2025 Catalyst Awards: A Night of Joy and Determination
- scfg94
- 14 minutes ago
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On May 8, more than 200 members of the Science Club for Girls community gathered for a powerful evening recognizing visionary changemakers and championing the next generation of STEM leaders.
The 2025 Catalyst Awards recognized visionary leaders, raised critical funds for our free STEM programs, and reminded everyone in the room why our mission is more important than ever.
We were thrilled to welcome back Pamela Gardner, meteorologist at NBC10 Boston, as emcee for this year’s Catalyst Awards. Pamela has long been a champion of Science Club for Girls, and her return brought warmth, enthusiasm, and firsthand insight into the power of our programs.
“I’ve spent the past few weekends visiting a few Science Clubs,” she shared in her opening remarks. “I saw firsthand girls building wind turbines, designing buildings to withstand extreme weather, and asking the big questions—an experience that reminds us exactly why we’re here tonight. Most importantly, they were growing their confidence. It was inspiring. Nights like this help make those moments possible. So thank you for being here and for believing in the power of STEM to uplift, empower, and transform.”
We’re grateful to Pamela and to NBC10 Boston, which featured this year’s Catalyst Awards on their news broadcast.
Two Trailblazing Honorees
We were thrilled to honor Dr. Christine Santos, Chief Technology Officer of Manus Bio, and Dr. Dorothy Phillips, pioneering chemist and 2025 President of the American Chemical Society.
Dr. Santos delivered a powerful speech, comparing a career in STEM to running the Boston Marathon:
“Some people in life have the benefit of coaches, training, and running on a clearly marked road,” she said. “But for others—especially girls and people from underrepresented communities—the course isn’t always so smooth. Sometimes, the road ahead isn’t even paved.”
Her story—from childhood science clubs to engineering global health solutions—highlighted the importance of representation, mentorship, and access. She reminded us that Science Club for Girls is more than a program:
“It’s the cheering crowd that hands you encouragement at exactly the moment you need it most.”
Later in the evening, Dr. Dorothy Phillips captivated the room with a moving reflection on her groundbreaking career and her lifelong mission to open doors for others.
Introduced by her granddaughter Elizabeth, Dr. Phillips shared her journey from segregated Nashville to becoming one of the first Black women to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry and to rise through the ranks at Dow Chemical and Waters Corporation.
“STEM cannot be successful if it is not inclusive,” she said. “Science Club for Girls is creating not just opportunity—but belonging.”
A Message From Our Executive Director
Dr. Bonnie Bertolaet, Executive Director of Science Club for Girls, took the stage with a powerful message that crystallized the heart of the evening. She shared the results from SCFG’s 2024 alumni longitudinal study, conducted in partnership with the City of Cambridge. The results spoke volumes:
99% of alumni go on to college
63% major in STEM (76% when psychology and economics are included)
62% of survey respondents are women of color
Bonnie emphasized that these outcomes aren’t just statistics—they’re proof of what’s possible when girls and gender-expansive youth are supported early, consistently, and with intention. She reminded the audience that most girls of color in the program joined as early as kindergarten, highlighting the critical importance of early access and persistent mentorship in dismantling systemic barriers.
“This work isn’t just about science,” she said.“It’s about who gets to imagine the future—and who gets to build it.”
Her remarks underscored the urgency of this mission in today’s climate, where equity, science, and truth are under pressure. With unwavering resolve, Bonnie invited everyone in the room to help build a future where every young person has the opportunity—and the support—to thrive in STEM.
“Let’s make sure they never have to question whether they belong. Because they do.”
A Night of Milestones
We also celebrated several exciting milestones for SCFG. The evening included special video messages from local and state champions of our work, including Governor Maura Healey and Representative Katherine Clark, applauding SCFG’s role in building a more inclusive STEM pipeline.
We were also proud to share the news that Representative Marjorie Decker, alongside longtime SCFG supporter Representative Mike Connolly, helped secure $100,000 in funding for Science Club for Girls in the Massachusetts House Budget. While the funding still requires approval from the Senate and Governor, this marks significant momentum for our mission.
A Record-Breaking Night
Thanks to our incredible community, we raised over $250,000 toward our $300,000 goal—ensuring our programs remain free and accessible to the youth who need them most.
We are especially grateful to our generous event sponsors. Their support fuels our growth, deepens our impact, and helps us reach more girls and gender-expansive youth in STEM.
Vendors Who Made the Magic Happen
We’re deeply grateful to the incredible event partners who helped make the night so special, and were an absolute joy to work with! The Grand welcomed us into their beautiful space, Sasha Pedro Photography captured every joyful moment, Boston Photo Booth Services kept the energy high and the memories flowing, and Rooting for You brought the room to life with stunning florals. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Thank You Our 2025 Catalyst Sponsors
PLATINUM
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
BioMed Realty
MEDIA
Comcast | Project UP
GOLD
New England Biolabs
Sanofi
SILVER
American Chemical Society
Bristol Myers Squibb
Hologic
Mersana
Slalom
The Comedy Studio
BRONZE
A&O Shearman
Amgen
Alexandria
Chiesi
CleanCold Technologies LLC
Haemonetics
COPPER
Alkermes
CFGI
Pfizer
Manus
MIT
Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories
Vita Global Sciences
Waterfall Resort Alaska
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