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
Kashvi Khabrani
President
Kashvi is a senior at Irvine High. As President, she coordinates events and connects with her local community to inspire change and curiosity. Through GirlsBuild, she hopes to encourage greater diversity in STEM and foster a supportive environment for all. In her free time, she enjoys eating, watching sitcoms, and trying new matcha recipes.
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Sradha Vayalapadu
Vice President
Megha is a senior at Irvine High School. She and her team hope to build a safe space for people to make mistakes, learn, and be stronger together. She aims to empower minority groups to pursue STEM fields and end the discrimination in the STEM workplace. Megha is passionate about STEM and hopes to spread this love to others. In her free time, Megha enjoys dancing, playing piano, watching movies, and spending time with friends and family.
Bahharr Mehraeen
Secretary
Bahharr is a senior at Irvine High and this year's secretary. She plans on enjoying discussions and event planning with the team. She hopes to help everyone find their passion in STEM. In her free time she likes to nap!
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Samaira Pandey
Treasurer
Samaira Pandey is a junior at Irvine High School. As a part of the team she hopes to encourage younger girls to choose careers in STEM, and explore the different branches of science in early education even if they have no experience. In her free time she enjoys reading, dancing and spending time with her little sister.
Talia Hovav
Publicist
Talia Hovav is a junior at Irvine High School. She works on board as a publicist to create engaging and informative media posts, promote our events, and encourage new members. She hopes to open opportunities for children to learn about STEM. She enjoys playing electric guitar, reading, scrapbooking, and gardening.
Taylor Nguyen
Social Media
Taylor Nguyen’s specific role on the team is to manage social media, and by doing so she helps spread awareness of the impact that women have in STEM fields. Through GirlsBuild, she hopes to inspire others to pursue their passions science by engaging with likeminded people. In her free time, she likes to go on drives while listening to music and hanging out with her friends and family.
Viyana Bastani
Viyana is a senior at Irvine High committed and passionate about bringing change for women in a STEM oriented field. She wants to encourage women from a young age to be open to their interests. She spends her leisure time with her friends and family at the beach. Her commitment to the field is worthwhile and admirable.
Project Planning
Adriana Palmares
Project Planning
Adriana works on the project planning committee, and she spend meetings planning details for upcoming events! Her goal in GirlsBuild is to build a welcoming community that uplifts and supports everyone. She enjoys crafting, ceramics, making sweet treats, and bedrotting with a good show and cup of tea!
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Isis Staszak
Project Planning
Isis is a senior at Irvine High School. They are the one of the Project Planners of the Irvine STEMinists, researching for events and planning activities. Isis hopes to open up more opportunities for children interested in STEM and empower young minorities to pursue jobs in STEM. In their free time Isis enjoys reading and writing, knitting, and music.
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Jenushya Anto
Project Planning
Jenushya Anto is a sophomore at Irvine High school and helps plans for labs at elementary schools. Through GirlsBuild she hopes to spark interests and foster STEM passions in minorities. In her free time she enjoys dancing, playing the flute, and making jewelry.
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Karis Lin
Project Planning
Karis Lin is a freshman at Irvine High School. She helps with the activity and project planning. Karis hopes to help kids learn and explore more about STEM and related careers. In her free time, she enjoys reading and listening to music.
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Mrs. Templeton
Advisor
Kendyll Templeton is the club advisor for the Irvine STEMinists, and an engineering teacher at Irvine High. She wanted to be an advisor for a club focused on bringing women up in engineering because she had experienced frequently being the only female on a team while working as a mechanical engineer. She hopes this club inspires young females to enter the male dominated engineering workforce and know they belong there!