When we talk about opening doors to STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—we often highlight the roles of teachers, mentors, and policymakers. And while their influence is essential, there’s another group whose impact is deeply personal, powerful, and sometimes overlooked: FATHERS.

This Father’s Day, we celebrate the dads, stepdads, uncles, grandfathers, and father figures who are doing more than cheering from the sidelines. These men are becoming active participants in their daughters’ STEM journeys—encouraging curiosity, nurturing confidence, and modeling everyday allyship in ways that leave a lasting impression.

Research and real-life experiences show that fathers play a critical role in shaping a child’s confidence and aspirations—especially in fields where girls have historically been underrepresented. With my own daughter, I made sure she had access to technology just like I did growing up. Whether we were racing in MarioKart on the Nintendo Switch—yes, she beats me now—or diving into coding and making robots move, I wanted to share with her the things I loved and to see what sparked her interest. Turns out, she loved them too. What I didn’t realize then was that I was planting the seed of confidence. And confidence is the foundation upon which interest and achievement can grow.

Because she felt supported at home, my daughter was more willing to try new things. That sense of belonging starts with simple gestures—offering opportunities, listening to her ideas, and celebrating her efforts. As fathers, we can help create an environment where our daughters know they belong in any lab, classroom, or even boardroom.

One moment that stands out for me was a trip to the toy store. Rather than directing her to any one section, I invited her to explore them all and choose what she wanted. I’ll admit—I expected her to head for the bright pink boxes and dolls. But to my surprise, she went straight for the LEGOs and action figures. Did I influence her? Maybe. But giving her the freedom to choose from all options helped her follow her own curiosity—and that’s where true learning begins.

Fathers don’t need to be engineers or scientists to make a difference. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about showing up, being present, asking questions, and celebrating the process of discovery. The encouragement we give—whether it’s in a conversation, a shared hobby, or a simple “you’ve got this”—can be the turning point that helps our daughters take their next step forward.

So to all the STEM champions at home:

 keep showing up. Keep listening. Keep believing in her—even when she doubts herself. Together, we can raise a generation of confident, curious, and courageous girls who not only enter STEM—but thrive in it and change the world.

Happy Father’s Day. We see you. And we thank you.