Jazmine Jaz Darden

About Jazmine Jaz Darden

I’m a passionate STEM education leader dedicated to increasing access and exposure to STEM for underrepresented students. As a Senior Principal Specialist focused on the Innovator Labs Pillar of the Medtronic Spark initiative, I bring over a decade of experience at the intersection of STEM education and innovation.As the founder of SPARKZ3D, I’ve built hands-on design and 3D printing programs that have reached hundreds of students through projects like custom Bluetooth speakers and a four-day 3D printing camp where students take home their own 3D printer, laptop, supplies, and materials. For 6 years as an adjunct instructor, I taught 3D printing/additive manufacturing and SolidWorks CAD courses at Dunwoody College. I supported STEM outreach in multiple capacities with GEMS & GISE (Minneapolis Public Schools) for over 13 years, and previously worked as a SolidWorks Applications Engineer at GoEngineer, where I earned my CSWE certification (Certified SolidWorks Expert).I’m also a dynamic speaker, having been featured on the History Channel’s The Toys That Built America, delivered the 2022 Commencement Address at Dunwoody College of Technology, and keynoted multiple STEM related events. Sharing my message of \"Live to the Level of your Smile,\" I hope to one day take the TED stage.As a maker constantly fueled by curiosity, I designed and donated over “I AM Ear Hero” ear savers for face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. I’ve also completed contract design and 3D printing work for organizations including Best Jets and SkyRide Technology. And yes—my 3D printers are always running in the background. It’s the hum of progress (and sometimes chaos), but I wouldn’t have it any other way.At the heart of everything I do is a mission to inspire the next generation of creators, thinkers, and problem-solvers.\"Aspire to Create.Create to Inspire.\"Service:Board of Directors - Works Museum, Bloomington, MN Board of Alumni - Dunwoody College, Program Advisory Board - Dunwoody CollegeSTEM Advisory Board - MINNDEPENDENTAdvisory Board - Minnesota NASA Space GrantExhibit Advisory Committee - Bakken MuseumCareer Highlight:I was selected as one of the 2022 Women in Business Honorees by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.

Experience

1. Founder, Director, Stemucator

   Sparkz3d

   Mar 2023 — Present · Minneapolis, MN, US

Education

• Augsburg University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Physics

  2009 — 2013

• Augsburg University

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Mathematics

  2009 — 2013

• Dunwoody College of Technology

  Associate's degree, Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians

Skills

• Photography
• Teaching
• Public Speaking
• Curriculum Design
• Curriculum Development
• Staff Development
• Higher Education
• Community Outreach
• Editing
• Research
• Solidworks
• Machining
• Microsoft Office