Overcoming Barriers in STEM

In today's rapidly evolving world, the need to empower girls and provide them with equal opportunities in all fields, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), is more critical than ever. However, barriers such as a lack of confidence, limited exposure to positive role models, and societal stereotypes hinder girls from pursuing careers in these vital areas. 

Play Like a Girl is making remarkable strides to break down these barriers.

Connecting with Girls at an Early Age

At Play Like a Girl, we recognize the importance of early intervention. By initiating fun and meaningful discussions with middle school girls through resources like our 17 Conversation Starters, we aim to spark curiosity and interest in STEM subjects. Such conversations not only encourage girls to explore new things but also challenge the prevailing stereotype that STEM is exclusively for boys.

The Confidence Gap: Starting Young

Research indicates that girls as young as six years old begin to doubt their abilities in STEM subjects. This lack of confidence is often the result of societal messages and the absence of positive female role models in the field. Addressing these issues early on is crucial, and Play Like a Girl is at the forefront of providing the necessary support and encouragement for girls to boldly pursue their STEM interests.

Leveraging Sports for a Competitive Edge

Play Like a Girl takes a unique approach by leveraging transferable skills gained through sports to give girls a competitive edge in the classroom and future careers. Participation in sports fosters collaboration, teamwork, and perseverance—qualities that are not only essential in sports but also in STEM fields. Play Like a Girl programs expose girls to inspiring women role models who intentionally guide them towards leadership roles on and off the field of play.

Sports: More Than Physical Health

Sport participation isn’t good for physical health only. Sport and active play make a significant difference in girls’ confidence and self-esteem. Girls learn to set goals, overcome challenges, and develop a profound sense of self-worth through sports. These qualities directly translate to success in the classroom and lay a solid foundation for future STEM careers.

Empowering Through STEM Education

STEM education provides real-world experiences and exposure to the diverse opportunities available in these competitive fields. Engaging girls in hands-on activities and projects enables them to develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a passion for innovation. Play Like a Girl recognizes the transformative power of STEM education in empowering girls and preparing them for rewarding careers.

Mentorship: A Key to Belief

Access to positive women role models and mentors is critical for girls to believe in their own abilities. Our mentorship programs connect girls with women who have succeeded in STEM fields, offering them guidance, tangible support, and lots of inspiration. Witnessing the achievements of these role models instills the belief that girls, too, can achieve their dreams and thrive in whatever they put their minds to.

How You Can Help Level the Playing Field for Girls

Closing the gender gap in STEM requires a collective effort. Here are five ways you can contribute:

  • Support Play Like a Girl. Back programs like An Inside Look by hosting a group of girls at your company to learn about exciting careers in STEM.
  • Volunteer as a Mentor. Inspire and guide young girls in their STEM journey by volunteering as a role model or mentor.
  • Encourage Girls to Dream. Encourage the girls in your life to dream big and pursue their interests in STEM by providing them with the right resources and opportunities.
  • Advocate for Equality. Be an advocate for equal opportunities and exposure for girls in schools and communities.
  • Challenge Stereotypes. Challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity in STEM, sports and everything.

Join the Movement

Play Like a Girl is breaking down barriers and paving the way for girls to succeed in STEM. By building confidence, providing mentorship, and connecting girls with inspiring role models, we are creating a more inclusive and diverse future in STEM. 

If you want to be a part of this movement and help level the playing field for girls, join the Play Like a Girl community, become a mentor, and inspire a girl to reach for her dreams in STEM.


Inside Look Spotlights Women in STEM

Play Like a Girl continues its nearly 20-year legacy by leveraging the skills gained from sport to propel young women into competitive, male-dominated careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). In 2004, Dr. Kimberly Clay established the organization in Birmingham, Alabama. Today, Play Like a Girl is committed to shining a light on inspiring women role models in an effort to inspire girls everywhere.

Three recent events underscore this commitment to such initiatives and the importance of exposing girls to women from diverse backgrounds and fields who are breaking boundaries in an effort to inspire the next generation of women leaders.

One-of-a-kind Career Experiences

Turner Construction and Play Like a Girl partnered for the organization’s hugely popular Inside Look program to commemorate Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day last month. Highlights included student interactions with women engineers, bilingual occupational safety professionals and Latina CEO of C&F Company among others, a tour of an active construction site, and a hands-on construction activity during which middle school students explored construction with model assembly components used to erect a structure inspired by those Turner engineers construct all across the country.

This engineering-focused Inside Look at Turner Construction exposed girls to engineering careers and gave them a glimpse of what a day in the life of an engineer is really like. Turner Construction’s project at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown served as the perfect backdrop for this learning event. Since 2018, more than 300 middle school students have toured 27 corporate offices, plant facilities, working labs and sports stadiums and conducted hands-on experiments to learn more about STEM concepts and careers across all industries and sectors. Some of the most memorable experiences were hosted by Bridgestone Americas, Tesla, Tristar Medical Center, Walmart Labs, and the San Francisco 49ers; see program highlights on YouTube.

Recently, Lipscomb University hosted an Inside Look learning session that explored a wide range of pharmaceutical careers. Student pharmacists and faculty gathered a group of Play Like a Girl participants in the College of Pharmacy Compounding Lab, giving the girls an exclusive up-close opportunity to see how medications are compounded and put their skills to work making hand sanitizer. During the tour, students learned about the many safety mechanisms in place throughout the lab and interacted with the instrumentation and models while learning basic skills like taking a patient’s blood pressure or giving her a shot.

During a recent trip to the Boston area for a New England Patriots game spotlighting Play Like a Girl, Workhuman treated a few of our girls to an intimate behind-the-scenes tour of its North America headquarters. The multinational tech company co-headquartered in Framingham, Massachusetts and Dublin helps companies meet today’s biggest human capital challenges - including unprecedented turnover, employee engagement, hybrid work environments, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) - through the Workhuman Cloud®, a secure SaaS platform that provides the industry’s best-in-class Social Recognition® solution designed for employees to recognize and reward each other. 

Real Life Role Models Matter

Starting and persisting in a STEM field can be an intimidating experience for young women. Only 8% of STEM employees were women back in 1970, compared to 28% in 2022, according to research from the U.S. Census Bureau. One way to help motivate young women to pursue a career in STEM and help them develop their skills to be successful is mentorship. Inside Look has a huge impact beyond career exposure; the program provides students with visible role models from diverse backgrounds to help students gain confidence and, ultimately, perform better in school. 

More importantly, girls who establish healthy mentoring relationships and social networks early in life are more likely to pursue challenging opportunities like a STEM career as adults. Role models and mentors from your company can inspire young women and teach them the resilience needed to create a more diverse, high-performing STEM industry.

Give Girls An Inside Look at Your Company

The Inside Look program is a great way to advance your company’s DE&I agenda while providing a meaningful engagement opportunity for employees. It is also an exciting opportunity to raise visibility for your company’s social impact work aimed at leveling the playing field for women in some of the fastest-growing, highest-paid jobs—STEM or not. 

Inside Look provides female middle school students from underrepresented groups the opportunity to learn about exciting, cutting-edge jobs at leading companies, the steps they can take toward a career in any given industry or sector, and what opportunities they have for future employment at the partner company. Students get out of the classroom and have fun with activities that reinforce what they have learned in school.

Inside Look also fosters team building and community engagement among corporate employees. Through this program, your company can come together to advance the mission of a charitable cause that everyone can proudly support. In addition, it is a great way to build corporate spirit and to establish closer relationships among employees, customers, and partners. Your Inside Look program also provides employees with opportunities to take on a leadership role while engaging in impactful community service.

Partner companies host up to 35 students and adult chaperones, plan and lead all educational activities, and provide attendees with a healthy meal and promotional swag to mark the experience. Each Inside Look program is three hours in length, and typically takes place on Thursday and Friday when students are out of school for a seasonal break or Saturday during the school year from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. to accommodate highly motivated but often busy students who are juggling multiple sports, extracurricular activities or other obligations that may prevent their participation.

Interested in hosting an Inside Look at your company or start up? Email partner [at] iplaylikeagirl [dot] org to host an Inside Look experience at your office, lab, plant or other facility.


A Message from Dr. Kim: A Year of Wins for Girls Who STEM

Making Strides for Girls Who STEM

As we embark on the new year, I look back on 2022 with gratitude for many moments that made me especially proud to have done this work the past 18 years. 

Before endeavoring to do even more, I’d like to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to our Play Like a Girl community. Thank you for supporting us through such generous giving this past holiday season—and for supporting us in every way throughout 2022. The girls we serve will change the world, and you’re making that possible. 

The year started strong with our Women’s Leadership Summit, which is all about women role models. As an organization that inspires the limitless potential in girls, we chose to commemorate International Women’s Day by spotlighting some of Nashville’s most inspiring women because we know that girls can’t be what they can’t see. We can’t wait to share what we’ve got planned for 2023. 

You showed up for us again at our annual On the Green golf tournament at Brentwood Country Club last June. This annual day of team-building and doing good raised over $100,000 for our scholarship fund—allowing us to fund Nayla Maple’s four-year undergraduate education in animal science at North Carolina State A&T University. With your help, we’re building a pipeline of diverse young women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and related fields (STEM+). 

After a hugely successful nine months, it was only befitting that we end the year with a few unexpected wins including the attention we received from the NFL #MyCauseMyCleats campaign. New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones joined six fellow NFL players across the league who wore custom Play Like a Girl cleats in Week 13 games to reflect their passion off the field and to raise awareness about our life-altering mission to level the playing field for girls in sport and STEM+.  

Weeks earlier, Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry also supported Play Like a Girl through his foundation, Two All, and its partnership with Bridgestone Americas. This initiative provides girls from underserved communities with increased access to STEM+ education through a $100,000 gift to support our Meet + Mentor program.

Derrick’s singular message has been that “sports matter but what really matters is leveling the playing field.” To prove it, he joined us for a day of learning with girls at our partner school, STRIVE Collegiate Academy, where they taught him all about the engineering design process. In turn, he taught the girls a little about football—while the boys cheered them on, of course. It was a great day! 

And if that wasn’t enough Titans love, I was later named a 2022 Playmaker and was presented the Women of the Titans awardan honor reserved for women who are making an impact in the Nashville community.

While I’m not one to toot my own horn, I will admit that I felt seen and appreciated for all the sacrifice and hard work over the years. It wasn’t just about 2022. This moment was about all 18 years we’ve done this work. That moment was BIG for us. BIG for me!

As we’ve done for some time now, we ended another year of programming with an Inside Look at some exciting STEM+ careers. We took the girls behind the lab doors in the School of Pharmacy at Lipscomb University. We even taught the girls and their mothers how to code a website at our annual Hour of Code event at Belmont University. (Many thanks to the faculty and students who facilitated these two inspiring education and enrichment experiences for our girls and their mothers.)

I often say that leveling the playing field is a team sport. And you’ve proven that as true. You played your role better than any of us could have imagined. Because of you, we made a real meaningful impact in the lives of girls and women again. 2023 will be no different.

We’re thrilled to have you on our team, and we know we will go even further and come even closer to a more equal playing field with you as our teammate! Thank you for an extraordinary 2022, and thank you for all that we will accomplish together in 2023. 

Yours in sport, 

Dr. Kimberly S. Clay

 

January is National Mentoring Month! Are you ready to bring more unstoppable energy to your year? Become a mentor today!


Play Like a Girl and Belmont University team up for Hour of Code

CS Education Week to kickoff coding clubs

Play Like a Girl and Belmont University’s Department of Computer Science have teamed up to host Hour of Code – a free, live mentoring event that aims to teach basic coding skills to middle school girls in Nashville during the first week of December and will continue to reach more students throughout 2023. 

To help raise awareness of the value of coding for girls and women across Nashville, Belmont University students and faculty are co-hosting the 10th annual Hour of Code event. This year’s program will kick off Play Like a Girl’s newest edition of Girls Who Code (GWC) Clubs at STRIVE Collegiate Academy in the Donelson area. 

GWC Clubs are after-school programs designed to create a sisterhood of supportive peers and role models for 6-8th grade students using computer science to change the world. Clubs are completely free and offer fun activities through a flexible curriculum that adapts to girls’ unique needs. This year, all Play Like a Girl GWC Clubs will be hybrid – with some sessions held in-person and some entirely online.

“The support of Belmont students and faculty is instrumental in our effort to engage young women in computer science,” said Dr. Kimberly Clay, founder and CEO of Play Like a Girl. “Today, computer science provides a basic foundation for all careers. Thanks to these volunteers, we will be able to introduce 35 STRIVE students to coding this year.”

Play Like a Girl closing gap in computer science

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that by 2031, there will be an additional 682,800 new jobs in computer science available and only 57,343 new computer science graduates annually with the skills to apply for those jobs. Computer science is the fastest growing profession within STEM+, but only 8% of STEM+ graduates earn a computer science degree, with a tiny minority from underprivileged backgrounds.

While significant gains have been made in teaching computer science in schools, only 51% of high schools in the U.S. teach computer science according to a 2021 report on the State of Computer Science Education. In addition, Black and Hispanic students, students receiving free and reduced lunch, and students from rural areas are less likely to attend a school that provides access to this critical subject.

Hour of Code started as a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify “code”, to show that anybody can learn the basics and to broaden participation in the field of computer science. It has since become a worldwide effort to celebrate computer science, starting with 1-hour coding activities but expanding to all sorts of community efforts worldwide.

Registration for this year’s Hour of Code mentoring event is free and open to the public at https://iplaylikeagirl.org/events/.

The 2022 Hour of Code event co-hosted by Play Like a Girl and Belmont University can be followed online via @iplaylikeagirl and @belmontcsm or by searching #HourOfCode and #ReadyforAnyField on Instagram or Twitter.


Titans’ Derrick Henry builds bridges with girls at STRIVE

First impressions

The NFL’s best running back Derrick Henry made a new record during the Titans 27-17 win against the Packers last week. Henry, whose elite talent was on display in front of a national audience Thursday night, rushed for 87 yards and a touchdown — while also catching two passes for 45 yards (that included a key 42-yard grab on a Titans’ scoring drive). The coup de grâce came as Henry threw a three-yard touchdown pass (his second completion of the night) to tight end Austin Hooper and, ultimately, served the game-winning score.

Henry became the first player with at least 20 carries, two completions, a rushing touchdown and a touchdown pass in the same game since 1983 when the immortal Walter Payton did so. Like Payton, Henry is the best running back of his era, and his performance Thursday night should have added him to the list of players being considered for league MVP.

But Henry isn’t worried about accolades for himself, though. The former Heisman Trophy winner is, instead, focused on helping the Titans continue their 7-3 winning streak. 

 

A perfect fit

Henry represents excellence both on and off the field of play.

Recently, Henry spent a day building bridges made of Popsicle sticks meant to teach engineering design concepts and help female middle school students at STRIVE Collegiate Academy see the value of pursuing their interest in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and related fields (STEM+).

“Sport matters but what really matters is leveling the playing field for girls,” Henry said during a recent one-on-one with Dr. Kim. “I’m blessed to be able to use my platform to help Play Like a Girl deepen its work toward making this happen in our lifetime.”

Challenge accepted

Henry did what is second nature on the sports turf outdoors. Yup, he tossed a few balls and taught the girls a few winning moves. But he didn’t stop by for football alone. Henry was on campus for Play Like a Girl Day – and a fun and meaningful lesson in STEM+.

With the help of Henry and Bridgestone Americas employee volunteers, students learned how to engineer bridges using Popsicle sticks. Students worked in small groups to design and build a bridge to withstand weight, be sturdy, and with the least amount of resources possible. As a team, students were challenged to take initiative in proposing, designing, building, and evaluating their finished products to their peers. Each bridge was evaluated on effectiveness, design, creativity, and aesthetics.

This STEM+ lesson explores basic engineering concepts as well as challenges students to design and build their own versions of contemporary bridges. This project has been used in the past as a way to develop innovative bridges and has impacted the design of many bridges we see today. 


If She Can See It, She Can Be It

Girl Scout Shane Woods believes girls need to see brilliant women being brilliant, so they can imagine themselves being and doing brilliant things too. Shane is one of the mentors at our Women’s Leadership Summit March 8th in Nashville!

Visit the website to register and tune in☝️for our special International Women’s Day celebration. Check out our interview with Shane????below!

PLAY LIKE A GIRL: Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about what you do. 

SHANE WOODS: I serve as the Senior Director of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas STEM Center of Excellence, which is a 92-acre living laboratory where girls of all ages can explore and develop their competence and confidence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. My job allows me to play an integral part in helping Girl Scouts know that they can change the workforce pipeline in STEM through their voice, engagement, and leadership in the fastest growing sector of the U.S. economy. I am also involved in advancing the efforts of the STEM community as an active member of several local, state, and national education groups.

PLAG: Share a recent interaction with another woman or girl that you found inspiring.

SW: I recently sat on a diversity in camp staffing panel with Kyrah Altman who founded a social enterprise at the age of 16 and, while in college, won a venture competition that allowed her to formally establish her organization LEAD as a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Kyrah’s dedication and determination to make the world a better place reminded me that no one is ever too young to make a difference and my work with youth is critical. As a Girl Scout employee, my work at The STEM Center of Excellence helps spark girls’ curiosity and gives them the courage, confidence, and character to be an agent of change.

PLAG: What difference would it have made for you to have had Play Like a Girl in your life as a girl or young woman?

SW: Play Like a Girl's programs would have exposed me to more career options than I had in the mid-1980s and 90s. To see women as founders, CEOs, and leaders in STEM makes a lasting impression on young minds. Had Play Like a Girl been in my life as a young girl, I’m certain I may have made different choices when selecting classes taken in high school and college as I would have had a much better understanding of the limitless possibilities for women in STEM.

PLAG: What does "ready for any field" mean to you? 

SW: Ready for Any Field means having confidence in your own knowledge and skills and possessing a growth mindset which is necessary to perform at your highest capacity regardless of the assignment given to you.

PLAG: Why is sisterhood (or women supporting women) important to you?

SW: There is nothing like living life and sharing experiences with your sisterhood. It is all about quality and not quantity. Your sisters will be your loudest champions, they will walk with you during difficult times, listen when you have something on your mind to share, and they will sit in silence when you just need someone near. The humans you choose to bring into your sisterhood make every experience richer.

PLAG: How does mentorship from and collaboration with other women help you grow and learn?

SW: Gaining wisdom from those who have experienced what you are heading into or going through reinforces that life lessons are worth the effort. Getting their perspective can build your own confidence as well. Learning from others’ experiences allows you to avoid pitfalls they may have encountered. Sharing space with other women allows you to walk in confidence knowing you have women cheering you on as you reach new goals.

PLAG: What is the best piece of advice you've received from a woman role model, mentor or colleague? 

SW: My executive coach recently told me to stop waiting for perfection, take the risk and focus on the progress I am making towards the goal I have set for myself. I do tend to wait for everything to be in order, which can lead to missed opportunities. I am doing better about trusting myself and having the courage to take that first step even if I don't have the complete plan. I can ask for help as needed and enjoy the lessons learned along the way.

PLAG: What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?

SW: Just about every answer you have thought of in class after the teacher said the question was correct. You are brilliant, but no one knows that except you and that little voice in your head. Trust your gut and raise your hand. 

PLAG: What advice do you have for younger girls who want to follow in your footsteps but may be afraid to ask for help (mentorship or guidance)?

SW: Explore academically. Take classes that interest you. Finding out what you do not like is just as important as learning what makes you want to know more. Seek out STEM women in careers you are interested in and follow them on social media. Ask what they did to get where they are. If you see it, you can be it. It is possible.

Connect with Shane on LinkedIn and join Play Like a Girl in our mission to build a diverse pipeline of women in STEM by encouraging girls that they can do anything and be #ReadyforAnyField. ⚡️

 

Win a chance to be mentored by game changing women in Nashville! Tell us how sport has prepared you to succeed in any field by submitting your original photos, videos or art via Instagram or Twitter using #ReadyforAnyField. No purchase necessary. Void in AK & HI and where prohibited. Open to legal residents of 48 contiguous US & DC. Starts 2/21/22; ends 2/28/22.


Hustle Until Your Haters Ask If You’re Hiring

Take that career advice from Samaira Mehta — one of the youngest mentors at our Women’s Leadership Summit March 8th in Nashville!

Here’s how to tune in☝️for our special International Women’s Day celebration. Meanwhile, check out our interview with Samaira????below!

PLAY LIKE A GIRL: Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about what you do? 

SAMAIRA MEHTA: I’m Samaira, the creator of CoderBunnyz. When I was six years old, my dad introduced me to coding through a prank project that included a button that read "Press this if you're beautiful," but would disappear each time I pressed it. I was immediately curious about how he got the button to do that. Eager to create similar projects, I learned how to code myself. I often spent time coding and even creating my own "flappy bird" game (and, as a 7-year-old, that was something to be proud of!). However, after finding out that my friends thought coding was tedious and complicated, I became determined to develop a way to make coding fun for my friends. I worked long days learning how to better my coding and then transferred my knowledge onto a board game. Since my friends loved board games, I decided to use a board game to introduce them to coding - hoping they would eventually like coding too. And that’s how CoderBunnyz was created. The game helped to change my friends’ minds and made them love coding. That was a hugely rewarding experience. It was a challenging journey, but today my games (plural because I have now expanded to multiple games) sell on Amazon and Walmart. CoderBunnyz has even trended at #1 out of all of the best sellers on Amazon. Because of my work, I’ve gotten to work platforms like Vogue, United Nations, and have even received a letter of praise from former First Lady Michelle Obama.

PLAG: Share a recent interaction with another woman or girl that you found inspiring.

SM: Often I speak with my grandmother over the phone. I have grown to find her one of the most inspiring women in my life. My grandma is the most compassionate and caring person I know. She never fails to help others, especially those in need. Her heart is bigger than the entire universe, reflected in her donations of food and money and her assistance to the less privileged. Grandma was also one of the first women in our family to go to college; she was the only girl in her business and economics class and the only woman on her university’s cross country team. Her efforts inspire me to continue to work hard and be a benevolent person. She undoubtedly embodies the spirit of what I like to call a "girl boss" - the mindset of a fearless woman leader who doesn't shy away from breaking boundaries.

PLAG: What difference would it have made for you to have had Play Like a Girl in your life as a girl or young woman?

SM: If I had Play Like a Girl in my life during my early years, it would have made a profound impact on my life. I would have grown up and thrived with the support of many other girls, just like myself. I would have built meaningful, lifelong friendships and connections that would guide me throughout my journey. That’s what sport and community does for girls and women. Luckily, I’ve had the opportunity to work with Play Like a Girl since 2018. We’ve teamed up to inspire the next generation of coders, scientists, artists and mathematicians, and I know we’re making a real different toward leveling the playing field and building a diverse pipeline of women in STEM.

PLAG: What does "ready for any field" mean to you? 

SM: Ready for Any Field means being ready to not just survive but thrive in any situation you find yourself. Opportunities are important but not enough. Girls need to be prepared for the opportunities, and the only way to bridge this gap is to start while we’re young. This way, as women, we can fully prepare to embrace, work and compete in technology and any field with equity, not privilege.

PLAG: Why is sisterhood (or women supporting women) important to you?

SM: Personally, I have been a huge feminist since a young age. When I noticed few girls were attending the coding workshops I was teaching, I began to hold workshops dedicated to girls only to make them feel more welcome. Now, I have been named a “champion for girls in technology” by the United Nations. Through first-hand experience, I am convinced that when girls see themselves in a room filled with other girls doing the same things, they are all motivated and lifted, believing they can achieve greatness too. This "girls supporting girls" ethos is crucial for girls to have faith in themselves and believe in their own capabilities. 

PLAG: How does mentorship from and collaboration with other women help you grow and learn?

SM: Mentorship is key to success in any endeavor. Mentors are like a torch that helps you find your way through a dark tunnel. I am lucky to have three amazing individuals as mentors in my company and in my life. My mom and dad are also supportive and I’m really really grateful for that. When I did the research to find out what board game creation involved, I learned about the iterative process of sketching, prototyping, design, playtesting and, finally, mass production. My family has helped me every step of the way. My dad has always been there to guide me on the technology side of things. He’s been an advisor whenever I’ve needed it. My mom helps with the finances, production and marketing. My external mentors have a huge impact in my life and business too. One of my mentors is a teacher here in California who bought some of my games for his classroom. He became a friend to our family and, now, mentors me. All of these people have helped me grow and become a better individual and business owner over the years.

PLAG: What is the best piece of advice you've received from a woman role model, mentor or colleague?

SM: [bctt tweet="The best piece of advice I’ve received is to “work while they sleep, learn when they party, save like they spend, and live like they dream.” —says young tech prodigy, Samaira Mehta. Her work is CoderBunnyz, a coding game aimed at closing the digital divide." username="iplaylikeagirl"]

While everyone is out partying or having a good time, I’ve learned to work hard because I know that I will reap the rewards of my hard work later. Dedication and persistence guarantees that I get to live the life others dream of living - IRL :)

PLAG: What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?

SM: What’s really important for youth today is that we don’t see barriers. We don’t see limits to things that we can create. We have a whole other mindset that lets us dream big and dream of things adults can’t even imagine possible. All of these crazy ideas deserve to be heard. I would advise my younger self to not listen to the naysayers or those who say my dreams aren’t possible, but rather dream big and work hard towards achieving those dreams.

PLAG: What advice do you have for younger girls who want to follow in your footsteps but may be afraid to ask for help (mentorship or guidance)?

SM: I’ve learned a lot during my journey, so I’d tell girls who have big ambitions to start that business, launch that movement, and create that product. To full realize your potential, I suggest you:

  • Explore, observe, and find what you are truly passionate about. That problem, idea, or thing that you are passionate about is what you should work towards
  • It's OK to dream. It starts with a dream, a very big dream, but you have to work extraordinary amounts to achieve that dream.
  • Throughout that process ask for help! You don't have to do it alone. In fact, you normally can't do it alone!
  • Stop. Breath. Think. Make a plan. If you just start without a path and a plan, you're more likely to crash along the way.
  • Go for it...and have patience and persevere. It might take longer than you think. You may have to change your path. You may have to modify or change the goal. But you don't have to give up.

Finally, I think one of the major things I have learned and want to share with all my sisters is that time expands to accommodate your passions and priorities. I go to school, do homework, I am a dancer, I run a company, hold workshops, I’m a teacher/educational content creator, professional motivational speaker. I’m constantly traveling to different places. I’m working on an AI research project. And I’m still a 13-year-old who hangs out with her friends and goes to the beach. But I love all of it! I love everything I do. And I truly believe if you are passionate about anything, time will expand to accommodate all our passions and priorities. 

Connect with Samaira on Instagram and join Play Like a Girl in our mission to build a diverse pipeline of women in STEM by encouraging girls that they can do anything and be #ReadyforAnyField. ⚡️

 

Win a chance to be mentored by game changing women in Nashville! Tell us how sport has prepared you to succeed in any field by submitting your original photos, videos or art via Instagram or Twitter using #ReadyforAnyField. No purchase necessary. Void in AK & HI and where prohibited. Open to legal residents of 48 contiguous US & DC. Starts 2/21/22; ends 2/28/22.

 


A Girl Scout Who Hacks? It's a Thing!

Meet Medha Aiyah — one of the mentors at our Women’s Leadership Summit March 8th in Nashville!

Medha Aiyah is a 20-something graduate student in Computer Science at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). Her goal is to bridge the gender gap in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), with a focus on computing. She created the weeklong STEM camp, EMP-WR, for girls in her hometown of Sacramento, California, earning her the coveted Girl Scouts Gold Award. 

Medha helped create the mobile STEM MakerSpace with the Central Heart of California branch of Girl Scouts. This platform has helped over 1000 girls in remote areas of the state access hands-on STEM education. Medha is also co-founder of WEHack Women Engineers Hack), the first-ever gender-based hackathon uniting women and non-binary hackers across eight countries around the globe in a supportive environment where they can build their technological skills together. 

Medha was recently recognized as a Top 50 Hacker by Major League Hacking, an organization of thousands of hackers in North America and Europe. When this Girl Scout isn’t organizing or raising funds to support women in STEM, she loves experimenting in the kitchen and hiking new trails with her friends. 

Like Deana Hyde, Dr. Teresa Vasquez and young'un Hadley Hall, Medha will be a mentor at our Women’s Leadership Summit. Together, we will teach girls the steps they can take to ensure they are #ReadyforAnyField. Enter to win Executive Access tickets to the Women’s Leadership Summit to be mentored by Medha and other game changing women — see details below to learn how — and check out our interview with her????.

PLAY LIKE A GIRL: Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about what you do? 

MEDHA AIYAH: My name is Medha and I am currently a graduate Computer Science student specializing in Intelligence Systems at UTD. My proudest body of work is the creation of WEHack (Women Engineers Hack), the first-ever all-women/non-binary hackathon in UTD’s history. WEHack was formed to promote women hackers globally. Today, we positively impact women in eight countries. As a critical voice for girls and women, I leverage my skills and influence to break centuries-old gender stereotypes to make a difference in the tech world.

PLAG: Share a recent interaction with another woman or girl that you found inspiring. 

MA: A recent interaction that I found inspiring was when I met the President of the National Society of Women Engineers, Rachel Morford, during the WE 22 conference. I found her advice about ways to manage and balance professional growth and personal life especially inspiring. It was such an honor to talk to someone who has played a huge role in promoting women engineers and learning new ways to grow. 

PLAG: What difference would it have made for you to have had Play Like a Girl in your life as a girl or young woman?

MA: Play Like a Girl would have helped me understand the benefits sports can provide in a young woman’s academic and career pursuits. It would have also opened doors to critical mentorship from a broader, larger community of women. I believe that balance of physical and emotional well-being is very important. You have to be physically fit to think positively. In my case, the dance has helped me find balance in my own life. Through dance, I am able to unleash my inner G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader) and understand the importance of leadership, resilience, accountability, and being a team player. These skills have transformed my academic work. 

PLAG: What does "ready for any field" mean to you? 

MA: Ready for Any Field means that you are able to channel your inner G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, and leader) and apply these skills and personal traits in every aspect of life, whether being a mom, an artist, a skilled athlete, or a professional working in a STEM field.

PLAG: Why is sisterhood (or women supporting women) important to you?

MA: According to Melinda Gates, it will take 208 years to reach gender equality and women comprise 29% of the STEM workspace. From this, we can see that we form a minuscule segment of the STEM industry. It is crucial that every G.I.R.L. who is part of this segment feel a sense of belonging so her cutting-edge ideas are heard and actualized. Every woman is unique, and we need to appreciate each other's differences to formulate world-altering products. We need to ensure that women share access to an equal playing field with men. We must have the chance for our ideas to be taken seriously, for our work to be recognized, and for our contributions and value to the workplace be reflected in our salary. Women must unite and support each other no matter the circumstance. We are not alone and, together, we can do anything.

PLAG: How does mentorship from and collaboration with other women help you grow and learn? 

MA: Mentorship from and collaboration with other women is a blessing because the feeling of sisterhood forms and the urge to support and uplift women is ignited. Working together, we can make an even greater impact towards reaching equality--perhaps sooner than estimated.

PLAG: What is the best piece of advice you've received from a woman role model, mentor, or colleague?

MA: My mentor, Lisa Depew, always advises me to never doubt myself although I’m often the only woman in rooms filled with males who dominate my field. She stresses that though our thought processes, ideas, and actions are different, this difference is needed to further the growth of innovation in STEM. In this same spirit, I would advise girls and young women to avoid imposter syndrome and embrace a fresh perspective: Know and believe in your worth. Present your work and share your ideas confidently. 

Lisa also touts that EQ (emotional quotient) is more important than IQ (intellectual quotient). As a leader in the STEM industry, it is crucial to understand how to be a team player and ways to put yourself in the shoes of others in the effort to better understand their point of view. You can be extremely smart, but it is equally as important to be understanding and relatable.

PLAG: What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self? 

MA: Make time management a priority. With so much passion and innovation to bring to life and make a difference in my community, I must be able to plan time wisely. Juggling academics, sports, arts, and community work simultaneously is hard. Time management is very important to achieve everything, and this is something I would advise my younger self.

PLAG: What advice do you have for younger girls who want to follow in your footsteps but may be afraid to ask for help (mentorship or guidance)?

MA: Reach out for mentorship and collaboration. Express your ideas that you are passionate about, the gap that you have noticed and want to mend. Always remember that your potential mentors and guides may have also experienced a similar situation, hence they can understand your perspective. These are all foundations to put your best foot forward and achieve your dreams and goals and make an impact in the world. Start small and before you know it you will be influencing millions of lives.

Connect with Mehda on LinkedIn and join Play Like a Girl in our mission to build a diverse pipeline of women in STEM by encouraging girls that they can do anything and be #ReadyforAnyField. ⚡️

 

Win a chance to be mentored by game changing women in Nashville! Tell us how sport has prepared you to succeed in any field by submitting your original photos, videos or art via Instagram or Twitter using #ReadyforAnyField. No purchase necessary. Void in AK & HI and where prohibited. Open to legal residents of 48 contiguous US & DC. Starts 2/21/22; ends 2/28/22.


Girls (and Women) Can Do Anything

US Bank VP of Private Wealth Management Deana Hyde will join us as a mentor at the Women’s Leadership Summit March 8th in Nashville!

Play Like a Girl is launching its new #ReadyforAnyField campaign to prepare young women for competitive, male-dominated careers, whether in science, technology, sports or the arts. Enter to win Executive Access tickets to the Women’s Leadership Summit to be mentored by a group of game changing women — see details below to learn how — and check out our interview with Deana????.

PLAY LIKE A GIRL: Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about what you do? 

DEANNA HYDE: I have over twenty five years of experience in banking, finance, and wealth management. I’ve worked with the “Big Three” of banking (Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and JP Morgan Chase) in the establishment of new markets, new divisions, new technology, and (most importantly) customer relationships. In addition to the mathematics involved in managing investments, stocks, etc., my work requires a high level of technological innovation to securely manage portfolios, transactions, and the like. The financial and banking industries are cornerstones of every other industry so my work intersects STEM at multiple levels. For example, I help doctors, engineers, inventors and scientists with a wide array of financial services throughout their business life cycle.

PLAG: Share a recent interaction with another woman or girl that you found inspiring.

DH: Inspiration is something you have to be open to. That being said, I deliberately look for inspiration in every relationship I form. Be it with a client, a friend, or a complete stranger. Women are amazing. Human beings are amazing. We have such diverse and unique journeys. I think when I meet someone who approaches problem solving or addressing challenges in a way that is new or different to me, it inspires me to witness their process and learn from their experience. In this regard, I’ve been truly inspired by Dr. Kimberly Clay. 

PLAG: What difference would it have made for you to have had Play Like a Girl in your life as a girl or young woman?

DH: That is opening up a huge can of worms! I grew up in the deep rural South. I was taught to cook and clean and care for younger children as a young girl, because these were the skills the adults (and the greater community around me) felt were best suited for “girls.” I rejected the expectation that I was to find a husband in high school, settle down on a farm nearby, and be a mother and wife. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but this was not the path in life I wanted for myself. I did not have any support or assistance. Being active in sports like softball was an outlet for me, so Play Like a Girl would have been an incredible resource. This is why I feel so strongly about what this organization does and how it can help improve the lives of girls as they face the difficult challenges of their transition into adulthood.

PLAG: What does being "ready for any field" mean to you?

DH: Ready for Any Field means having the education, confidence and aptitude to engage and succeed in any professional endeavor. It means knowing that your gender is not a weakness, or a liability, but a unique gift from which flows an invaluable source of strength. Ready for Any Field means that as a girl, or woman, we can enter any profession and through our contributions provide insight that, though different from that of a male perspective, is no less meaningful or valuable. It means that we are always part of the bigger, better solution, and it is time we believe in ourselves! 

PLAG: Why is sisterhood (or women supporting women) important to you?

DH: Another can of worms… because too often I’ve had direct experiences of the exact opposite. There’s a combination of things I’ve seen, a sort of insecurity that women are sometimes made to feel. It happens most often in high-level corporate positions but can also be seen in any industry. It can be a sense of “I’ve had to work to get here so why should I help you?” or it is a form of insecurity: “If the men in charge like you better, or think you have more to offer, there’s only so many seats at the table for women.” I reject the “it’s us against them” mentality. Instead, it should be “it’s us helping each other for the betterment of everyone.” In my prior role as a district manager, I supervised hundreds of employees. I never discriminated or thought about any form of “identifier” when considering positions or promotions. I looked at each individual as just that, individuals. I have strived to help young women starting their careers to feel secure, protected and empowered so that as they move forward, they too should reject the insecurities that force us into working alone when we should be working to lift each other up. 

PLAG: How does mentorship and collaboration with other women help you grow and learn? 

DH: For me, having mentors has meant being able to lean on and learn from women who have earned their success and therefore embody a wealth of knowledge. Being able to discuss a difficult situation, or ask for advice when I’m unsure of something, has been a vital component to my own growth and success. What I look for in a mentor is the willingness to listen. Ego is a powerful and (often) dangerous thing. If you are unwilling to trust and be vulnerable with your mentors and therefore be honest, you will not be open to learning and truly capitalizing on the opportunities before you. We have to be open to sharing, communicating and laying the foundations for trust to have any chance of true collaboration and joint success.

PLAG: What is the best piece of advice you've received from a woman role model, mentor or colleague?

DH: “Be present in the moment and listen.” If you are NOT listening, you cannot possibly communicate effectively. The MOST important part of ANY conversation is listening, truly listening, to what the other person is saying. This includes their body language, their tone and the words they choose. If you are already thinking about your response, you’re missing the point. Listening and comprehending the intent and message of what another person is sharing is a vitally important skill required for success in anything… everything…

PLAG: What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?

DH: Trust your gut more. We all, as women, have a gift for intuition. Yet we often are taught to second-guess or question our instincts. Too many times I’ve allowed the comments or the actions of those around me to “get inside my head” and make me question if my instincts are good. In time, in every situation, I eventually learn that my “gut” was correct. It is an important part of our individual journey, and it takes time to learn how to read other people. Eventually, with experience, you start seeing recognizable patterns. In my journey, I would have recognized these patterns much sooner if I had not spent so much time and energy second-guessing what my instincts told me.

PLAG: What advice do you have for younger girls who want to follow in your footsteps but may be afraid to ask for help (mentorship or guidance)?

DH: Trust YOUR instincts and don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek answers. Communication is so important. You will never learn the answer to any given question if you do not ask it. Don’t think about “is this okay because I’m a girl” and never be embarrassed to be yourself. You can be anything you choose, so long as you are willing to put the time, effort and dedication into succeeding.  

Connect with Deana on LinkedIn and join Play Like a Girl in our mission to build a diverse pipeline of women in STEM by encouraging girls that they can do anything and be #ReadyforAnyField. ⚡️

 

Win a chance to be mentored by game changing women in Nashville! Tell us how sport has prepared you to succeed in any field by submitting your original photos, videos or art via Instagram or Twitter using #ReadyforAnyField. No purchase necessary. Void in AK & HI and where prohibited. Open to legal residents of 48 contiguous US & DC. Starts 2/21/22; ends 2/28/22.

 


Failure As Fuel for Success

Meet software engineer Dr. Teresa Vasquez — one of the mentors at our 2022 Women's Leadership Summit!

Dr. Teresa Vasquez, affectionately known as "Dr. T," was born to a Guatemalan immigrant and Creole woman from Louisiana. Her father always said that he “wanted a football player, but what he got instead was the best blessing in the world…a daughter.” Actually, he actually got both -- Dr. T played women’s professional football too!

Her mother died when she was five years old, leaving her father to raise three young children. Dr. T's dad ignited her passion for problem solving as a child, helping her with electrical and mechanical engineering projects. She credits these experiences as the start to her passion for technology and software engineering.

DR. TERESA VASQUEZ: Hi, I am Dr. Teresa Vasquez, but you can call me Dr. T. I lead technical teams to success by being myself and helping people feel valuable. A lot of what I do as a technical leader depends on how I can encourage and support other engineers to be their best selves. We all need someone to believe in us and I do that by using my technical skills and passion to build things. I use math and science to build logic and engineering and technology to help people meet their goals. There is no better feeling than getting to help someone, which in turn helps me. 

PLAG: Share a recent interaction with another woman or girl that you found inspiring.

TV: I was questioning my purpose and one of my mentees became my mentor. She spoke life into me and encouraged my journey by reminding me of my success and impact. It helped me to get out of my slump and to refocus my vision and goals. 

PLAG: What difference would it have made for you to have had Play Like a Girl in your life as a girl or young woman?

TV: If I had a resource like this, I would have been able to achieve my calling more quickly with fewer mistakes. As a girl, I did not have many, if any, women mentors in my life and Play Like a Girl would have been a huge part of learning and sharing my real self earlier in my career. 

PLAG: What does "ready for any field" mean to you?

TV: 'Ready for Any Field' means seeing the beauty in the abstract and knowing that no matter where you end up, your journey and experiences are important and that STEM is the foundation for every professional career you’ll ever pursue. 

PLAG: Why is sisterhood (or women supporting women) important to you?

TV: We know each other’s pain and fears especially in STEM careers. When we share information, we grow more confident and can support others more. Sisterhood brings a level of intimacy and knowledge that can propel us toward our goals - together. 

PLAG: What is the best piece of advice you've received from a woman role model, mentor or colleague?

TV: "You can do anything because anything you love and touch will turn to gold." 

PLAG: What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?

TV: I'd tell little T to not shrink to fit in. Take up all the space you need because your courage will inspire others once you find it.

PLAG: What advice do you have for younger girls who want to follow in your footsteps but may be afraid to ask for help (mentorship or guidance)?

TV: [bctt tweet="Fear is the killer of creativity and innovation. Failure is the path to success. Beyoncé said it best: “I see it, I want it, I stunt, yellow-bone it. I dream it, I work hard, I grind 'til I own it...” --says Dr. Teresa Vasquez" username="iplaylikeagirl"]

The grind is your journey and if you want it, you can have it. All you have to do is grab it. You can accomplish it, but you need to “get in formation” and get support for what you want so you can get there faster. Don’t be afraid of rejection and use your youth as an advantage because someone will always want to help you along your journey.

Believe that you are valuable because you are. WE NEED YOU more than you’ll ever know. You are a part of OUR story too and by allowing fear to keep you from getting in the game, you’re impacting us all because we need your unique self so that we all can win. Help us by asking for help. 

Follow Dr. T on Instagram and join Play Like a Girl in our mission to build a diverse pipeline of women in STEM by encouraging girls everywhere to embrace failure as fuel to build confidence and be #ReadyforAnyField. ⚡️

 

Win a chance to be mentored by game changing women in Nashville! Tell us how sport has prepared you to succeed in any field by submitting your original photos, videos or art via Instagram or Twitter using #ReadyforAnyField. No purchase necessary. Void in AK & HI and where prohibited. Open to legal residents of 48 contiguous US & DC. Starts 2/21/22; ends 2/28/22.