Engineers David is an Engineering Design and Scientific Research educator at RL Turner High School's METSA Academy, where he mentors the engineers and innovators of tomorrow. Through hands-on experiences, he guides students in mastering robotics, electronics, microcontrollers, and aerospace engineering, ensuring they are prepared to thrive in an AI-driven world. His students are NASA HUNCH competitors, tackling real-world challenges that contribute to human spaceflight, including lunar habitats, autonomous rovers, payload delivery systems, and AI-driven astronaut health solutions. David fosters a classroom environment where students don't just learn about engineering, they build the future. Pioneering AI & Emerging Technologies David actively explores the integration of AI, machine learning, and automation into engineering and education. His work spans from training students in advanced AI-driven software applications to designing innovative systems that leverage edge computing, IoT, and robotics. As the Treasurer of 4wardInnovation, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering technological advancement, David supports initiatives that bridge the gap between education, industry, and invention. A Legacy of Problem-Solving & Discovery From mentoring senior students in their capstone inventions to guiding young programmers on AWS cloud development, David's mission is simple: Equip students and professionals with the tools to innovate, build, and lead in a rapidly evolving world. In his free time, you'll find him tinkering with digital electronics, designing next-gen rocket engines, flying drones, or engaging in deep conversations about engineering over a protein shake. His unwavering passion for science, space exploration, and the future of human civilization drives him to inspire those around him, one innovation at a time.
Dr. Yajaira Torres De Jesús
Secretary
Dr. Yajaira Torres De Jesús is an accomplished educator, researcher, and mentor with extensive expertise in STEM education, scientific research, and curriculum development. She holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Education and a Post-Doctorate in Digital Evidence and Auditing, with a strong focus on integrating STEM methodologies into teaching and learning. Dr. Torres De Jesús has over two decades of experience in STEM education, currently serving as Head of the Science Department and Scientific Research Mentor at Colegio Rosa-Bell in Puerto Rico. She has played a key role in curriculum design, accreditation processes, and the development of innovative STEM programs for K-12 education. Additionally, she has been a professor at Caribbean University and a content developer for Master's courses in STEM education. Her research contributions include evaluating the behavioral responses of aquatic macroinvertebrates to environmental stressors, such as OTC analgesics, and developing innovative teaching strategies for STEM disciplines. She has been an invited speaker at various national and international conferences, presenting on topics related to STEM resources, invention education, and scientific research mentoring. As a Master Teacher of Invention Education (MTIP) with the USPTO, she leads workshops on intellectual property and invention-based learning. She is also a Society for Science Research Ambassador and has mentored students for prestigious science competitions such as ISEF, Thermo Fisher, and the Stockholm Water Prize. Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Torres De Jesús is a passionate lifelong learner who believes in the power of meaningful education to transform lives. She embraces continuous growth, collaboration, and the connection with nature as a source of wisdom and balance. Rooted in faith, she views every day as an opportunity to grow, serve, and empower others through education. She values effort, quality, and commitment to excellence, inspiring those around her to always learn, grow, and transform their lives with passion and purpose.
Board of Directors
Guiding our mission with experience and vision.
Christian G. Carrillo
Board of Director
Christian Giovanni Carrillo is a dynamic entrepreneur, marketing strategist, certified coach, and multi-industry professional with proven leadership in business, sports, fashion, and entertainment. With a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and a minor in Finance from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), he has successfully blended business acumen with creative execution across wellness, sports, fashion, and entertainment industries. As the Co-Founder and Marketing Director of Pure Patch, a pioneering wellness company specializing in transdermal nutrition technology, Christian has been instrumental in brand innovation, digital marketing, and product development. His strategic vision has positioned Pure Patch as a competitive force in the wellness industry, leveraging influencer partnerships, community engagement, and innovative marketing campaigns to drive growth. Christian has gained valuable industry experience working with Fila and Neiman Marcus, two globally recognized brands in the fashion and retail space. His roles allowed him to develop expertise in luxury branding, retail marketing, and consumer engagement, further strengthening his ability to build and grow brands across diverse industries. Beyond entrepreneurship, Christian is a certified professional coach in tennis and padel, mentoring athletes and expanding awareness of padel as it gains traction in the U.S. As a former Division I tennis player and team captain at UTSA, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, discipline, and competitive drive, qualities he now instills in the athletes he coaches. In the entertainment industry, Christian's on-camera presence and brand storytelling have landed him lead roles in national commercials for Budweiser, Kia, Fender, and BetMGM. His experience in acting and modeling enhances his expertise in brand representation and marketing, demonstrating his ability to adapt across industries and leverage storytelling to enhance brand engagement. Christian's core strengths include entrepreneurial innovation, marketing strategy, brand growth, athletic coaching, product development, and commercial branding. His diverse background in business, sports, fashion, and entertainment makes him a versatile leader and innovator who thrives in dynamic environments. Whether scaling a wellness company, coaching future athletes, or representing global brands on screen, Christian brings a strategic mindset and creative vision to every endeavor.
Our Story
The Why, Our Inspiration
4wardInnovation was inspired by a simple but powerful message from students: “We need more teachers like this.” After years of seeing students thrive through hands-on, real-world innovation experiences, we realized this style of teaching could not end with just one classroom. Our mission became helping educators bring creativity, invention, entrepreneurship, and workforce-connected learning to more students everywhere.
That mission became even more important following the cancellation of the Master Teacher of Invention and Intellectual Property (MTIP) program through the USPTO during government reorganization efforts. 4wardInnovation was created to continue advancing the spirit of invention education, educator empowerment, and innovation-centered learning so that these opportunities would not disappear for future generations of students.
Who We Are
4ward Innovation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing innovation worldwide. We prepare innovators everywhere for careers in high-demand industries through cutting-edge technology and innovation education.
What We Do
We work at the intersection of education, technology, and workforce development to create equitable access to innovation for all communities. Our programs are designed to empower educators, support inventors, and inspire the next generation of innovators.
Innovation Support
We sponsor inventors and patent-seeking innovators, offering resources, mentorship, and connections to bring their breakthrough ideas from concept to reality. Our support network helps turn creative vision into tangible impact.
Train-the-Trainer
We empower educators to integrate cutting-edge technologies into their classrooms and foster a culture of innovation. Through hands-on training and curriculum development, we give teachers the tools and confidence to inspire their students.
Professional Development
We equip educators with targeted professional development focused on innovation, intellectual property protection, and emerging technologies — preparing them to prepare the next generation of innovators for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Our Partners
We are proud to collaborate with leading organizations including, the Lemelson Foundation, USPTO, NASA HUNCH and BEST Robotics to bring real-world innovation experiences to students and educators across the country.
Our Impact
Since our founding, 4ward Innovation has reached over 500 students, served more than 20 schools, supported 10+ patents, and partnered with 5+ organizations — all in service of our mission to make innovation education accessible to everyone.