When Letia Blanco stood on stage as a finalist in a third-grade Invention Convention competition, she had no idea that her homemade Automatic Toothpaste Brush would one day be an early milestone on the path to a career in aerospace engineering. Today, Letia is a Value Stream Leader for Bombardier Next Gen Integrated Avionics at Collins Aerospace, an RTX Business, managing multi-million-dollar customer portfolios and leading different teams through the complexities of aviation innovation. Her story is a powerful testament to the long-term impact of invention education — and the mindset it fosters.
A Young Inventor Takes Flight
Letia’s experience with Invention Convention planted the seeds of innovation early. "It was the first time I was really asked to solve a problem I cared about,” she shared. “That hands-on experience helped me realize that I was capable of identifying challenges and creating solutions that could help others.” The process — from ideation to prototype to presentation — gave her more than just a taste of invention. It gave her confidence.
That confidence stuck with her. After earning a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington (graduating in the top 1% of her class), Letia entered the world of aerospace and defense with RTX, formerly known as Raytheon Technologies. Over nearly two decades, she advanced through engineering, project management, and leadership roles, working on everything from military electro-optical systems to commercial and business aviation platforms.
Creative Problem Solving: A Lifelong Tool
Letia’s Invention Convention experience didn’t just ignite her interest in STEM; it introduced her to a mindset that still drives her work today: problem solving. “Invention education helped me internalize the idea that it’s okay to iterate. That failure isn’t the end of the story — it’s part of the process,” she explained. “Those lessons have shown up again and again in my career.”
As a leader, Letia brings problem solving principles into everything she does: collaborative brainstorming, empathetic leadership, resilience in the face of technical roadblocks, and a constant search for innovative solutions. Whether she’s managing enormous projects, leading technology road mapping for Bombardier’s Global aircraft series, or mentoring engineers, she’s solving real-world problems with the same curiosity and drive she showed in third grade.
Giving Back, Lifting Up
Letia doesn’t just innovate — she uplifts. In addition to her career achievements, she’s the founder of Design Your World, a STEM enrichment program that introduces young students to science, engineering, and invention. More than 1,200 students have participated in the organization’s programs, which include Magic Pets robotics, STEM Career Summit, and Electronic Fashion Camp. “It’s my way of giving back,” she said. “If someone hadn’t introduced me to invention education when I was a kid, I might not have seen this path.”
She continues to help young inventors bring their ideas to life as an Invention Convention coach in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Perhaps most full-circle of all: Letia’s daughter is now a young inventor herself. Watching her daughter engage with design thinking and invention reminds Letia just how powerful it is to spark creativity early — and how much joy it brings when families get to innovate together.
Letia is also an award-winning engineer and leader, holding a patent in nano-particulate delivery systems, having earned the Society of Women Engineers’ “Distinguished New Engineer” award and been named one of Corridor Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” leaders. Through mentorship, public speaking, and community programs, Letia actively cultivates future innovators — especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Advice for the Next Generation
When asked what advice she would give to young inventors today, Letia didn’t hesitate: “Stay curious. Embrace challenges. And don’t be afraid to ask big questions. Inventing isn’t just about the product — it’s about the process of thinking creatively, learning from mistakes, and believing your ideas matter.”
Her story is proof that early innovation experiences — like invention convention—can have a lifelong impact. Letia’s journey from student inventor to aerospace leader is a powerful reminder: when we invest in young people’s ideas, we’re investing in the future of every industry.
Learn more about Invention Convention Worldwide’s alumni program and read stories from other invention convention alumni.
Bringing Young Innovators Together
Winning inventors and entrepreneurs are invited to compete at these prestigious, high-profile annual events.
Competitions