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 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.

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.