Presenters: Cathy Schulz (1538) and Elise Cronin-Hurley (1902)

Key Takeaway: Context and authenticity help judges understand your team’s impact within its unique resources.

What makes a FIRST Impact Award submission truly stand out? Submissions that resonate are grounded in authenticity, clarity, data, as well as context. We’ll explore how to effectively frame your team’s unique story, highlight meaningful achievements, and communicate outcomes in a way that reflects your team’s values and resources. Learn how integrity and thoughtful storytelling can provide the judges better understanding of your team’s journey and efforts with mentors from the FIRST Hall of Fame.

About the Presenters:

Cathy Schulz (Team 1538 The Holy Cows) and Elise Cronin-Hurley (Team 1902  Exploding Bacon), FIRST Hall of Fame teams

Cathy has mentored Team 1538 since 2009, guiding Chairman’s and Business efforts. A dedicated FIRST volunteer, she’s served as an Impact Judge, Judge Advisor, Event Director, FLL Program Delivery Partner, and host of the 3 Day Open for FIRST LEGO League. Cathy’s presenting experience has included, 8 FIRST Impact Chats at Champs, 5 Helping Creates an Effective Chairman’s Submission, presentations at San Diego Mentor Workshops, Countless FLL Project Presentation workshops, How to Inspire Your Team to Effectively Present in Front of Judges.

Elise, 1902 mentor since 2011: business teams & past team lead. FIRST Volunteer: Judge, Judge Advisor, & Champs Inspection Manager. Board Member for Orlando & Tallahassee Florida Regional Planning Committees. 40 years professional communications experience. Elise’s presenting experience has includes, 8 FIRST Champs Sessions since 2013, 4 FIRST Impact Chats at Champs, FMC 2023 & 2024, 5 Florida mentor training workshops in 2 yrs, numerous workshops on Team Sustainability, Awards, & Imagery. Several professionally on imagery and branding.