My Day at Mercedes with Stemettes: Empowering Girls in STEAM

As part of my journey with Not Just Girls, I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend an event hosted by Stemettes at Mercedes. It was a day dedicated to learning, connecting, and being inspired by incredible women and professionals in the world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Reflecting on the day, I’m still buzzing with the energy and insights I gained. Let me take you through my experience!

Arrivals & Registration

Upon arriving at Mercedes, we were welcomed warmly by the Stemettes team. After a quick registration, I spent a few minutes talking with the other participants. We were all from different backgrounds, but it was comforting to see so many girls and young women, all passionate about STEAM. It felt like a safe space to share, ask questions, and be open about our dreams and aspirations.

Kicking Off with Inspiration: Keynote and Icebreakers

The official start of the day came with a keynote presentation from the Stemettes team, and it was nothing short of inspiring. They talked about the importance of representation in STEM, and how events like this are designed to break down the barriers that have traditionally kept women and non-binary individuals out of these fields. Hearing about their journey and how they came to create such a transformative movement was powerful. It reinforced why initiatives like Not Just Girls are so necessary.

Next up were the icebreakers, and they turned out to be a perfect way to ease into the day and connect with one another. We were divided into small groups and tasked with coming up with a pop group name and hit single inspired by STEM and Mercedes. It was such a fun and creative activity that had everyone laughing and loosening up. By the end of it, all the initial nerves had melted away, and it felt like we were already a close-knit group. Being surrounded by driven, like-minded individuals was both uplifting and motivating. It became clear that this day wasn’t just about learning—it was about building a supportive community.

Learning from the Best: Inspo Talks

The heart of the day was the Inspo Talks - a series of short but incredibly impactful presentations that covered a range of topics, from passion and respect to innovation and determination. Here’s what stood out for me:

Passion Inspo Talk

We started with a talk on Passion, and it couldn’t have been more relevant. The speaker shared her story of how she found her passion for technology and how that passion carried her through the challenges she faced as a woman in the industry. It really struck a chord with me because I’ve always believed that following your passion can lead you to your purpose. It made me reflect on my own journey with Not Just Girls - a passion project that’s turning into something much larger and more impactful than I ever imagined.

Respect Inspo Talk

The next talk on Respect focused on how crucial it is to respect yourself and others in professional settings. This talk felt particularly important for young women entering STEAM, as many of us are working to assert ourselves in spaces that aren’t always welcoming. The speaker emphasized the need for mutual respect in team environments, as well as having self-respect when facing adversity. It was a reminder that our voices and contributions are just as valid as anyone else’s.

Innovation & Determination Talks

Later in the morning, we had talks on Innovation and Determination, both of which really resonated with me. The Innovation talk made me realize how crucial creativity is in problem-solving, something we aim to foster in the girls who engage with Not Just Girls. The Determination talk was equally impactful—it was about pushing through obstacles, especially in traditionally male-dominated fields like engineering and tech. Hearing stories of perseverance from women who have navigated these spaces was beyond empowering.

Breaking for Lunch: Time to Reflect

After such a packed morning, lunch was a welcome break. Over lunch I found myself reflecting on everything we had learned so far. Sitting with other participants, we chatted about the Inspo Talks and shared our own experiences. It felt so good to connect with people who were going through similar journeys, some just starting out, and others further along in their careers. There’s something so refreshing about being in a space where everyone is eager to learn, grow, and uplift one another.

The Afternoon: Diving Deeper into STEM

Excellence Inspo Talk

The afternoon began with another talk, this time focusing on striving for greatness in whatever field we choose to pursue. The speaker stressed that it’s not just about reaching the top but doing so with integrity and excellence. This really hit home for me because excellence is something I strive for at Not Just Girls -whether it’s in my initiatives or how I empower the next generation of girls in STEAM.

Factory Tour

One of the most exciting parts of the day was the Factory Tour of Mercedes. Seeing the engineering and technology that goes into the production at Mercedes was incredible. As someone passionate about showing girls what’s possible in STEAM, this hands-on experience was a game-changer. I could see the gears turning in everyone’s minds as we walked through the factory—this was innovation at its finest.

Future planning

After the tour, we had a  Mood boarding session. This was where we were encouraged to think creatively about our future careers, mapping out our goals and the steps we’d need to take to get there. I found this exercise so valuable; it’s easy to dream, but having a tangible plan makes those dreams feel much more achievable.

Speed Networking

Following the mood boarding, we jumped into Speed Networking - probably one of the most beneficial parts of the day. It was a whirlwind of short, meaningful conversations with professionals in various STEAM fields. I left with new contacts, advice, and a wealth of knowledge about different paths I could take. The support and guidance were incredible, and I now have even more confidence as I continue to grow Not Just Girls and help others do the same.

Wrapping Up: Celebrating Our Success

As I looked around the room, it was clear just how much we had all grown—not only in knowledge but in confidence as well. This day went far beyond being just another event; it was truly a transformative experience that left each of us feeling empowered and ready to take on new challenges.

Final Thoughts: A Day to Remember

As I reflect on my day at Mercedes with Stemettes, I feel incredibly inspired. It was a reminder of why I started Not Just Girls - to create spaces where girls and young women feel empowered to explore their potential in STEAM. This day showed me that there is so much potential to be unlocked, and with the right support, girls can achieve anything they set their minds to.

Let’s continue to break barriers and build a future where girls are leading the way in STEAM. Together, we can make a difference!