Launching Big Dreams: Izzy's Day at the State House

Izzy, a Science Club for Girls Junior Mentor, recently joined our team at the Massachusetts State House – a day that sparked new dreams, deepened her confidence, and reminded us why representation in STEM matters.

Alongside her friend and fellow Junior Mentor, Ayaan, Izzy met three inspiring leaders: Astronaut Sunita Williams, whose eight-day space mission turned into nine months; Governor Maura Healey, Massachusetts’ first woman elected Governor; and Representative Marjorie Decker, a longtime champion for equity in education and opportunity. 

“When we were waiting to go into the reception, we were looking at all of the portraits on the walls and only one of them was of a woman. It felt really important to be there representing Science Club for Girls and meeting women who are leaders in space and government and knowing we belong in that room,” - Izzy, SCFG Junior Mentor

Together, Izzy and Ayaan gifted SCFG’s “Rocket Scientist” T-shirts to Astronaut Williams and Governor Healey—a symbolic gesture honoring their commitment and leadership that has opened many doors for the next generation of women in STEM. Governor Healy and Astronaut Williams created a very warm and welcoming environment and encouraged the young people in the room to ask questions.

“Even though she is an astronaut she was really down to earth. I thought that was really cool,” Izzy shared.

Izzy seized the opportunity to ask Astronaut Williams what she listened to on her spacewalks which led to Astronaut Williams sharing stories about Friday night Karaoke on the Space Station. 

“I didn’t realize how much collaboration and teamwork there was between the astronauts from different countries. It was really interesting to think about how you can learn about people and different cultures while pursuing your dream STEM career,” Izzy said.

When asked what it meant to her to meet a woman who has made history and holds records in STEM, Izzy shared, “To meet someone who has done so many amazing things made me feel like I could do it too. I was really energized when she challenged us to break her records.”

Izzy continued, “Meeting Astronaut Williams in person made a STEM career feel more attainable. I appreciated her telling us that we don’t have to have everything figured out to achieve great things.”

Following the reception, Izzy and the SCFG team stopped by Representative Marjorie Decker’s office to personally thank her for supporting Science Club for Girls in the House Budget. Izzy told the Representative how SCFG fueled her passion for STEM—and opened her eyes to a future she once thought was out of reach. 

Leaving the State House, Izzy said, “This is a day I will be telling my grandkids about.”

At Science Club for Girls, this is the heart of our mission—to provide girls and gender-expansive youth—particularly those from underrepresented communities—with free, hands-on STEM experiences and inspiring mentors who reflect who they are and who they can become.

For Izzy, this wasn’t just a field trip. It was a launchpad. A day that sparked new questions, planted big dreams, and affirmed that her voice—and her future—belong in STEM and amongst our leaders. 

Learn more about what Astronaut William had to say during Izzy’s statehouse visit here: https://whdh.com/news/needham-astronaut-suni-williams-says-she-saw-cape-cod-and-fenway-park-from-space/ 

We are grateful to the Governor’s Office for hosting us and to Malaika Lucien, STEM Policy Manager at the Executive Office of Education, for extending the invitation so we could share this experience with Izzy and Ayaan!