Women's representation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) remains significantly low due to structural barriers, gender biases, and socio-economic inequalities. Worldwide, women represent only 30% of STEM professionals.
In Mexico, the participation of women on the decision-making committees of the National System of Researchers (SNI) is only 7%, 14%, and 21% in the areas of engineering, technology, physical and mathematical sciences, and agricultural, earth, and biotechnology sciences, respectively.
About SisterSTEAM
SisterSTEAM aims to create a support network, or sisterhood, for female students and graduates in the STEM field. The program seeks to combat school dropout rates (SDG-4), eradicate the gender gap in this field (SDG-5), enhance employability (SDG-8, SDG-17), and contribute to the region's economic development and transition to a knowledge-based economy (SDG-9).
SisterSTEAM is a comprehensive program focused on emphasizing soft skills for STEAM and education on female health, as well as mentorship, networking, and community engagement for young women, particularly those from historically underrepresented communities.
First Cohort
The first cohort consisted of 30 young women, ages 15 to 29, pursuing STEM careers. Most participants were based in Merida, Yucatan, although some were located in different states across Mexico.
The program focused on historically underrepresented groups, including first-generation low-income college students, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ community members, and immigrants, to ensure equitable access to academic and professional opportunities.
Program Evaluation and Outcomes
Data was collected through pre- and post-training surveys, participant interviews, and performance evaluations. The outcomes showed strong gains in persistence, confidence, future planning, and employment readiness.
- 93.3% of participants graduated.
- 96.67% stated they felt more capable of facing life.
- 96.67% expressed feeling more capable of planning for their future.
- 96.67% stated they felt more prepared for employment.
SisterSTEAM has proven to be an innovative and viable program that addresses a current social problem. Its intervention model is scalable, and expansion is planned in Mexico and LATAM.
Biography
Diana Citlali Avila Padilla is the co-founder of Fundacion Quiu, an NGO dedicated to science and culture outreach, and SisterSTEAM, a network that empowers women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
With a background in Physics and Mathematics, she has completed research internships at Harvard, Stanford, Caltech, and the Santa Fe Institute. SisterSTEAM was supported in its first edition by the Aspire Institute, founded at Harvard University, as well as Fondazione AVSI and the European Union.
The impact of SisterSTEAM led her to be recognized as one of the 25 Women in Science 2025 in LATAM by 3M.