More Than Volunteering: Two Sigma’s Commitment to FIRST in Texas
Behind every FIRST® in Texas event, there is a network of dedicated volunteers and corporate partners who quietly make the magic happen. Volunteering with FIRST in Texas is not just something to cross off a list. For the team at Two Sigma, it is about investing in curiosity, creativity, and the future of STEM in Texas.
Two Sigma has been a proud partner of FIRST in Texas for several years, supporting students through financial sponsorship, engineering mentorship, and hands on volunteer initiatives. Two of the people helping lead this effort are Kendra Lumbi and Dan Hall, whose passion for both technology and community shines through everything they do.
Kendra Lumbi first got involved with FIRST in Texas about three years ago after learning about Two Sigma’s existing partnership with the program. She was immediately drawn to the opportunity to introduce kids to the joys and impact of STEM education, and she notes that the LEGO® building activities have become one of Two Sigma’s most engaging and impactful volunteer initiatives. Dan Hall joined Two Sigma in 2022 and jumped right in due to his hobby with robotics. “I wanted to help inspire and support students as they explore engineering, problem-solving, and creativity.” He states.
For both Kendra and Dan, volunteering with FIRST in Texas is also a way to bring Two Sigma’s values to life in the community. “Representing Two Sigma through FIRST volunteering is incredibly meaningful,” Kendra said. “It demonstrates our company’s genuine commitment to giving back to the community and investing in the next generation of STEM leaders. As part of the ImpacTS team, I'm fortunate to both volunteer myself and organize volunteering events for my colleagues." Dan echoed that sentiment talking about how it connects their core values of curiosity, innovation, and collaboration to real world impact. “It's one thing to work on complex problems in finance and technology, but it's another to use our knowledge and resources to inspire the next generation of engineers and problem-solvers.”
Being part of an organization that believes in the impact of FIRST in Texas makes Dan and Kendra proud to know the investment is not just in technology, but in students and their potential. Two Sigma is a proud partner, and we are deeply grateful for their trust in our vision and their continued investment in our programs. Ask anyone at Two Sigma about their favorite volunteering memory and they will likely mention FIRST LEGO building week. “It is a different kind of team building, one where we're creating something tangible together, and it strengthens our sense of community while forging bonds that carry back into our everyday work." Dan said.
Volunteering with FIRST in Texas has changed how both Kendra and Dan approach their work and mentorship. Kendra shares that building the LEGO fields gave her a new appreciation for the behind the scenes work that makes the competitions possible. It taught her the importance of encouraging curiosity rather than simply providing answers, and she has built stronger relationships with colleagues through their shared volunteering experiences. For Dan, watching students iterate and adapt has left a lasting impression. “Watching students dive into ideas, prototype quickly, adapt on the fly, and treat setbacks as part of the process has been a powerful reminder that experimentation and iteration lead to better solutions." Dan says. That mindset has influenced how Dan tackles problems in his own work at Two Sigma, staying open-minded and viewing obstacles as opportunities to learn.
Both Kendra and Dan have the same advice for anyone considering volunteering with FIRST in Texas. Just go for it! “Whether you have a technical background or not, there's a place for you to contribute and make a meaningful impact.” Kendra expresses. Dan added, “The energy, problem-solving, and positivity you'll encounter will genuinely inspire you and leave you feeling you're the one who learned the most!"
Through leaders like Kendra Lumbi and Dan Hall, Two Sigma continues to show what it looks like when a company invests in its community. Their story is a powerful reminder that when corporate partners step up, students across Texas gain the confidence to pursue bold ideas, solve real world problems, and prepare for the wide range of STEM careers waiting for them tomorrow, while volunteers often find themselves impacted far more than they ever expected!