Our Team
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Founder & CEO
Ben Nguyen
Ben Nguyen seeks to open up new worlds of opportunities in science, technology, manufacturing, and robotics, especially for his students at Sunrise Mountain High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ben works with education/robotics/technology programs across the State of Nevada and with national organizations to create STEM-based and work-based opportunities for youth. A recipient of the 2019 Milken Educator Awards representing the State of Nevada, he seeks meaningful and enduring changes in education, and he is committed to his work as a classroom teacher and active participant in the service to his community. Ben earned a bachelor’s in anthropology in 2014 from Dartmouth College and a master’s in secondary science curriculum and instruction in 2016 from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). He continues his education daily through innumerable learning pathways/modules, certificate programs, and hands-on experiences in the work he loves - educating. As a result of receiving a large grant from the Big Idea Challenge (NV) in 2022, he decided to launch Passage, Inc. He looks forward to trying his best to make the world (of jobs) more realistic, one opportunity at a time if necessary.

Communications & Outreach Director
Dian Sumukti
Dian is a seasoned Registered Nurse based in Las Vegas, NV, with an extensive background in interdisciplinary collaboration across various medical fields. She’s not only dedicated to patient care but also specializes in quality assurance and education, ensuring that standards are met and knowledge is continually shared. Having called Las Vegas home for over 26 years, Dian has had a front-row seat to the city’s dynamic growth and transformation. Her deep roots in the community fuel her passion for helping others, both within and beyond the healthcare field. She has a drive to seeing the city - and those who call it home - thrive. Outside of her professional life, Dian is an active and enthusiastic member of the off-road community, where she actively volunteers her time and skills. Her commitment to service also extends to the educational landscape of Las Vegas. As a product of its educational system, Dian has a personal interest in ensuring that current and future generations receive the support they need to succeed and flourish.

Director of Photography
Mauricio Diaz
Mauricio is a highly experienced videographer with 22 years of expertise in event videography, documentary production, and commercials. He is adept at capturing compelling visuals and delivering high-quality video content, with a proven track record of working with diverse clients and consistently exceeding expectations. He possesses strong technical skills, a creative vision, and a keen eye for detail. Mauricio pursued Arts and Humanities at West Los Angeles College and further honed his skills in Graphic Design at ArtCenter College of Design. In 2000, he entered the advertising industry, working with prominent clients like Norm Reeves Honda, Daniel's Jewelers, and Dearden's, progressing from Graphic Designer to Creative Director. In 2009, he made a career shift towards video production, photography, and post-production. Since then, he has taken on diverse roles, including Producer, Director, Director of Photography, Art Director, Editor, and Motion Graphic Artist.

Editor | Cinematographer
Erik Baczay
Erik is a passionate documentary cinematographer and editor based in Las Vegas, NV. His love for documentaries and films sparked at an early age, driving his dream to create his own projects. In the past five years, Erik has devoted himself to studyin video and film production. Learning every little detail from Pre-Production to Post-Production in actual working enviroments working with and shadowing seasoned experts. Starting as a lighting technician, Erik worked his way up to the camera department, showcasing his dedication and talent. His hard work paid off when he was credited as the secondary unit director of photography for a feature film, marking a significant milestone in his career. This achievement propelled him to produce and shoot independent documentaries for local activist and nonprofit groups. Additionally, Erik has had the opportunity to collaborate with the Las Vegas Knights Hockey Team. Erik's diverse experience includes serving in various genres of film and video production, where he has taken on roles such as chief lighting technician, key grip, lead editor, and principal director of photography. His versatility and commitment make him an invaluable asset to any production team and project.
Board of Directors

Richard Knoeppel
Richard Knoeppel has been an educator for more than thirty-five years teaching K-20. He currently serves as the Career and Technical Education Strategist at Advanced Technologies Academy (A-TECH) in Las Vegas, Nevada where he has taught Architectural Design for the last twenty-nine years. He received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Industrial Arts Education from the State University of New York at Oswego. He also holds an Advanced Studies Certificate in Innovative Technology and Learning from Southern Utah University. In 2019 he was named the Nevada State Teacher of the Year and was inducted in the National Teachers Hall of Fame.

Jacob Gavin
Jake has been a union millwright for nearly 3 decades. He worked in general construction for ten before that working mostly in Nevada and Arizona, though occasionally traveling to other states for projects. His favorite projects have included a 5 gas turbine power plant, new installs for the Ivanpah Solar Power Facility near the southwest state line of Nevada, a car factory overhaul in Flint, Michigan, new construction of two wings at the Harry Reid International Airport, water pump stations all over the Las Vegas area and everything in between. He is an advocate for the skilled trades and encourages all who are interested to give them their best effort - several careers may emerge!

Gina Nakahara
Gina is a retired Lieutenant of the US Coast Guard with 20 years of K-12 teaching experience including Advanced Manufacturing. She is currently an Automation Instructor at the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) - Career and Technical Education (CTE). She is OSHA & SACA certified and holds an Educational Specialist degree and currently working towards a doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Brian Merrill
Brian Merrill is an accomplished instructor in the Engineering Technology Department at the College of Southern Nevada and a Senior Electro-Mechanical Engineer with over two decades of professional experience. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Technology with minors in mechanical and biomedical engineering from Nevada State College and a Master of Engineering Management from Arkansas State University, where he achieved a 4.0 GPA. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Brian specializes in engineering management with research focusing on optimizing renewable energy systems, particularly photovoltaic (solar energy) technologies, through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Brian has demonstrated exceptional expertise in teaching, research, and industry throughout his career. He develops innovative curricula and mentors students in engineering principles as a faculty member. His professional roles have included Senior Electromechanical Engineer at Foster West Corporation, where he led projects integrating advanced diagnostics and safety protocols. Additionally, he has contributed to significant research, including studies on manufacturing efficiency and renewable energy systems, presenting at numerous conferences. As an advisor for initiatives such as the Battery Workforce Challenge, Brian continues influencing the next generation of engineers while advancing cutting-edge technologies.