Margaret Ashida leads the nationwide STEMx network of state STEM organizations working together to transform science, technology, engineering and mathematics education at the grassroots level. STEMx is managed by Battelle, the world's largest independent research and development organization. Launched at the US News STEM Solutions Summit in June 2012, STEMx currently engages 16 state STEM organizations from all over the country on action teams focused on federal & state policy, promising practices & innovation, and communications & advocacy. The STEMx community of states is grounded in its shared vision, diverse experiences and expertise, and understanding that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

 Before her selection as the STEMx leader, Margaret directed the Empire State STEM Learning Network that was incubated at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute before moving under the stewardship of the State University of New York System. Margaret’s previous experience includes executive positions at IBM in global workforce management and diversity programs, university relations and recruiting, and e-business transformation. She also has management and staff experience in marketing and customer support operations, financial planning and pricing, and operational analysis. She began her career at the Xerox Corporation and moved to ROLM coincident with its acquisition by IBM.