Make48 Welcomes Jordan Blackwood to the Team!
- Make48+Team
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
Make48 is pleased to announce the addition of Jordan Blackwood to their growing team. Jordan brings a unique blend of technical skills and a passion for empowering young creators to the organization.
Jordan's journey to Make48 is a testament to her determination and diverse background. A Kansas native, she earned her Associates in Science and substation certification in Wind Energy from Cloud County Community College (Concordia, KS), where she often found herself as one of the few women in her program. She then continued her education at Kansas State University, all while balancing motherhood.
"My path has been anything but traditional," Jordan shared. "From working on a farm and in a local cafe to navigating the challenges of being a mom and pursuing my education, I've learned to adapt and thrive in diverse environments." One of the aspects of Make48 that resonated with Jordan is the organization's "can-do" attitude. "My whole life, I've been told 'that's never going to happen,'" she said. "Make48 is different. They embrace the crazy ideas and find ways to make them real."
"I have my own invention ideas, and I love seeing others bring their visions to life," Jordan explained. “My journey to inventing started with a near-tragic experience. Nine months pregnant, I was trampled by a cow, resulting in severe injuries and emergency surgery, the day before my scheduled C-section. That experience, and the challenges of caring for a newborn while recovering, sparked an invention idea I'm still working on. It's a very personal project, and I think it has real potential. Make48 is a place where 'that's impossible' turns into 'let's make it happen.'"
Her connection to Make48 began through her father, who recognized her inventive spirit and introduced her to the organization. Jordan’s interest was immediately piqued by the creative energy and the opportunity to support young innovators. "I love helping kids brainstorm and find solutions," she said, reflecting on her experience at the Vandermont-Dallas competition. "Seeing their ideas come to fruition is incredibly rewarding."
Jordan's role at Make48 allows her to leverage her communication and sales skills, honed through years in the restaurant industry and her family's background in sales. She is particularly excited about the organization's commitment to fostering creativity in young minds. "My kids are my biggest inspiration," she said. "They're why I do everything."
Outside of work, Jordan enjoys snowboarding, spending time with her two young sons, and exploring new places. Growing up on a farm, she also has a passion for animals and hopes to have horses and goats again in the future.
Jordan is also enthusiastic about Make48's focus on women in STEM, particularly the upcoming women's competition in Kansas City. "Being one of the few women in my wind energy program, I understand the importance of empowering women in these fields," she stated. "I'm excited to see more girls realize that anything boys can do, girls can do better."
As Jordan settles into her role, she is eager to contribute to Make48's mission of fostering innovation and empowering the next generation of makers. "We are delighted to welcome Jordan to the Make48 family," said Cassandra Munoz, Communications. "Her passion for creativity and dedication to empowering young inventors make her a valuable asset to our team."
Make48 is looking forward to seeing the impact Jordan Blackwood will have on the organization and the young innovators it serves.
About Make48:
Make48 is a nationwide invention-competition docuseries that challenges teams to turn their ideas into reality in just 48 hours. During the three-day event, participants must design a prototype, create a promotional video, and prepare a sales sheet to present their concept to a panel of judges. Teams have access to a state-of-the-art makerspace, skilled Tool Techs who can bring almost any vision to life, as well as patent attorneys, marketing experts, and other invaluable resources. This unique format ensures a level playing field, where creativity and teamwork shine, making it accessible to everyone—no prior technical expertise is required.