Extensive Search and Recruitment Process Led by Envision Consulting
San Francisco, CA (November 7, 2023) – The Institute for Applied Tinkering (IAT), a nonprofit organization that brings collaborative, hands-on educational experiences to children, is pleased to announce the selection of Qi Lopez Diaz as its first full-time Executive Director, effective September 14.
"The Board is thrilled to welcome Qi as our new Executive Director," said Olivia Teich, Board Chair. "Qi shares our deep belief in the power of curiosity, relationships, and student agency in learning. His passion for kids solving real problems with real tools and his breadth of experience across different models of education make him a wonderful steward for the IAT's next phase of growth."
Mr. Diaz brings an extensive background in education and fundraising to IAT, with a track record of growing programs and revenue by significant margins. He has led organizations through periods of strategic growth, developed curricula for international distribution, provided professional development for educators, and formed strong strategic partnerships with school districts. Most recently, he served as Executive Director at DreamCatchers Inc, where he increased development goals by 150% and doubled services provided to students. Experienced in project-based and social-emotional learning, Diaz is certified as a STEAM and Design Thinking Trainer. He holds a BA in English from University of California Irvine (Honors) and a Masters of Education from Grand Canyon University, with an emphasis on curriculum and technology.
"All of our programs are a hub for creativity, exploration, and transformation,” said Diaz. “We welcome anyone who shares our vision of revolutionizing education to engage with, support, and learn from our programs.”
IAT develops, practices, and shares educational methods that challenges and support all children to engage deeply in their learning via real interests and real tools. Thousands of children, parents, and educators have experienced the lasting impact of the 21st-century model of education that IAT is building through its day camps, after-school programs, and teacher workshops.
Dedicated to supporting education transformation globally, IAT’s mission extends beyond its own campus. It inspires through its programs, offering valuable resources and providing support and programming to educators, families, and organizations who seek to partner with children in innovative ways.
Qi Diaz was selected as IAT’s next Executive Director after an extensive search and recruitment process led by the IAT board of directors and facilitated by Envision Consulting.