Conversations with the Inspiring Tracey Winey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracey Winey.

Tracey, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have taught for twenty years and it has been a blast. From Japan to Hungary to Colombia to the US, I’ve been inspired by students at every level. I’ve been fortunate to teach in very different cultures, socio-economic statuses, geological locations, ages and curriculum.

Seven years ago, my class worked with a group in the Philippines. We were learning about biomass stoves. It was not my expertise, so I reached out to the local Fort Collins Community. Pretty soon, I realized many people not only had amazing skills but wanted to share their knowledge with my students. We partnered with CSU and the Peace Corp and had 100 biomass stoves sent to the Philippines. Just as important I learned many things: kids everywhere want to use their talent to impact others, the community is eager to partner with schools, students benefit when their learning is authentic, sustained, ongoing relationships benefit all involved and school exists beyond the traditional time table and four classroom walls.

A group of students wanted to continue making a difference. We had the opportunity to have ongoing communication with an orphanage in Uganda. At the same time, Haiti had just had a terrible earthquake. Students at Preston had learned from their friends in Uganda, that a huge barrier to achieving their dreams was no light after dark to study. So, my students decided to make flashlights for the kids in Haiti. I knew of a local dentist who was travelling to Haiti, and he willingly took the flashlights. Making flashlights was not in my wheelhouse. My assistance principal John Howe was willing to help my students get better. He had the skills, the heart and a vision. Through this collaboration, Engineering Brightness was born!

EB’s mission is to make the world brighter through intellect and engineering. We design, manufacture and deliver handheld 3D printed, solar-powered lanterns. Each lantern is made by students and hand-delivered to people across the world. The recipients agree to be field researchers. They are a crucial part of the EB community. They teach us important concepts about how they use the lantern, how long the lantern lasts, how long it needs to be charged and they teach us about their country and culture.

EB is a community of students, parents, business members, retired folk, and educators worldwide. We have worked in 14 countries and have delivered about 700 lanterns. Currently (March of 2020) we have paused printing lanterns and our currently 3D printing PPE.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a remarkably rewarding journey. My six-word memoir is “Unplanned turns, grateful for the detours.” And this relates to Engineering Brightness. Engineering is a male-dominated field, AND I do not have an Engineering background. That has been a struggle. One of my earliest mentors is a former engineer turned teacher, Dawn Dupriest. Dawn patiently introduced me to Engineering. She walked me step by step through very basic ideas. Along the way, EB partnered with OtterBox. OtterBox taught my students about all things engineering: mechanical, electrical, tooling. As they taught my students, I also listened and learned. Engineering Brightness would not happen without John Howe. He has also introduced me to many topics I had never thought about. Rather than him doing a skill, he taught me how to do it. He is encouraging and faithful, patient and has a heart of gold.

Another struggle has been funding. We rely on grants and donations. Another struggle is time. Both John and I volunteer all of our time. My advice is to surround yourself with people who believe in you and believe in kids. When you are around people who want to make the world brighter AND believe it can be done, amazing things happen. Be open to learning. I have learned SO much from students globally. When you treat each person you meet as someone of value with something to contribute, your life will be so rich!

What should we know about Preston Middle School, Colorado State University, Engineering Brightness? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Engineering Brightness Community is comprised of people from Preston Middle School, Colorado State University, and so many others locally and globally. People believe in one another. People genuinely want to help. People give their time and talents so freely. Not only are we lighting up the world, literally, we hope we are lighting up individual souls. Igniting potential in students is amazing. Shining a figurative light on their ability to make a difference NOW, flips a switch in kids. They realize they don’t have to wait until they have a job to change the world. This is what sets us apart. Engineering Brightness has a real product: a 3D Printed, Solar powered, student-made lantern. We are fighting light poverty. Engineering Brightness has so many more facets: global collaboration, lighting a spark in kids, connecting people in our own community, giving people purpose, giving people hope, making homes safer, improving air quality, teaching engineering principles to girls and underserved populations. We truly welcome every person. All you need to be great is you.

Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
This is an interesting question. My dad taught me it was a privilege to contribute. He showed me this through his actions. We didn’t have a lot growing up, but we had more than enough to share with others. We had time, kindness, humor and a belief in humanity.

I grew up in Craig, Colorado. It is a beautiful town in Western Colorado. The people are kind, believe in community and are hard working. I also had a fierce desire to travel and learn other cultures. I moved to Hungary and to study Economics during my undergraduate. I had never traveled internationally and didn’t speak the language. I was inspired by a new way of life and awed by the beautiful country. I realized how big the world was and how much I didn’t know. I made it my goal to travel as much as possible learning all the way. Throughout the past twenty years and many different geographical places, I have learned that when someone believes in you, sees potential in you, counts on you to use your talents-you rise to the occasion. I hope Engineering Brightness helps spark humanity’s philanthropic spirit, while lighting up the world!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.e-b.io
• Email: twiney@psdschools.org
• Facebook: Engineering Brightness
• Twitter: @winey02
• Other: @eng_bright

Image Credit:
Tracey Winey

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