Navika is a Senior 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.
Alicia is a Sophomore at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign studying Statistics
Alicia Danilowski
ChangeMaker Lead
UIUC Academy - 2025 Summer Intern
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 Sophomore at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign planning to study Chemical Engineering
Michael Danilowski
ChangeMaker Lead
UIUC Academy - 2025 Summer Intern
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!
Christa is a Sophomore at Northwestern University studying Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Machine Learning
Christa Kulanda
ChangeMaker Lead
NorthWestern Academy - 2025 Summer Intern
I joined MakerGirl during my Junior Year of high school, and ever since, it’s been one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had. As a Lead, I get to witness firsthand the impact of empowering young women and other underrepresented communities in the technology field. Through every 3D-printing session we host, I meet girls from across the country who come in with little to no prior experience, yet emerge excited to continue working with CAD software at home or school. I’m consistently in awe of and inspired by the courage shown by our students within a single 90-minute session.
By equipping the next generation of women with necessary, life-long digital skills, MakerGirl is significantly minimizing the gender gap and teaching young women that their contributions to innovation and design are valued. We allow them to be simultaneously technical and creative in one space.
Joanna is a Sophomore at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign studying Computer Engineering
Joanna Li
Changemaker Lead
UIUC Academy
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.