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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.

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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.

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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.

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Photojournalist & Editor

Erik Baczay

Erik is a member in good standing with the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA). A passionate filmmaker video & photojournalist, Erik's diverse experience has allowed him to cover a wide range of stories in the nonprofit world. From covering vehicle recovery operations with off-road volunteer groups to covering the national league hockey team Vegas Golden Knights. Erik is passionate and believes every story deserves to be heard and uplifted with integrity, fairness, and honesty. His experience as an assistant and senior editor on multiple projects has allowed him to learn not only how to capture footage but also how to string together engaging videos that entertain and educate. His work continues to serve the Las Vegas community as he works with Passage, Inc., making local connections to trade schools, small businesses, unions, and programs. Covering the incredible communities that have helped shape part of this nation into what it is today.

Board of Directors

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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