SOUTHWEST STEM LABS
Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
We envision a world where Southwest Detroit students and families see STEM not as a distant possibility, but as a real and achievable future. We imagine a thriving pipeline of local talent—diverse, innovative, and empowered—shaping tomorrow’s workforce and solving problems with perspectives that might otherwise be unseen.
Southwest STEM Labs aspires to build connections between the community, local partners, and STEM professionals to create pathways for young minds to explore, dream, and achieve.
Mission
To empower individuals in STEM education, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and compassion through mentorship, to promote personal fulfillment and enrich community wellbeing.
Our Story
Our Founder
Leah Goodwin founded Southwest STEM Labs in May of 2022 with a vision: an idealistic yet heartfelt hope for a diverse, creative world where individuals feel fulfilled, healthy, and committed to helping others. With a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, specializing in Earth/Space Science, Integrated Science, and Mathematics, along with a Master of Science in Science Education and a K–12 School Administrator Certificate, she has dedicated a vast part of her life to empowering students, educators, and communities through education. Her academic foundation and years of hands-on experience in the classroom and in leadership roles have shaped her belief that knowledge is a powerful tool for transformation.
With a deep passion for youth science education, she turned a personal commitment into a movement for good. Drawing on over 18 years of experience in science education, Leah leads with compassion, integrity, and a tireless dedication to building a more just and equitable world. What began as a grassroots effort has grown under her leadership into a thriving organization that continues to inspire people to think, create, and contribute meaningfully to the world every day.
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Leah Goodwin
Executive Director & Founder
What We Do
We believe STEM should be accessible, inspiring, and inclusive for the whole community. That’s why our programs focus on:
Classroom & After-School Programs – Hands-on projects that spark curiosity and creativity.
Family Engagement – Whole-family programming that includes parents and caregivers as active supporters in their child’s STEM journey.
Mentorship & Role Models – Connecting students with diverse STEM professionals who reflect the possibilities of what they can become.
Community Partnerships – Bridging schools, organizations, and individuals with shared goals to strengthen opportunities across Southwest Detroit.
Pathways & Higher Education Support – Going beyond early exposure by building systems of support and opening doors to advanced STEM opportunities.
Our Impact
2024-2025 Programs
- 908 students reached across 2 schools (37% annual increase).
- 2,300+ hours of face time per student from 3rd to 8th grade.
- 98.8% of participants from underrepresented communities in STEM.
- 89% retention rate of students in 2024.
- 67.5 % of students report taking a Southwest STEM Labs course has increased their interest in pursuing a career in technology or a STEM field.
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Summer STEM Explorers
Pictured are two of our 2025 Explorers proudly standing with their completed outdoor classroom storage bin, part of our outdoor STEM learning initiative in Southwest Detroit. Together, they’re helping cultivate both plants and possibilities.
Representation Matters
In predominantly POC communities, it is critical for students to see themselves reflected in the professionals and mentors they look up to. Representation plays a key role in shaping aspirations and breaking down barriers, and our initiative works to ensure that educated, successful individuals who share similar identities to the students are visible and accessible. This not only provides role models but also fosters a sense of belonging and possibility, reinforcing the idea that success in STEM is achievable for everyone, regardless of background. By cultivating a cycle of mentorship, we empower our alumni to continue giving back, strengthening the community, and inspiring future youth to pursue careers in STEM and engineering.
Our Team
Our board is made up of educators, engineers, community members, and former Southwest Detroit students, all united by the belief that every student deserves the chance to succeed in STEM.
- Leah Goodwin – Executive Director: Southwest Detroit Educator for 18+ years
- Yosabeth Guerrero Gomez – President: Engineer, Southwest Detroit native and former student of Leah Goodwin, former mentee to Jim Bestul and Milton Martinez, Mentor for Detroit Robotics team for 3 years
- Jim Bestul – Treasurer: Engineer, Mentor for Detroit Robotics team for 10+ years
- Shivani Sharma – Secretary: Engineer, Mentor for Detroit Robotics team for 5 years
- Milton Martinez – Board Member: Engineer, Mentor for Detroit Robotics team for 10+ years
- Humberto Ruiz – Board Member: Engineer, former mentee to Jim Bestul and Milton Martinez
Together with our board, staff, and volunteers, we bring decades of experience to serve Southwest Detroit’s students and families.
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Board and Staff
Our team comes together for a quick photo after a successful Family STEM Night event, an evening full of curiosity, community, and hands-on discovery.
Our Partners & Supporters
We are proud to collaborate with local schools, universities, nonprofits, and businesses who share our vision of STEM equity. By bridging these efforts, we expand opportunities and ensure students have multiple pathways to success. Special thanks to:
Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLeap)
Michigan Afterschool Partnership (MASP)
College for Creative Studies
LIFT
University of Michigan-Dearborn
- Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLeap)
- Michigan Afterschool Partnership (MASP)
- College for Creative Studies
- LIFT
- University of Michigan-Dearborn
- Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLeap)
- Michigan Afterschool Partnership (MASP)
- College for Creative Studies
- LIFT
- University of Michigan-Dearborn
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Get Involved
You can help us empower the next generation of innovators in Southwest Detroit:
- Volunteer your time as a mentor or event helper.
- Partner with us to strengthen our programs and community reach.
- Donate to ensure more students and families have access to life-changing opportunities.
- Explore career opportunities and join our team.
- Join our board and help shape the future of our organization.
Together, we can build a stronger, more innovative future for our community.