On November 23rd, The Qubit Bot robotics team had the honor of hosting a virtual outreach event with Austin City Council Member for District 3, José Miguel Anwar Velásquez. A lifelong advocate for community service and a fourth-generation Austinite, Council Member Velásquez shared his journey, insights on leadership, and his vision for a more equitable Austin. The discussion left the team inspired and equipped with valuable lessons to apply to their FTC robotics season and beyond.
About Council Member Velásquez: A Life of Service
José Velásquez’s story is a testament to resilience, community engagement, and a deep commitment to public service. Raised in East Austin by a single mother who worked tirelessly to support her family, José learned the value of hard work and giving back. His early experiences, from advocating for classmates to taking on responsibilities at a young age, set the foundation for his career in public service.
Velásquez has contributed significantly to Austin's development through initiatives focusing on affordability, accessibility, and inclusivity. Notable achievements include expanding the "Safe Space" program, repurposing city properties for affordable housing, and establishing an LGBTQIA Resource Center.
The Q&A Session: Key Learnings
The event with Council Member Velásquez was an engaging Q&A session where the team discussed STEM education, AI in governance, and the balance between work and personal life. Below are some of the key takeaways:
STEM Education and Advocacy
Although STEM is not currently a primary focus of the Austin City Council, Velásquez recognized its importance, sharing that robotics programs existed in the Austin ISD during his school years. His acknowledgment of STEM's role in shaping future innovators encouraged the team to continue advocating for broader STEM outreach in local communities.
AI and Governance
Velásquez shared a fascinating anecdote about interacting with an AI-powered bot during a call to City Hall—unaware at first that it wasn’t human. This highlighted AI’s growing role in society and the need for thoughtful legislation to manage its use. The team found parallels to their own work in robotics, emphasizing the importance of responsible technology development.
Work-Life Balance in Leadership
Velásquez stressed the importance of prioritizing mental health within his team and for himself. By allowing flexible schedules and emphasizing rest, he underscored the value of well-being for sustained performance. The robotics team drew lessons on fostering a supportive environment where team members can thrive.
Community-Centric Leadership
Velásquez’s dedication to staying connected with constituents, such as hosting block walks and making himself accessible, inspired the team to enhance their own outreach efforts. His ability to balance empathy with action serves as a model for effective leadership.
How the Qubit Bot Team Will Apply These Learnings
The insights shared by Council Member Velásquez offer practical and philosophical guidance for the Qubit Bot team as they prepare for the upcoming FIRST FTC season:
Strengthening Advocacy for STEM
Inspired by Velásquez’s acknowledgment of STEM’s importance, the team plans to expand their outreach to local schools and policymakers to raise awareness about robotics and its impact on education.
Exploring AI Integration
Recognizing AI’s transformative role in governance, the team will incorporate AI-related projects into their robotics challenges, emphasizing ethical and impactful applications.
Fostering Team Well-Being
The team will implement practices that ensure a healthy work-life balance, such as flexible schedules during busy competition seasons and mental health check-ins.
Community Engagement
Following Velásquez’s example, the team will deepen their connections with the community by hosting more interactive workshops, collaborating with local leaders, and sharing their knowledge with younger students.
Conclusion
Meeting Council Member José Velásquez was a transformative experience for the Qubit Bot robotics team. His commitment to service, passion for community, and practical advice resonated deeply with the team, reinforcing the values of resilience, leadership, and collaboration.
As the team moves forward, these lessons will guide their efforts, not only in the competitive arena of robotics but also in their broader mission to inspire and uplift their community. In the words of Council Member Velásquez, challenges can be opportunities, and leadership begins with a heartfelt connection to those you serve.
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