Empowering Change: How the 2026 Catalyst Awards Are Elevating Women in STEM
- May 27
- 5 min read
Updated: May 29
On Wednesday, May 6, we hosted our annual Catalyst Awards at The Grand in Boston. The event brought together over 275 attendees to celebrate women in STEM who are driving innovation and building a more equitable future. As the United States faces continuous gaps in STEM representation and workforce participation, SCFG brought together leaders across government, academia, and industry who are ready to support and invest in a more inclusive and STEM-ready future.
Emceed by Pamela Gardner, Meteorologist for NBC10 and NECN, and a long-time champion of Science Club for Girls, the evening started with remarks from Governor Maura Healey and Representative Katherine M. Clark. Both elected officials underscored the importance of investing in young people early and ensuring that the future STEM ecosystem reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. Investment in early STEM access is not only about education, but also about sparking curiosity, building confidence, and nurturing a lifelong sense of possibility.
This year’s Catalyst Awards honored Yvonne Hao, COO and General Partner at Flagship Pioneering and former Secretary of the Executive Office of Economic Development for Massachusetts, and Dr. Sally Kornbluth, 18th President of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Both are visionary leaders whose careers reflect that same spirit of lifelong learning, exploration, and innovation.
SCFG Executive Director, Dr. Bonnie Bertolaet, led a fireside chat with the honorees where they discussed the importance of early access, mentorship, and long-term investment in STEM education. Drawing perspectives from government, academia, and industry, the conversation highlighted the shared responsibility of building a more inclusive, future-ready STEM workforce and expanding opportunities for the next generation of innovators.
Throughout the discussion, speakers reflected on the critical role that curiosity, representation, and hands-on learning play in shaping young people’s confidence and long-term engagement in STEM.
"It's no wonder that so many SCFG students go on to pursue STEM in college and careers, because of the deliberate way that SCFG encourages and creates opportunities for curiosity and hands-on experience," says MIT President Sally Kornbluth. "Frankly, that's the recipe for becoming an effective scientist: fusing that irrepressible instinct to learn and discover with the practical training and discipline to do good science. If we take advantage of the expertise and momentum SCFG has built over the past few decades, we can train a future generation that will drive innovation for decades to come.”
Drawing from her experiences in industry and government, Yvonne Hao further highlighted the growing need for a strong and diverse STEM talent pipeline to support innovation and economic growth across the state.
“The future of innovation will be defined by who we invite in — and how early we start.” said Hao “Science Club for Girls is doing the hard, essential work of building confidence, access, and identity in STEM long before most systems engage. That’s not just meaningful, it’s strategic. The breakthroughs we’re counting on over the next decade depend on a generation we’re still developing today.”
She continued, “Programs like Science Club for Girls are addressing these inequities, driving innovation, and fueling economic growth. I’m deeply honored to be recognized alongside leaders who share that commitment, and inspired by the future being shaped by Science Club for Girls.”
The panel emphasized the investment early in STEM access needs to happen now as industries across the country compete to build a stronger and more diverse workforce. The conversation reinforced how Science Club for Girls’ free STEM programs are not only critical to the growth and development of young people, but also to the future of our communities, industries, and economy, giving us a powerful reminder of why SCFG’s mission is more important than ever.
The evening concluded with a keynote address from Sunita “Suni” Williams, retired NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy captain. Astronaut Williams spoke candidly about the encouragement and support she received from her community as she navigated her path, emphasizing the importance of representation in STEM and the responsibility to create pathways for future explorers and problem-solvers. Her story underscored the very mission at the heart of Science Club for Girls: ensuring that young people not only have access to STEM opportunities, but also the mentorship, belonging, and confidence needed to envision themselves as future scientists, engineers, and leaders.
For many attendees, William’s reflections resonated far beyond the stage. Her story served as a powerful example of what can happen when young people are encouraged and supported by their communities to stay curious, and dream boldly.
One SCFG parent and Catalyst Host Committee Member, Andrew Yam, shared a moving reflection after attending the event with his family, including his daughter Amanda who has participated in our Summer Rocketry Program and Science Clubs.
“Attending the Catalyst Awards was a memorable evening I will never forget as a father. Watching my daughter completely drawn to listening to every word from Astronaut Suni Williams, and looking at the photo of Suni as a little girl, listening to personal stories from Dr. Sally Kornbluth, President of MIT, and Yvonne Hao, former Massachusetts Secretary of Economic Development. Then on the drive home, hearing her say, ‘I feel like I could be like them too.’ One night. Three remarkable women leaders and role models. A young girl beginning to see new possibilities in herself. Thank you, Science Club for Girls, for empowering girls to imagine.”
Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, supporters, and community partners, the 2026 Catalyst Awards raised over $300,000 toward our goal of $325,000. These investments make it possible for more girls and gender-expansive youth to access hands-on STEM learning experiences, connect with mentors, and build the confidence and skills needed to pursue their futures. Conversations throughout the evening served as a powerful reminder that when communities invest early in opportunity, they help shape not only individual futures, but the future of STEM itself.
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 once again provided a perfect space and delicious food, Sasha Pedro Photography captured every joyful moment (View the Gallery). Boston Photo Booth Services gave everyone a keepsake to remember, and Last Minute Productions ensured the program could be seen throughout the venue.
Thank You Our 2026 Catalyst Sponsors!
Platinum:
Gold:
Silver
Media Partner
Comcast
Bronze
Alexandria Real Estate Equities
Amgen
CFGI
Fenwick
Haemonetics
Massachusetts Life Sciences Center
Production Sponsor
Last Minute Productions
Copper
Alkermes
Citizens Private Bank
MIT
Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratory (MERL)
Red Sox Foundation
