Survey, Yay!

Feb 23, 2021 Written by Kate Pilotte, Sr. Kit of Parts Manager

The Kit of Parts,

so close to our hearts.

2021 Judging & Interview Process - Frequently Asked Questions

Feb 17, 2021 Written by Fiona Hanlon, FIRST Robotics Competition Program Specialist

We have seen some confusion and chatter on the judging and interview process, so we put together a blog to hopefully help clarify the information.

Learning to Learn

Feb 15, 2021 Written by Kyle Hughes, 2000 WFA Winner & Gail Drake, 2018 WFA Winner

The numerology forecast of 2020 was “A year of miracles, opportunities, and fast-paced energy”. Now, looking back on 2020, it is clear there were miracles, many opportunities, and fast-paced energy!

When the pandemic hit, thousands of people were miraculous in their efforts toward others’ survival and coping. Many opened pathways for others to thrive during a pandemic. New respect evolved for unsung heroes and solutions during the pandemic demanded fast-paced energy from so many. 

Getting in the Game and Some Big News!

Feb 10, 2021 Written by Frank Merrick, Director FIRST Robotics Competition

I hope everyone is getting in the game and enjoying the At Home Challenges! I am so looking forward to seeing what our teams come up with this crazy year.

A Message from the Chief Volunteers

Feb 04, 2021 Written by the Chief Volunteers

“A season unlike any other.” “The new normal.” “Unprecedented times.” We’re sure we aren’t alone in having read or seen these statements used so many times in the past 12 months, that the phrases have practically lost all meaning. 

Become a FIRST Robotics Competition Judge

Feb 01, 2021 Written by Fiona Hanlon, FIRST Robotics Competition Program Specialist

This season is different in many ways, but one thing that is the same is our need for volunteers to help us ensure teams have the best experience! This season, we need help filling the judge role.

 

Danielle Pliska

Danielle Pliska
Vice President, Finance, FIRST®

Danielle Pliska joined the FIRST® Executive Leadership Team in 2020 as Vice President of Finance, with primary responsibility for daily oversight and leadership of reporting & control, financial planning & analysis, risk management, operational finance, cash flow, and investments. Danielle started at FIRST in 2010 as a Staff Accountant and, over the next decade, progressively increased her responsibilities and strategic leadership, inspired to grow her career with FIRST because of the non-profit organization’s impact on kids’ lives and making a better future for us all.  

Prior to joining FIRST, Danielle worked in Public Accounting leading external audit engagements across a wide variety of industries, including not-for-profit, healthcare, financial institutions, employee benefit plans, and more. She has used her skill set to help FIRST navigate the complexities of revenue streams and accounting requirements, provide strategic leadership to many cross-departmental initiatives, and preside over several years of successful financial audits. 

Danielle has been a licensed CPA in the State of New Hampshire since 2009. She received her Master of Science in Accounting (summa cum laude) and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Accounting option from UNH Whittemore School of Business. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband, three daughters and two cats. 

 

Amy Lynn Hunt

Amy Lynn Hunt
Chief People Officer, FIRST®

Amy Lynn Hunt joined FIRST® in 2015, bringing a passion for youth-serving organizations and a background in strategic people, program, and performance management. In her role at FIRST, Amy Lynn’s primary mission is to support the people that make our programs possible and ensure all of our participants have a safe and positive experience. This responsibility includes a broad array of functions including Youth Protection, Human Resources and Volunteer Resources.

Prior to FIRST, Amy Lynn worked for the District of Columbia Public Schools, managing the talent life cycle and strategic people initiatives for the district’s central office staff. Amy Lynn started her career as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy, completing several destroyer tours before transferring to Washington, D.C., for a final posting as an Intelligence Analyst. After leaving the Navy in 2010, Amy Lynn pursued a graduate degree in Public Policy at Johns Hopkins University. During her time at Johns Hopkins, she completed fellowships with Education Pioneers and the US Department of Education and discovered her passion for mission-driven organizations that transform the lives of young people.

Amy Lynn graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor’s Degree in History. In 2012, she received a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from Johns Hopkins University, concentration in Education Policy.

FIRST Scholarship Provider: Minerva

Jan 27, 2021 Written by FIRST Scholarship Provider: Minerva


Greetings from Minerva! Hear from Udodirim (Dodie), a sophomore from Minerva Schools, majoring in Computer Science and Business.