Empowering the Next Generation in STEM

During her paid position with P4L, Zena discovered her passion for igniting creativity and inspiration in others. Through her work with both the GRRL Tech program and the Financial Literacy class, she realized how much she enjoyed helping young students get the most out of their learning experiences. Her goal was always for the kids to leave with a new perspective, and it was rewarding to see them gain confidence and excitement. 

Her experience with GRRL Tech shaped her future aspirations. The opportunity to work with talented young girls in a male-dominated field like engineering was uplifting and empowering. It inspired her to continue teaching kids about STEM, with a specific focus on encouraging more girls to pursue careers in science and engineering. She is passionate about being part of the representation that young women need in these fields. 

A proud graduate of Montgomery Blair High School, Zena is excited to begin her journey as an incoming freshman at Cornell University. She plans to major in Materials Science Engineering with a focus on energy materials and sustainability. Her goal is to explore environmentally friendly materials and contribute to a more sustainable future. At Cornell, she looks forward to taking advantage of research opportunities and collaborating with like-minded students and professors as she works toward making a lasting impact in both STEM and the environment. 

A Passion for Technology and Early Success in College 

Shriya graduated from Montgomery Blair High School as a junior, earning the prestigious President's Scholarship to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Her journey was shaped by her involvement with P4L, where she enjoyed participating in our summer camps, with the tech camps being her favorite. These camps ignited her passion for technology, and she later returned to help with P4L’s after-school programs, eager to give back to the community that had such a positive influence on her. 

The campus tours she experienced through P4L played a pivotal role in shaping her college path, helping her envision a future in higher education. Now, she is attending UMBC as a Computer Science major, starting her college journey one year ahead of her peers. With her early start and strong foundation in technology, she’s excited to continue exploring her passion for computer science and making strides toward her career goals. 

Leadership and Dedication to Giving Back 

Astrid, a junior at the University of Maryland studying Information Science, has taken on several leadership roles while excelling academically. As a DoorDash Campus Ambassador, she hosts events to encourage students to sign up for dash passes, building her skills in event planning and marketing. Additionally, she is an intern with the MBA/MS program at UMD's School of Business, where she gains valuable experience working alongside professionals in her field. 

Despite her busy schedule, Astrid continues to give back to the community that supported her during high school. She is always eager to host tours for P4L, recognizing the important role the organization played in shaping her success. Her dedication to mentoring others and her drive for growth make her a role model for future leaders.