Youth STEM 2030 @ Unconference by Global Changemakers
Global Changemakers supports youth globally to create positive social change, and we were delighted to be invited to speak to the students on their ‘Project Management for Changemakers’ course on the topic “STEM: A Vehicle for Changing the World”.
We joined a global line-up of youth who shared their skills, knowledge, stories and talent with aspiring changemakers. While science, technology, engineering and maths are sometimes seen as nothing more than a set of school subjects, the reality is, they're vital to solving some of the big challenges our world currently faces, such as the climate crisis, poverty, and inequalities.
We used our hour on the virtual stage to bring together young people who have used STEM to make a difference to show other youth that they can too! Our panellists shared their stories and experiences, as well as practical advice for getting started as a young person in STEM.
Meet our panellists below, and look out for our recording, which will be released soon on the Global Changemakers YouTube channel.
Mhairi McCann, 21, Scotland
Mhairi is the Founder & CEO of Youth STEM 2030, where - with the beliefs that STEM is vital to achieving the SDGs, and that youth can be at the forefront - she works with youth in 25+ countries to support young people to be leaders of the SDGs. She was recognised in 2020 amongst the UK’s Top 50 Women in Sustainability and through volunteering, Mhairi has advocated for more inclusive and meaningful youth involvement in decision making nationally. She has a particular interest in inclusion, and policy coherence for sustainable development.
Catherine Andary, 17, Canada
Catherine is a 17 year old from Canada, who is currently a second year Medical Sciences student. She has completed a wide range of innovative projects ranging from novel desalination techniques to technology for reducing Canada’s energy usage, and was recognised as a national science fair medalist. Outside of STEM, Catherine enjoys playing piano, volunteering and advocating for mental health. As part of the Design Team for the first ever Youth STEM Summit, Catherine is passionate about supporting youth and inspiring them to be involved in STEM!
Lucy Chen, 20, England
Lucy’s STEM interests are primarily in biochemistry, which she studies at university, and she has a particular passion for genetics and neuroscience. In her free time, she likes to play piano and guitar, write poetry, and bake. Lucy is an active volunteer with Youth STEM 2030, both as a Reviewer for Youth STEM Matters, and as part of the Youth STEM Summit Design Team. Through these opportunities, Lucy has been able to raise STEM awareness in underrepresented communities and help give young scientists a larger platform.
Alvina Mishra, 16, England
Alvina is currently in sixth form studying biology, chemistry and mathematics. She is most interested in the life sciences, particularly working with molecular biology and genetics. Alvina is passionate about women empowerment and in her free time, she likes to play the guitar and listen to music. Alvina is part of the Volunteer Team for Youth STEM Matters (Youth STEM 2030’s scientific journal), which has allowed her to take her interest in STEM beyond her studies, while helping other young people to further their own STEM interests.
Tashinga Mutemachani, 14, Zimbabwe
Tashinga, a 14 year old student from Zimbabwe, has competed in various science fairs internationally, including in China and South Africa, after completing a project that tackled the issues of hunger and poverty. She is passionate about writing poetry and short stories, and enjoys watching football or reading a good book in her free time. Tashinga spends a few hours a week volunteering as a Science Communication Editor in the Youth STEM Matters team, allowing her to combine her STEM and writing interests.
A recording of our panel discussion will be released soon, so watch this space!
