AboutWCXR
Our Mission
Empowering underserved students with access to advanced technology and dynamic educational STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programs and competitions to develop critical skills for the future.
Partner Schools
Students Served Annually
Raised since 2023
Our Vision
Inspiring young minds to unlock their potential and shape the future with technology.
Key Impact Statistics
250+ students served annually through our STEAM programs.
8+ school partners in 2024/25, including Times² Academy, Highlander Charter School, The Met High School, Gordon School, Nuestro Mundo Charter, Community Prep School, Ricci Middle School, Youth Build Academy.
Annual signature events such as the MindBlast XR Hackathon and Game Jam, providing real-world problem-solving experiences for students.
Over $200,000 raised since 2023 through grants, sponsorships, and community support.
Innovation STEAM Hub opened in Providence in 2023, serving as a central space for hands-on STEAM learning and community engagement.
Founder & Executive Director
Juan Rodriguez
Juan Rodriguez is the Founder and Executive Director of Winners’ Circle XR Academy, Inc., a nonprofit committed to giving young people access to cutting-edge technology and hands-on STEAM learning. A former educator and curriculum designer, Juan started Winners’ Circle in 2019 with the belief that every student—no matter their background—deserves the chance to discover their talents, build confidence, and prepare for future careers in technology.
Since then, he has led the Academy’s growth into a statewide movement, launching after-school programs, summer camps, robotics teams, esports tournaments, and innovation showcases that have reached hundreds of students and families. Juan’s leadership has helped secure partnerships with schools, community organizations, and sponsors who share his vision of creating a more equitable STEAM ecosystem.
He is also a TEDx speaker (“The Underdog Blueprint: Empowering Students through STEAM Education”), a member of the Rhode Island Department of Education STEM Advisory Group, and a proud graduate of a Master’s program in Curriculum & Instruction Design – Technology Integration.
For Juan, Winners’ Circle is more than a program—it’s a community where young people can learn, create, and play while shaping the future of technology and society.
2025/26 Board of Directors
Juan Rodriguez
Gladys Thompson
Laionel Cintro
John Roias
John McCray
Sheyla Montavlo
Richard Oliviera
Stephanie Gonzalez
Executive Leadership / Board Chair Roles
- President – TBA
- Vice President – Gladys Thompson
- Secretary – Laionel Cintron
- Treasurer – John Roias
Committee Assignments
Fundraising & Strategic Growth Committee
- Richard Oliviera
Outreach & Partnership Committee
- Sheyla Montavlo
- Gladys Thompson
- Laionel Cintron
Governance & Recruitment Committee
- John McCray
Join The Circle
Together, we can empower the next generation of innovators. Whether you’re a student ready to enroll in our programs, a supporter inspired to donate, a leader looking to partner, or a community member willing to volunteer, there’s a place for you in the Winners’ Circle.