Sisters in STEM (SIS)
Sisters in STEM is an ongoing outreach initiative, co-founded by myself and two other female FIRST Robotics Competition team leaders in 2018. When a different robotics outreach event for young girls was cancelled, we took it upon ourselves to organize and put on a hands-on STEM showcase for girls 4-15 years old (and their brothers!) in two weeks. When we had 100 girls show up the first year, we knew we were onto something. Over time, the SIS initiatives have grown beyond the annual STEM activity fair to include:
An online CyberSIS initiative put on during the pandemic to teach children in third through sixth grade about cybersecurity and cyber safety concepts (led and implemented by myself)
Monthly First Fridays during the pandemic, where student volunteers would lead children through a STEM activity over Zoom in their own homes
Full development and deployment of an online live remote high school cybersecurity competitive training program during pandemic in collaboration with Northrop Grumman and USAF CyberPatriot program
The SIS Roadshow, with a trailer of STEM equipment to take the Sisters in STEM annual showcase to outlying communities
The Jada Saves the Day children’s book publication and read-alouds in Scottsdale, AZ (written and published by myself). For more information, see Personal Projects.
Marketing and Branding Materials
During the inception of SIS, I was solely in charge of initial branding and development. During this time, I created the first and only logo of Sisters in STEM, the CyberSIS logo and CyberSIS marketing video, as well as the website that eventually introduced us to the partnerships Sisters in STEM now relies on.
Sisters in STEM Website
2019
To help Sisters in STEM grow in recognition and reach, I created the first Sisters in STEM website, which is now managed by Saguaro High School student leaders. Since its creation, the website has been used as the means by which:
SIS is contacted by prospective mentors and supporters
Attendees and their parents learn about upcoming events
SIS history is preserved
SIS is advertised and marketed
Information is distributed to stakeholders
CyberSIS Marketing Video
2020
Near the beginning of our journey introducing children to Cyber Safety through our self-created CyberSIS program, we realized that we needed a quick and easy way to share the journey of CyberSIS and our successes at the time. My solution was this 8-minute video - one of the first amateur videos I ever made. With a brief introduction to CyberSIS, including videos captured from our pilot classes with third graders, the video concisely explains our purpose, goals, and achievements at the time of creation.
SIS Logo
2018
The "GiGi" logo, which stands for Girls Inspiring Girls, was the first piece of digital art I ever completed. Over the last few years, GiGi has become the main face of Sisters in STEM. Through her relatability and charm, GiGi has consistently won hearts and minds for the SIS cause.
Symbols and Explanation:
Robot body, to represent STEM
Lightbulb, for innovation
Infinity loop, for the loop of bringing more girls into STEM & mathematical infinity
DNA, for biology
Bow, for girliness and playfulness
Venus symbol, because girls rock!
CyberSIS Logo
2020
After we began building CyberSIS with the support of Northrop Grumman and CyberPatriot, we decided to include the addition of a Cybersecurity-based logo. I took it upon myself to include new themes with out GiGi logo, and the image has now become recognizable for the CyberSIS initiative.
Symbols and Explanations:
Computer & Bugs, for viruses and malware
Firewall, for protection
GiGi, for recognition
Key + lock, for security, passwords, and safety
Path, to represent the end goal of happiness and protection online