About Gique
Vision
To create a world that champions both the arts and sciences as creative outlets for developing well-rounded, passionate problem-solvers.
Mission
Gique is an MIT-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) which exists to engage students in creative, hands-on curricula, experiments and activities that develop their passion and potential to succeed in science, technology, engineering, art + design, and math (STEAM).
We believe all students deserve access to enriching opportunities and experiences needed to be successful in life, especially in underserved urban areas. We are committed to building the type of local and global learning communities that cultivate STEAM-powered innovators.
We promise to elevate awareness of the importance of STEAM in public and charter education systems with all of our educational resources. We aim to uplift our students in ways that are culturally responsive, adapt to their unique needs, and are meaningful to their communities and everyday lives.
By providing free, hands-on educational programs and mentorship to youth from diverse circumstances, talented young people in Boston learn the skills necessary to become culture creators, rather than just consumers.
Gique is the only nonprofit that supports diverse learning styles by translating technical concepts through creative expressions that empower students to understand, enjoy and excel in STEAM education.
“Study the science of art. Study the art of science.
Develop your senses- especially learn how to see.
Realize that everything connects to everything else.”
— Leonardo da Vinci
Meet Our Team
Danielle Olson
Co-Founder
Danielle Olson is a Doctoral Student in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science at MIT CSAIL and works as a Research Assistant in the Imagination, Computation, and Expression (ICE) Laboratory. Danielle earned a B.S. in Computer Science and Engineering from MIT in 2014 and an S.M. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT in 2019. Danielle has previously worked as a Program Manager at the Microsoft New England Research & Development Center, MOSTEC Summer Program Coordinator for the MIT Office of Engineering Outreach Programs, and Learning Facilitator for the MIT STEAM Camp at Chinese International School with the MIT pK-12 Action Group.
Phil Getzen
phil@gique.me
Co-Founder + Vice President
Phil is currently a Senior Product Manager at ESPN. Phil earned his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Michigan State University in 2013. Previously, Phil has worked as a Product Manager at Twitter Boston, a Program Manager at the Microsoft New England Research & Development Center, and a Co-Founder and developer at TempoRun. Phil is passionate about the intersection of art & technology, social equity, and inclusion & diversity.
Ashli Davis-Polanco
ashli@gique.me
Co-Founder + Executive Director
Ashli is a Boston native who enjoys combining her love for dance with her passion for STEM. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from MIT in 2012. While at MIT, Ashli performed and competed with several hip-hop dance teams throughout the Boston area. She is now pursuing her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. Previously, Ashli has worked as a Process Development Associate at the Broad Institute's Technology Development Lab and an ORISE Fellow working for the US Army.
College Intern Program
Gique is fortunate to be located in Cambridge, MA, a hub of prestigious higher education, with a diverse pool of talented students who are passionate about both giving back and gaining real-world experience. We have had gratifying experiences in the past working with and mentoring volunteer college student interns.
We are always seeking talented, hard-working candidates enrolled in local colleges and universities to join our Cambridge, MA, operations team as a volunteer intern. We are committed to fostering a program that is beneficial for both Gique and its interns: identifying opportunities within our organization for you to develop your unique skills and interests while working side-by-side with experienced mentors.
Given the diverse backgrounds and professions of our team, we are very flexible and accommodating to the busy schedules of college students and have an existing infrastructure for working productively both in-person (at our HQ in the heart of Porter Square) and remotely (via Slack, Google Hangouts, and conference calls). There's usually delicious snacks and food involved at all of our meetings! Finally, we are also happy to provide confirmation of your service as part of any community service program requirements. We have selectively provided letters of recommendation and employment referrals for past interns who contributed exceptional work to our organization.
Gique is also a proud nonprofit partner of Northeastern University's Civic Engagement Program (CEP), which aims to redefine scholarship by ensuring that students receiving Northeastern’s most prestigious scholarships not only excel academically, but have the opportunity to grow as civic-minded individuals who give back through service to our local and global communities.
Past Interns
Gabriella Paquette
Operations Intern
Jan 2018 - August 2018
Northeastern University
Gabby Paquette graduated from Northeastern University as a Health Science student. On campus, she was the Academic Chair for the Eta Kappa chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority, and a Senior Health Educator for Peer Health Exchange (PHE). In addition to teaching health education to 9th graders in underprivileged Boston Public Schools with PHE, she worked to improve pediatric health as a Clinical Assistant at Boston Children’s Hospital. She has also worked as a Medical Assistant and Scribe at a Washington Square Dermatology. Accompanying her passion for medicine is a passion for promoting personal agency through engaging and valuable education programs.
Gabrielle Rabadam
Operations Intern
Mar 2016 - August 2018
Northeastern University
Gabrielle Rabadam is a Northeastern University graduate in Chemical Engineering and Northeastern University Scholar. On campus, she mentored on behalf of Science Club for Girls and headed the Northeastern Chapter of the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineers as president. Gabby worked at Moderna in the Rare Diseases group on the application of mRNA gene therapies to metabolic disorders. She has also worked at Ocular Therapeutix on their hydrogel protein delivery platform and conducted independent research in the Webster Nanomedicine Lab on the development of nanoscale drug release scaffolds. Beyond her technical research interests, Gabby is passionate about STEM education, distance running, and art as a tool for social change.
Vanessa Gregorchik | BIO
Communications Intern
Aug 2015 - June 2016
Northeastern University
Vanessa Gregorchik is an undergraduate student at Northeastern University where she is studying Interaction Design. She is originally from Louisville, Kentucky, where she was involved with her high school's yearbook and several independent magazines. At Northeastern, she is looking forward to getting involved with the campus music magazine and design studio. She is passionate about photography and graphic design and using them for a greater purpose.
Annie Garcia | BIO
Education Program Intern
Nov 2015 - June 2016
Wellesley College
Annie is an undergraduate student at Wellesley College where she is studying Environmental Studies and Environmental Engineering. She is from Laredo, Texas where she was actively involved in a local environmental organization and her high school’s drama club. She hopes to one day enter the fields of energy and construction. Her passions lie with with renewable design, environmental activism, sewing, and baking.
Thank You To Our Advisors!
Lou Goldish, Peter Dublin — MIT Venture Mentoring Services
Judy Sanford, Maureen O'Connell — Cone Communications