About Us

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

Sisters in STEM is a student-led nonprofit founded at Saguaro High School, dedicated to inspiring young people — especially girls — to explore and pursue STEM fields.

Founded 2018

Born from a cancelled event

In 2018, when a beloved local STEM event for girls was cancelled, three Saguaro High FRC Robotics students refused to let the void remain. In just three weeks, they organized their own inaugural event.

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 hasn't stopped. Today, Sisters in STEM runs multiple programs reaching students across the greater Phoenix area, with support from MSA leadership, Scottsdale USD administrators, and a growing network of STEM professionals.

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

Three initiatives and counting, all driven by student volunteers

Annual STEM Fair

A large-scale live event for students aged 5–15 and their families, held every year at Saguaro High School.

"Jada Saves the Day!"

A K–5 read-to-me program featuring a book written by our founder, Kayli Battel, about a girl who solves a cybercrime.

CyberSiS

A cybersecurity curriculum for grades K–6, developed with Northrop Grumman and CyberPatriot.

Our Values

The principles that guide everything we do

Inclusion

STEM is a field for everyone, regardless of background or experience.

Excellence

We hold ourselves to high standards in everything we do.

Community

We build connections between students and STEM professionals.

Innovation

We find creative ways to make STEM exciting and accessible.

People Behind SiS

Founders, mentors, and key team members

K
Kayli Battel
Founder · Author
N
Natalie Foster
Founding Team
K
Kritin Mandala
Founding Team
K
Kennan McAndrews
Founding Team
F
Frank Lillo
Mentor · SimuLogix
S
Sreyoshi Bahdrui
Mentor

Want to be part of our story?

Whether you're a student, volunteer, or community partner — there's a place for you at Sisters in STEM.

Get in Touch