I coordinate the Toronto Chapter of the Canadian Association for Girls in Science (CAGIS). CAGIS members, girls aged 7-16, meet monthly to explore and get their hands dirty in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). We like to collaborate with professionals in STEM fields and visit their workplace. This allows the girls to see that:

1. STEM is fun, hands-on activities

2. STEM is also for women, even though we are still very underrepresented

3. STEM is accessible, laboratories are NOT ONLY for mad scientists – you can belong here!

To be honest, it’s a lot of work coordinating this chapter, but whenever I see a girl’s hand enthusiastically shoot up in the air to answer a question, I feel that we are on the right path to inspiring young girls to do anything they want. Of course, I have a group of fantastic volunteers that facilitate this group immensely!