Texas Girls Collaborative Project Announces 2024 “Stand Up for STEM” Award Winners

The awards recognize individuals and organizations in Texas advancing women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). See the awards video, press release, and additional details below.

AUSTIN, TX, December 4, 2024 - The Texas Girls Collaborative Project announces the 2024 Texas Stand Up for STEM Awards that recognize and elevate the work of incredible individuals and organizations in Texas advancing women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

The 2024 Stand Up for STEM High School Individual Awards are presented to:

  • Harsimrann Kaur, Cypress Ridge High School, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Houston, TX. Harsimrann, the founder of her school's WiSTEM, is committed to nurturing curiosity and growth in her fellow young women. Through WiSTEM, she connects students with mentors and organizes hands-on career experiences. As a Compudopt volunteer, she’s helped 100+ families, bridging the digital divide. Co-founding Neurogenesis Houston, she brings neuroscience to K-12 students, fostering inclusivity in education. A Kode with Klossy scholar and Texas Inpatient Consultants intern, Harsimrann advocates for accessibility while pursuing her interests in medical research & website development.

  • Crystal Yang, Obra D. Tompkins High School, Katy ISD, Katy, TX. Crystal Yang received the High School Individual Award for empowering girls to use technology for social good. As the lead organizer of alGIRLithm, a global all-girls competitive programming contest, and co-president of her Girls Who Code chapter, Crystal has equipped 500+ girls with vital tech skills. She also is the Executive Director of KatyYouthHacks, inspiring 1,300+ participants from 38 countries to create 100+ projects that address real-world challenges through technology. She also does work in the field of accessibility: she has published 2 first-author papers at 2 international ACM conferences in Paris and Costa Rica about assistive technology, and she founded Audemy, an educational game platform for blind students that will be featured soon in Forbes. 

The 2024 Stand Up for STEM Collegiate Organization Award is presented to

  • Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is a national nonprofit educational and service organization. The SWE chapter at Texas A&M University strives to serve the student body, the community, and the College of Engineering. Mentorship and outreach programs for students of all ages demonstrate SWE’s passion and dedication to empowering and advancing the next generation of women leaders in engineering and STEM fields.

  • Women of Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics, College of Engineering, West Texas A&M University, Canyon, TX. The mission of the Women of Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics organization in the College of Engineering at West Texas A&M University is to support, inspire, and promote women working and pursuing degrees in these fields through community-building and outreach activities in the Texas Panhandle and beyond. The organization is led by an all-female team of University administrators who foster an inclusive and encouraging environment for success that aims to broaden participation in the STEM fields.

The 2024 Stand Up for STEM Mentor Awards are presented to:

  • Vidya Krishnan, Global Chief Learning Officer, Ericsson. Vidya Krishnan, Global Chief Learning Officer at Ericsson, received the Individual Mentor Stand Up for STEM Award for her impactful work with Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas. She played a pivotal role in creating and leading the Ericsson-Girl Scouts Alliance and the JumpStart digital platform, providing STEM education and mentorship to thousands of girls. Vidya’s passion for equitable learning has paved the way for a diverse future in STEM by empowering young women across Texas.

  • Caeley Looney, Founder and CEO, Reinvented Inc. Caeley Looney has taken her passion for engineering and turned it into impact. Starting Reinvented Inc., she founded a much-needed organization that inspires thousands of girls while amplifying the stories of diverse role models in STEM. She not only serves as a mentor herself to girls trying to follow in her footsteps as an aerospace engineer, but she also helps other women in STEM careers become role models and mentors. She has created a community of women in STEM who are equipped with the knowledge and platform needed to elevate the next generation of girls excited about STEM.

The 2024 Stand Up for STEM Educator Award is presented to:

  • Arianna Martinez-Moody, Science Teacher, Harvey Brown Elementary School, Channelview ISD, Houston, TX. Arianna Martinez-Moody, science teacher at Harvey Brown Elementary at Channelview ISD, received the Educator Stand Up for STEM Award for her leadership and dedication to providing STEM to underrepresented students. She leads the NASA SPARX program and has created a Math STEM and Makerspace lab. In addition, she also developed partnerships to bring STEM opportunities to the students, such as virtually meeting STEM subject matter experts like astronauts and engineers. Mrs. Arianna Martinez-Moody truly deserves this prestigious award.

The 2024 Stand Up for STEM Educational Organization Award is presented to:

  • Latinitas. Latinitas is a pioneering nonprofit organization focused on empowering young girls from underrepresented communities through culturally responsive STEAM education. By offering hands-on programs and connecting girls with diverse mentors and role models, Latinitas equips the next generation of women to thrive in STEM fields. Through innovative initiatives, Latinitas is transforming the landscape of STEM by fostering diversity, self-confidence, and long-term success in young women.

  • The University of Texas at Austin Center for Space Research, Education and Outreach Department. UT Austin's Center for Space Research has won the Stand Up for STEM Award for its impactful outreach programs, UTCSR's SEES HS Internship and Liftoff Educator Institute, reaching over 15,000 young women this year. These initiatives create a supportive environment where women and girls excel in STEM, with a focus on diversity and inclusion. By engaging both students and educators, CSR breaks barriers in STEM education, fostering gender equity and supporting underserved communities. Its mentorship and outreach efforts position CSR as a leader in creating lasting change in STEM fields.

The 2024 Stand Up for STEM Corporate Award is presented to:

  • Boeing. Boeing has been awarded the Corporate Stand Up for STEM Award for its $175,000 commitment to Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas through 2025 and exemplary volunteerism, offering time, skills, and expertise to help further STEM education for young women. Their investment has led to exciting hands-on programming at the STEM Center of Excellence and will support a Mobile Programming Initiative, bringing STEM education to Girl Scouts in underserved communities. By breaking down barriers and expanding opportunities, Boeing is bridging gaps and creating pathways for the next generation of STEM leaders.

The awards will be presented on Friday, December 6, 2024, at the 8th annual Texas Women and Girls in STEM Summit hosted virtually by the Texas Girls Collaborative Project. The video of the awards recognition can be found on YouTube.

About the Texas Girls Collaborative Project:

The Texas Girls Collaborative Project (TxGCP) is a statewide network of advocates and educators from non-profits, K-12 schools, universities and colleges, and companies across Texas and beyond who are committed to motivating and supporting women and girls to pursue and thrive in careers in STEM. TxGCP leads the annual Texas Women & Girls in STEM Summit, disseminates curriculum and effective practices, and supports a network of collaborators, resource sharing and STEM communications throughout the state. TxGCP is a state collaborative of the National Girls Collaborative Project powered by STEMwise Connections.

Contact:
Tricia Berry
Executive Director, Texas Girls Collaborative Project
www.txgcp.org
STEM@TxGCP.org