Mariselle Gonzalez
Founder of Parallel 10 Education
The Story Behind Parallel 10
Mariselle Gonzalez is an engineer, business strategist, and education entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in technology and innovation. She holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from Arizona State University, and has led transformative work at companies including Motorola, Microchip Technology, and Salesforce.
But the seeds of Parallel 10 were planted long before her corporate career, rooted in where she comes from, what she observed, and what she believed was possible for students everywhere.
What's in the Name?
Mariselle was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela - a city located at exactly 10 degrees North latitude of the Equator. Parallel 10 is named in her honor of those roots. It is a reminder that great ideas, great educators, and great students come from everywhere on this earth - and that geography should never limit what a student can learn or become.
The Motivation
Roots & Identity
Mariselle's own educational journey, shaped by her Venezuelan roots, her immigration experience, and her path through engineering and business, gave her a firsthand understanding of the gaps that exist between where students start and where they have the potential to go.
A Curriculum Born at a University
In the early 2000s, Mariselle created the original Engineering A to Z curriculum for a talented youth program at a major university. That experience showed her what was possible when students were given access to real, rigorous, and engaging content - and it planted the seed for what would eventually become Parallel 10.
Intellectual Gaps & Leveling Up
Mariselle observed a persistent pattern: intellectual gaps in basic knowledge, critical thinking, and real-world application were holding students back - not because they lacked ability, but because they lacked access. Parallel 10 exists to level the playing field. Because CONFIDENCE is power. And every student deserves to feel powerful.
The Butterfly Behind the Brand
The butterfly in the Parallel 10 logo is not just a design choice.
It is a declaration of intent.
The butterfly effect, discovered by accident in 1961 by Edward Lorenz, is a core concept in chaos theory.
Tiny, seemingly insignificant changes in a complex system can lead to vastly different and unpredictable outcomes.
A single flap of a butterfly's wings in Brazil could alter atmospheric conditions just enough to eventually cause a tornado in Texas weeks later.
Our world is deeply interconnected and sensitive to even the smallest actions.
One student who gains confidence. One teacher who sees a different approach.
One curriculum that opens a door that was previously closed.
The ripple effects are immeasurable.
“That is the effect I aim to have with Parallel 10, for kids all over the world. I am just a simple butterfly flapping my wings.”
- Mariselle Gonzalez, Founder
Professional Background
- Degree in Electrical Engineering
- MBA from Arizona State University
- 30+ years in technology and business transformation
- Leadership roles at Motorola, Microchip Technology, and Salesforce
- Experience across semiconductors, SaaS, and consulting
- 100+ projects in product development, digital transformation, and strategy
- Board service with Girls on the Run
- Community education initiatives and youth development
- Creator of the original Engineering A to Z curriculum for a talented youth university program
A Personal Commitment to Students
Mariselle believes education should help students connect who they are with what they can build, solve, create, and contribute. Through Parallel 10, she is building a curriculum ecosystem that helps students explore more possibilities - and gives schools, families, and partners a practical way to expand future-ready learning. Because confidence is power. And every student deserves to feel powerful.
Let's Bridge the Gap for the Next Generation
Reach out to learn more about Parallel 10 programs, partnerships, or sponsorship opportunities.
Contact Mariselle