From Inspiration to Action: Highlights from the 2025 Innovator Showcase

On October 4, 2025, the Self-eSTEM community gathered for an unforgettable celebration of innovation, equity, and impact at our annual Innovator Showcase, a day that reminded us all what’s possible when access meets opportunity.

This wasn’t just a fundraiser. It was a stage for our youth and alumni to shine, present their breakthroughs, and inspire a room full of educators, corporate partners, families, and changemakers. With powerful presentations, leadership spotlights, and a rallying call from California Assemblymember Mia Bonta, the event reflected the heart of our mission: to ignite pride, purpose, and possibility through STEM.

Watch The Recap Video Here:

Empowering STEM Changemakers, One Innovator at a Time

Our Youth and Alumnae Innovators shared how Self-eSTEM has shaped their identity, skills, and career goals. These student stories showed what happens when a girl sees herself not just as a participant in STEM, but as a leader and creator within it. Each story shared on stage reflected the ripple effect of what happens when a girl is not only introduced to STEM but also empowered to lead within it. From robotics and AI capstone projects to alumni now thriving in college, internships, and even facilitator roles within Self-eSTEM, the day celebrated transformation in motion. These young changemakers showcased how curiosity evolves into confidence, and how learning technical skills paves the way for leadership.

This year’s Showcase marked a major milestone, not only in celebrating over a decade of impact but also in launching our vision for the Future of Work through digital and AI literacy.

Behind the Scenes: The Power of Community

Events like this don’t happen alone. Our deepest thanks go to the sponsors, volunteers, funders, and families who made this day possible. Your investment in Self-eSTEM fuels year-round programming that’s free for youth from underrepresented communities.

Whether you donated, attended, or helped spread the word, you’re helping us close the STEM opportunity gap and build an innovation economy that includes all of us.

Join The Movement: Close The Gap Challenge

The momentum from the Showcase carries forward through our Close the Gap Challenge, a Giving Season campaign fueling tuition-free STEM education for girls across the Bay Area and beyond.  With 52% of our $100,000 goal already reached, every contribution counts.

Here’s How You Can Help!

• Become a Fundraising Champion — Start a peer-to-peer campaign before Dec 2 (Giving Tuesday)
• Match Your Gift — Check if your company offers corporate matching through platforms like Benevity (ID: 472316798)
• Share Our Mission — Use our online toolkit to post, tag, and amplify
  

The 2025 Innovator Showcase was more than an event. It was a living testament to what happens when girls are given the tools, mentorship, and belief to thrive. Together, we’re not just celebrating their achievements; we’re investing in a future where representation drives innovation. When girls build in STEM, they build a better world.

At Self-eSTEM, we believe in empowering the next generation of Women to succeed in STEM. 

Visit www.selfestem.org to learn how you can contribute through donations, volunteer opportunities, and mentorship.Together, we can create a future where every young woman has the opportunity to thrive in STEM.

Stay connected with us on social media:

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