Presenter: Elise Cronin-Hurley, 4-H Exploding Bacon, Team 1902

How is your team going to thrive when you are not there to answer the emails? As mentors, preparing for the season means more than just technical readiness—it’s about building teams that can adapt and thrive. Whether you’re a veteran or new mentor, join us to uncover practical tips to boost your team’s organizational efficiency and effectiveness. In this workshop, you’ll explore key aspects like effective leadership, smart resource management, and fostering a culture of continuous learning. Utilizing a sustainability report card to evaluate your team’s resilience and explore tools and systems to manage challenges. Equip your team to not just compete, but to excel and evolve year after year.

About Elise

As the former leader of Exploding Bacon, Team 1902 for four seasons, Elise Cronin-Hurley successfully inherited and passed along the reins of a thriving FIRST Robotics Competition team. Her ongoing contributions help navigate the growing challenges and opportunities in youth development organizations today.

With hands-on volunteer experience, Elise has mentored and managed teams year-round and brings decades of consulting experience with non-profits, focusing on communications and organizational efforts. She played a crucial role in guiding the development of the #FIRSTLikeAGirl campaign and mentored the team through six years of Chairman’s Award submissions. Elise also supports business teams, website and imagery creation..

In addition to her work with Team 1902, Elise mentors the website students for Team 1816, The Green Machine. Her volunteer efforts extend to all levels of FIRST, serving as a Judge, Judge Advisor, and Inspection Manager for FIRST Robotics Competition events. She also serves on the Orlando and Tallahassee Regional Planning Committees in communications and finance roles.

Elise is the interim Chair of the FIRST Hall of Fame, working on communications and the Student Advisory Council. She also serves as Treasurer on the Orange County 4-H Board.

With over 35 years of experience as a communications, web, and graphics consultant, Elise is also a proud FIRST Alum mom, continually investing in the future of youth through her diverse roles in FIRST Robotics and beyond.