On October 9, we brought together high school students, STEM professionals, and volunteers for another exciting
STEM for Her Challenge Day, hosted by Deloitte in Arlington, Virginia. Made possible in part through a generous grant from the
Rackspace Foundation, the event was a day filled with problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and discovery.
But as I reflect on the experience, what stands out most isn't just what the students learned. It's the confidence they gained, the connections they made, and the possibilities they began to see for their futures.
Throughout the day, students participated in three hands-on challenges designed to introduce them to different areas of STEM while encouraging teamwork and critical thinking.
- Cryptography: Students explored the world of cybersecurity, using logic, patterns, and problem-solving skills to crack codes and uncover hidden messages.
- Sphero Coding and Robotics: Students put their programming skills to the test, learning through experimentation, collaboration, and a little trial and error as they navigated robotic challenges.
- Artificial Intelligence: Students explored how AI can be used to address complex, real-world problems while considering how technology and human creativity work together to develop solutions.
Each challenge offered students an opportunity to try something new, work through obstacles, and experience the satisfaction of finding a solution.
It's About More Than STEM
One of my favorite parts of these events is watching students discover what they are capable of accomplishing.
Sometimes that means seeing a team celebrate after finally solving a difficult problem. Other times, it's watching a student who may have been hesitant at the beginning of an activity become more engaged, ask questions, and take on a leadership role.
These moments matter.
At
STEM for Her, we recognize that building a future in STEM isn't simply about developing technical skills. It's also about helping young women develop the confidence to pursue opportunities, ask questions, take risks, and recognize that they belong in these fields.
And just as importantly, it's about helping them see what is possible.
The Power of Connection
While the hands-on activities are an important part of our Challenge Days, the interactions with STEM professionals are equally valuable.
During our Lunch with a STEMinist, students had the opportunity to connect with women working in STEM-related careers, ask questions, hear about their professional journeys, and learn that there is no single path to success.
These conversations often have a lasting impact. Hearing from someone who once faced similar questions or uncertainties can make a career that seemed distant suddenly feel attainable.
In reviewing the student surveys following the event, one comment particularly resonated with me:
"I enjoyed getting to see so many girls who are interested in STEM like I am. It makes me feel like I’m not alone or putting myself in a space where I’m not welcome."
That is exactly why we do this work.
For some students, a
STEM for Her event may be their first opportunity to spend an entire day surrounded by peers who share their interests and professionals who encourage their ambitions. That sense of community and belonging can be just as meaningful as the skills they develop.
Another student reflected on how meaningful it was to connect with other girls interested in STEM and speak with professionals who could share their experiences.
These reflections reinforce something I believe deeply:
Exposure creates opportunity, connection builds confidence, and encouragement can change the direction of a young person's future.
Partnerships Make the Difference
Events like our October 9 Challenge Day are possible because of organizations and individuals who believe in investing in the next generation.
We are especially grateful to the
Rackspace Foundation, whose generous grant helped make this Challenge Day possible. Support like this allows
STEM for Her to bring meaningful, hands-on learning experiences directly to students, introducing them to emerging technologies, STEM careers, and professionals who can help inspire their next steps.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to
Deloitte for hosting the event and providing such a welcoming environment for our students. A special thank-you goes to
Amy Holcombe, a member of the
STEM for Her Advisory Board, whose leadership, coordination, and commitment were instrumental in bringing this event together.
Thank you as well to
AWS and Inca Digital for their partnership and support, along with the many volunteers who shared their time, professional expertise, and enthusiasm with our students.
From facilitating activities and mentoring students to coordinating logistics, welcoming school groups into the building, and providing audiovisual support, every contribution helped make the day a success.
What makes these partnerships especially meaningful is the willingness of professionals to step away from their daily responsibilities and invest their time in young people they may have only just met.
That generosity sends a powerful message to our students: Your future matters, and there are people who want to help you succeed.
Creating Opportunities, One Experience at a Time
As Executive Director of
STEM for Her, I have the privilege of seeing the impact of our programs firsthand. Every Challenge Day reminds me that meaningful experiences don't always require extraordinary moments. Sometimes, the greatest impact comes from a conversation over lunch, a problem solved as a team, or the realization that a career in STEM might be within reach.
Our goal is not simply to introduce students to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It is to help them envision themselves as future innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders.
To the Rackspace Foundation, Deloitte, AWS, Inca Digital, and everyone who helped make October 9 possible, thank you for believing in our mission and for helping us create another memorable experience for these students.
And to the students who joined us: Keep asking questions. Keep challenging yourselves. Keep exploring new possibilities. The future of STEM needs your ideas, your creativity, and your perspective.
Because sometimes, one day of exploration can open the door to a lifetime of possibilities.
