About Us

We know what it's like to be the only girl in the room

Sisters in STEM is a student-led nonprofit born at Saguaro High School. We build programs that show young people, especially girls, that they belong in STEM.

Founded 2018

Born from a cancelled event

In 2018, a beloved local STEM event for girls was cancelled. Three Saguaro High FIRST Robotics Competition students refused to accept that. In just three weeks, they built their own inaugural event from the ground up.

The response was overwhelming: over 200 attendees, 45 student volunteers, and more than 50 Phoenix-area STEM professionals and academics came together for a day of learning and inspiration.

That momentum has only grown. Today, Sisters in STEM runs multiple programs serving students across greater Phoenix, backed by Math and Science Academy leadership, Scottsdale Unified School District administrators, and a growing network of STEM professionals who believe in this work as much as we do.

200+

Attendees at the inaugural 2018 event

45+

Student volunteers at launch

50+

Phoenix STEM professionals engaged

5–15

Age range served at annual events

What We Run

Four initiatives and counting, all built and run by student volunteers

Annual STEM Fair

The event that started it all. Every year at Saguaro High School, students ages 5–15 and their families experience STEM firsthand.

"Jada Saves the Day!"

Our founder Kayli Battel wrote a book about a girl who cracks a cybercrime, and now our volunteers read it to K–5 classrooms across Phoenix.

CyberSiS

A cybersecurity curriculum for grades K–6 built with Northrop Grumman and CyberPatriot, taught by student volunteers.

Our Values

What drives us, every event, every lesson, every day

Inclusion

STEM belongs to everyone. Background and experience don't define potential.

Excellence

We hold ourselves to the same high standards we set for our students.

Community

We connect students with STEM professionals who share their passion.

Innovation

We find new ways to make STEM hands-on, exciting, and within reach.

People Behind SiS

Founders, mentors, and key team members

K
Kayli Battel
Founder · Author
E
Eli Arnold
Founder · Chief Software Engineer
L
Laney Olson
Founder · Director of Public Relations
N
Natalie Foster
Founding Team
K
Kritin Mandala
Founding Team
K
Kennan McAndrews
Founding Team
F
Frank Lillo
Mentor · SimuLogix
S
Sreyoshi Bahdrui
Mentor

Ready to be part of something bigger?

Whether you're a student, volunteer, or community partner, there's a place for you here. We're always looking for people who share our mission.

Get in Touch