When PingWind founder Aaron Moak talks about why his family and company support the Northern Virginia Science Center, he doesn’t frame it as a business decision or a branding exercise. He talks about ways of thinking. For Aaron, STEM is less about a single discipline and more about developing the ability to look at the world objectively, ask questions, test assumptions, and learn continuously.
Aaron’s own path reflects that mindset. He earned a degree in biophysics from Johns Hopkins University and has since built a career that spans military service, international logistics and supply chain work, entrepreneurship, and teaching. Across those experiences, he has relied on what he describes as the ability to “quantitatively and analytically look at situations and problems,” especially when decisions must be made without being able to physically see or touch what is being managed.
That analytical foundation fuels Aaron’s belief that STEM education should not be limited to future scientists or engineers. He speaks about the importance of helping all people learn how to find data, interpret it for themselves, and challenge what they think they know. For him, science stands apart because of its “quest for truth,” where ideas are tested with evidence rather than opinions or subjectivity.
That philosophy carries directly into PingWind’s culture. The company embraces the idea of ancora imparo – “I am still learning” – a phrase that is central to how the organization approaches growth. Team members are supported in setting their own development goals and taking ownership of how they grow, reinforcing the idea that learning never stops.
To that end, investing in the Northern Virginia Science Center, an institution that promotes lifelong learning, critical thinking, and curiosity makes sense. Aaron believes strongly in investing locally. He and his family spend significant time coaching, volunteering, and supporting community programs, and he sees the Science Center as a powerful way to extend that impact. Even small changes, like exposing a child to a new way of thinking or a hands-on STEM experience, can compound overtime.
Through its Element Partnership, PingWind is helping create access to those experiences, reinforcing a belief that wonder, evidence-based thinking, and community engagement together can shape a stronger future. The team chose Molybdenum (Mo) as their element for recognition and are honoring Aaron and his family – The Moak Family – on it.
We are grateful to the Moaks and PingWind for investing so generously in this shared vision. If you would like to start a conversation about how you or your company can impact STEM learning for good in our region, please reach out to Jenn Brunner, Chief Advancement Officer, at cao@childsci.org.
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