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Meera Balendran
Maker Educator
Professional Background
Meera Balendran is a committed Maker Educator Specialist at St. Andrew's College, where she focuses on empowering students and educators alike through various mediums of technology. Her dedication to maker education began in 2016, and since then, she has built a robust career centered around fostering curiosity, creativity, and innovative thinking among learners of all ages. Meera's journey in the field of maker education is marked by her extensive experience at several prestigious institutions, where her passion for programming, robotics, and interactive art has flourished.
Starting her professional journey at STEAMLabs, she joined as a Maker Educator, later rising to the role of Director of Youth Programs. Here, Meera learned the importance of creating an environment where inventing, tinkering, and even failing are not only accepted but celebrated. This foundational experience was crucial in shaping her approach to education—one that emphasizes exploration and experimentation as key components of the learning process.
Following her impactful time at STEAMLabs, Meera transitioned to Ryerson University as a New Media Specialist in the New Media Program. In this capacity, she made it her mission to cultivate a safe and collaborative space that encourages students’ curiosity and creativity through maker education—a lively mix of dynamic learning experiences that resonate well with the modern digital age.
After this, she served as a STEAM Technologist at Branksome Hall, where she integrated the “Maker mindset” into International Baccalaureate classes. Her focus was not just on teaching technical skills, but also on empowering students to think critically and creatively, fostering a robust understanding of STEAM principles.
Now at St. Andrew's College, Meera is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and fostering inspiration throughout the community. She aims to ensure that learning continues beyond the confines of the classroom, encouraging an environment where innovation thrives.
Education and Achievements
Meera Balendran's educational foundation is rooted in her studies at Ryerson University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in New Media. This program provided her with a strong grounding in interactive and creative digital culture—a perfect precursor to her career in maker education. Throughout her academic journey, Meera stood out as a student whose passion for creativity and technology stood out. Her high school education at Maple High School further contributed to her development, with a focus on academic excellence and extracurricular engagement.
Her achievements in education extend beyond her formal qualifications. For instance, Meera has played an instrumental role in developing curriculum and programs that nurture innovative thinking. She has been a part of various workshops and educational initiatives that focus on hands-on learning, which has significantly enhanced students' engagement in STEAM subjects. By holding workshops and leading projects, Meera has successfully inspired many young minds to explore the realms of technology and creativity.
Notable Positions
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Maker Educator Specialist at St. Andrew's College: As the leading educator in maker education, Meera empowers students and teachers with the tools and knowledge needed to pursue their creative interests.
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STEAM Technologist at Branksome Hall: Here, she integrated STEAM principles into curriculum design, fostering a holistic educational approach.
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New Media Specialist at Ryerson University: In this role, she created safe, encouraging spaces that advanced collaborative learning through maker education.
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Director of Youth Programs at STEAMLabs: Meera’s contributions included developing inspiring programming focused on innovation and creative risk-taking.
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Educational Facilitator Roles: Including her time as a digiPlaySpace Facilitator at the Toronto International Film Festival, Meera has always strived to engage youth in the world of creative technology. Her role also included designing multimedia educational content, further reinforcing her commitment to creating dynamic learning experiences.
Each position Meera has held has contributed to her holistic understanding of maker education and its impact on learners, positioning her as a respected professional within the educational community.
As Meera continues to advance her career, she remains committed to the core principles of maker education. Her journey reflects a passion for creativity and a belief that education should encourage exploration, collaboration, and innovation.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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