Queens Tech Corner: Ralph Louis of STEM in the Rockaways

Can you tell us a little about your company and how you got your start?

While working as an IT Manager in the education sector, I developed a wide range of technical and leadership skills that led me to start my first company, Peninsula Computing Solutions Group, in 2008. Through that company, I began supporting and managing technology for schools, religious institutions, and residential clients.

During my time in education, I saw firsthand how technology was at the center of many new learning initiatives. That experience inspired me to think about how those same opportunities could be brought to my hometown of Far Rockaway. I wanted young people in my community to have access to the same technology and STEM opportunities that I had seen in other communities throughout the boroughs. That vision ultimately led to the creation of STEM In The Rockaways.

What connection do you have to Queens?

I was born and raised in Far Rockaway, Queens, and was born at the local hospital, St. John’s Episcopal. My parents immigrated from Haiti and found a strong Haitian community in Far Rockaway, which became our home.

While my IT firm serves clients across the city, founding STEM In The Rockaways marked the first time I was able to build something directly focused on serving the Rockaway community where I grew up.

Do you do any work to support your local community? What is that work?

Through STEM In The Rockaways, we provide free STEM programming to young learners across the peninsula. We partner with local schools, community organizations, and Department of Education vendors to bring hands-on STEM experiences directly to students.

Our programs introduce youth to robotics, engineering, aviation, and technology, while helping them understand what it means to pursue careers in STEM fields.

It’s Queens Tech Corner time! The Queens Tech Corner is a monthly profile where we shine a spotlight on tech entrepreneurs doing exciting things right here in Queens. This month’s featured tech entrepreneur is Ralph Louis, Founder & Executive Director of STEM in the Rockaways, a nonprofit organization connecting youth and adults to the resources they need to master various STEM disciplines. To learn more, go to https://www.stemintherockaways.org/.