Navika is a Junior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign studying Industrial Engineering and minoring in the Hoeft Technology and Management Program
Navika Kagathi
Director
I joined MakerGirl because I am passionate about empowering children and fostering their interest in STEM fields. I wanted to inspire and equip the next generation with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in technology and engineering. Through my experience as a ChangeMaker with MakerGirl, I learned valuable lessons in leadership, community engagement, and the profound impact of education on shaping future innovators. It also reinforced the importance of diversity in STEM and showed me the positive change that can be driven by dedicated, mission-driven initiatives.
Kathryn is a Senior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign studying Education and minoring in Political & Civic Leadership
Kathryn Daemicke
Advisor
I joined MakerGirl because I believe every girl deserves their dreams to be represented. As a future educator, I understand the importance of creating opportunities and acknowledging the gender gap within the STEM field. Reflecting on my own experiences as a young girl, I recognize the limitations that women and girls face in STEM, both in the classroom and throughout their careers.
Now, I feel extremely lucky to be a part of the team here at MakerGirl, an organization that empowers girls like my young self with the opportunity to create and design their dreams. MakerGirl has created an inclusive environment where our goal is to instill confidence and creativity in girls, encouraging them to pursue their goals without hesitation.
Mansi is a Junior at Illinois Wesleyan University majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Psychology
Mansi Shah
Changemaker Lead
I joined MakerGirl because my personal and professional values align with MakerGirl’s perfectly, which is to help find the confidence that young girls possess! As a woman in STEM, I believe it is very important to showcase how STEM can be so fun and that tackling challenges can be hard but should not be something to step away from. MakerGirl does an excellent job of exposing STEM through 3D printing in a fun way to get the MakerGirls to think, brainstorm, create, and come to life!
I am involved in different clubs at IWU and am also a teaching assistant for microbiology lab. Outside of IWU, I love to volunteer at the humane society, watch movies/shows, and enjoy going on spontaneous adventures!
Victoria Ballesteros-Gonzalez
Changemaker Lead
When MakerGirl was presented to me in April 2022, I immediately felt connected with the organization. Not only their core mission of closing the STEM gap land near to my heart, but the way they do it through 3D Printing workshops was mind-blowing and looked incredibly well thought out.When we were discussing the possibility of creating a MakerGirl Academy at Illinois Wesleyan University, I remember losing all my doubts and deciding to want to be involved, when I heard a ChangeMaker in a session saying “Remember that your creativity does not have limits'', “This is a fun place where mistakes are allowed to happen”. That is a clear representation of what I love about MakerGirl, it is a safe space to enjoy STEM, develop yourself, and have great ideas. I won't forget that moment when I realized I wanted to become that ChangeMaker, I wanted to be that girl others could look up to and that they could know she would support them in the process.
Being one of the Co-Leads at the IWU MakerGirl Academy has been an amazing experience. I have developed enormously as a human being and as a professional. I have made mistakes, I have learned and I have felt even more passionate about the empowerment of women and girls. I have met incredible people who in this process have gone above and beyond helping us, correcting our mistakes with compassion and understanding, and leaving us space to grow and engage with the core of MakerGirl. I can not wait to see what is to come. I will always be grateful to MakerGirl and to everyone who directed me in their direction. They have impacted my life and are helping me learn how to follow their missions and impact positively other girls' lives.
I am originally from Adeje, the Canary Islands, Spain. I am passionate about social responsibility, communications, and community engagement.
Victoria is a Junior studying Political Science and minoring in Political Science and Environmental Studies with a focus on Global Sustainability, Policy, And Justice
Joanna is a Freshman at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign studying Computer Engineering
Joanna Li
Changemaker Lead
As a computer engineering student, I love engineering because it's really about creation! You get to combine creativity with problem-solving while making some really cool things. I joined MakerGirl because I want to help more girls find their passion like I did. I'm excited to watch students discover the fun in STEM while empowering them to pursue their interests and chase their dreams.
Alicia is a Freshman at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign studying Statistics
Alicia Danilowski
ChangeMaker Lead
As a Lead at MakerGirl, I’m passionate about inspiring young girls to explore STEM through hands-on 3D printing. I guide them in bringing their ideas to life, helping them gain confidence and realize they can be innovators and leaders. My role goes beyond teaching technical skills—it's about encouraging each girl to recognize her potential to make a real impact in the world.
Through MakerGirl, I create an empowering space where girls can take on challenges, explore their creativity, and imagine themselves in STEM careers. It's incredibly rewarding to see them grow, break stereotypes, and develop into confident, passionate young women ready to lead and innovate.
Michael is a Freshman at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign planning to study Chemical Engineering
Michael Danilowski
ChangeMaker Lead
Being a Lead at MakerGirl is influential for young girls and the world because it provides a platform to inspire and empower the next generation of women in STEM. By creating hands-on opportunities in technology and design, MakerGirl fosters confidence and curiosity in girls, breaking gender stereotypes and encouraging innovation. This impact extends beyond individual participants, contributing to a future workforce that is more diverse, inclusive, and equitable.
It is incredibly rewarding because the sessions are fun and interactive, creating an environment where creativity thrives. Watching each child showcase their passion for their 3D prints is inspiring, as they excitedly explain their designs and share their accomplishments with others. The pride and joy they feel in what they've created are contagious, making the sessions not just educational but also empowering!