It's an honor to work both in the community and on Tesla's digital experiences. And, while Tesla's overall product ecosystem is awesome - the website, the app, etc. - and it's a helpful way for the general public to learn about what Tesla's doing from the comfort of their home or just about from wherever, it's really only one part of the story and experience.
My colleague and buddy, Adam, talking to a group of students about Tesla at the entrance of the 9th Annual Fernley STEM festival.
Student holding a miniature Tesla vehicle standing next to a Tesla battery module
It's essential to create opportunities for people to experience Tesla's products and career options in-person - or "IRL" as the kids say. This is where outreach comes in.
Visiting new schools and events helps connect people in the community with more opportunities to directly experience Tesla's people and mission, particularly with people who may not have access to factory tours or our showrooms. It also helps us connect with the local community and learn more about the needs of the area we're in, in addition to the needs of the students and teachers we're working with, both at the K-12 and higher education levels.
Few tasks would be beneath or impossible to Manny; his intellect and experience come in rare combination with great humility and empathy.
Adam and I attended our first Fernley STEM Festival five years ago. I was excited to share my passion for science and technology with the community just east of Gigafactory 1. We're just as excited to be back at the event this year, representing Tesla again, and reconnecting with the community and seeing how the event has grown.
This year, there were three categories in the STEM Festival: Science Projects, Inventions and Demonstrations.
Besides showing off a Model X and some energy products, like a battery module, Adam and I answered a lot of interesting questions from students and their families. It's always fun to do that.
Aerial photo of Fernley High School in Nevada which is the host-location of the Annual Fernley STEM Festival.
I really enjoyed learning about the students' amazing projects as well. All the enthusiasm and excitement from students, families and the community was inspiring.
With some colleagues across the company, Adam and I are working to bring more outreach projects to nearby communities and get more Tesla employees involved.
Looking forward to next year's event!