Where Are They Now? Catching Up with Felipe Lima
- Make48+Team
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
When we first launched the City Series back in 2021, there was a buzz of nervous energy in the air. We were in Wichita, KS, wondering how this new chapter of Make48 would unfold. As it turns out, it was exactly the right move. Since that first event, we’ve traveled to countless cities across the country and met incredible people who truly embody the maker spirit – people like Felipe Lima.
The Road to Victory (and Beyond)
Felipe first stepped into the Make48 spotlight in 2021 alongside his friend Rafael Leite. Competing under the team name Veni, Vidi, Vici ("I came, I saw, I conquered"), they did exactly that, taking home first place in Wichita and moving on to the National competition.
While they didn’t take the top prize at Nationals, the experience left a lasting impression on Felipe. He returned to the floor the following year with That One Team, joining forces with Tyler Hook, Irene De Giacomi Leite, and Celine Sengvilay.
We recently had the pleasure of catching up with Felipe and Rafael when they stopped by for VIP Night at our most recent Wichita event in March 2026.
A Q&A with Felipe
What have you been up to since we last saw you?
“At the moment, I am a Sales Engineer with Smith & Loveless, based in Lenexa, KS. I have been married for a little over two years, and our only ‘child’ is our dog, Zaia. We are now living in Overland Park, KS.”
What about your current job do you enjoy the most?
“The most enjoyable part of my position is the opportunity to travel, connect with end users, and help solve their challenges. It is especially rewarding to receive feedback from customers who share that I was able to help them resolve an issue.”
Did your experience at Make48 open any new doors or opportunities for you?
“Absolutely. I was in the job market for some time, and whenever I mentioned Make48 and explained what we built, it consistently generated strong interest. People were genuinely impressed and eager to learn more about our project.”
Do you still keep in touch with your former teammates?
“Rafael remains a close friend and now also lives in the Kansas City area. Celine is my wife! I have minimal contact with Irene and Tyler, though.”
What is the best memory you took away from the Make48 experience?
“The most memorable part was the sense of accomplishment. After being awake for over 30 hours and ultimately winning first place, it was an incredibly rewarding experience.”
It’s stories like Felipe’s – where teammates become family and "maker" skills translate into professional success – that remind us why we do what we do. We’re so proud to see how far Felipe has come since those first 48 hours in Wichita!
That first competition in Wichita was such a milestone for the City Series. Watching Felipe and Rafael navigate the 48-hour sprint as team Veni, Vidi, Vici really captured the spirit of collaboration that makes these events so special.
You can watch the full story of that 2021 Wichita competition here: Wichita, KS 2021 - Make48
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