“Is anyone here an education major?” My Intro Biology professor asked at the end of class, in December 2015. I wasn’t… but as an eager, over-involved, first-year college student, I raised my hand anyway, received a colorful flier, and shoved it in my backpack. This small sheet of paper, designated for education majors, would define my career trajectory for the next 7+ years.

This flier spoke to me. Yes, I was searching for a job at the time. But after my Intro to Sociology & Environmental Studies courses, I was also ready to change the world through some feminist activism. “Empowering girls in STEM” for a few hours each week felt like a fun avenue to do my part in dismantling the patriarchy… while also making good money and lifelong friendships.

I’ve worked for Girlstart ever since. As a STEM CREW (Creative, Resourceful, Empowered Workforce) intern for four years. Then, as a part-time Program Assistant. And now, as a full-time Senior Program Coordinator. I adored my job at Girlstart: My coworkers were my best friends, I got to write Harry Potter-themed STEM activities, and we had the option to work from home! However, as time passed, I realized that my passion for the job revolved more around my friendly coworkers and hybrid work environment than our mission to empower girls in STEM.

When my supervisor forwarded me information about the NGCP Anniversary Fellowship opportunity, my overeager college self took over. And thank goodness I applied. Whether I’m writing a new STEM activity for summer camp or leading a STEM CREW training on “how to be a STEM role model,” so much of what I’ve learned during my NGCP fellowship now informs my work at Girlstart. Here are a few fellowship highlights:

• Equity Trainings: These monthly training sessions were a fantastic way to engage with and discuss high-quality STEM equity research. An NSF Report that we read during our gender equity training provided me with actionable guidelines for engaging girls while writing STEM curricula or coordinating hands-on programming. A TIME article by Katy Steinmetz helped me better understand just how many barriers to effective, engaging, and relevant STEM communication many students in our programs likely face. And a Kang et al. article convinced me that Girlstart’s multi-level STEM programming is a critical part of girls developing their STEM identities.
• NGCP Resources: While Girlstart has utilized the SciGirls methodology for years, I now feel even more confident in my ability to lead our STEM CREW team through the SciGirls Strategies. Furthermore, the Role Models Matter training from Techbridge Girls will be a wonderful resource for Girlstart staff, mentors, and volunteers, and the NGCP’s State of Girls and Women in STEM will help me explain why Girlstart’s work is important to colleagues, interns, and everyone I meet!
• Networking: I chatted with my fellow fellows about their personal experiences as women in STEM, and I met dozens of professionals leading nationwide STEM equity initiatives at NGCP’s Collaboration Institute in Pittsburgh! Meeting, networking with, and learning from these incredible people–that also deeply care about helping women succeed in STEM fields–was a huge motivator to continue to increase Girlstart’s reach.

The NGCP Anniversary Fellowship experience helped me return to my roots: a STEM major passionate about making the world more equitable. And I now understand how Girlstart, and other organizations dedicated to STEM equity, fit into my passion.