ABOUT
We are the STEMinists, a group from Irvine High who aim to generate more participation in STEM fields by promoting the involvement of marginalized populations in STEM areas and breaking the myth that STEM pathways are difficult and unattainable. Currently, there is a very low number of women and underrepresented populations who enter the STEM workforces. According to a 2021 report by Pew Research Center, only 9% of all STEM workers are African American, 8% are Hispanic, and 13% are Asian, compared to a 67% white population that make up the STEM workforce. We want to do this by creating a program in which we connect students and schools with industry members and college students (especially those who graduated from our school district), particularly who are part of the underrepresented groups as well as current college students. We would like our campaign to lessen intimidating misconceptions about STEM by establishing familiarity through relatability.
Meet the team
25-26
Talia Hovav
President
Talia Hovav is a senior at Irvine High School. As President, she works with her team to create inspiring events for her community. She hopes to open opportunities for children to learn about STEM, empower underrepresented groups to purse STEM fields, and create a supportive environment for all. In her free time, she enjoys reading, scrapbooking, binging TV shows, and gardening.
Samaira Pandey
Vice President
Samira Pandey is a senior at Irvine High. As this years vice president she hopes to work with STEMinists to make science education accessible and fun for all ages. She's always had an interest for space and hopes to major in Astrophysics! In her free time, she enjoys reading, crafting and sleeping!
Shanaya Jain
Secretary
Shanaya is a Senior and this year in STEMinists, she hopes to explore new STEM activities and encourage a lot of young kids to be interested in STEM pathways! She is interested in biology and eventually plans to go to medical school to become a pediatrician. In her spare time, Shanaya loves to do anything creative, such as making cards, baking, and digital art.
Elle Reyes
Treasurer
Elle is a senior in high school! For STEMinists, she hopes to share the same passion she's felt for science and math towards other people. Specifically, She'd like to teach them how interesting STEM can be through demonstrations and experiments. In the future, she is hoping to become a doctor, particularly a psychiatrist. In my free time, she likes to volunteer at Saddleback Memorial Care Hospital, play the guitar/piano, embroider, and journal.
Olivia Maltezos
Publicist
Hi my name is Olivia Maltezos and I’m a Senior at Irvine Highschool. I hope to foster an uplifting community where learning about STEM is easier and encouraged. I hope to explore engineering pathways like nano engineering for the future but some hobbies of mine include music and spending quality time with friends and family.
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Karis Lin
Event Coordinator
Karis Lin is a sophomore at Irvine High. She really hope STEMinists will be an active club and community that everyone can be apart of electrical engineering. Some of her hobbies include artistic swimming and origami reading.
Mr. Donaldson
Advisor