Every year, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science shines a spotlight on the incredible contributions women have made and continue to make in STEM fields.
At Forward Education, we're passionate about fostering a love of learning and empowering the next generation of innovators. This year, we're celebrating by sharing insights from two of our inspiring team members: Krystal Laframboise, our Educational Curriculum Manager, and Katlin Walsh, our Learning Experience Designer. Their stories offer hope, encouragement, and a glimpse into the exciting world of STEM.
Krystal Laframboise: Embracing Interdisciplinary STEAM
Krystal's journey into STEM wasn't a straight path. "I was a full-blown arts student until Grade 11," she shares. "At that point, I ended up with some really incredible teachers for all the core science and math classes who instilled a strong sense of wonder about the natural world in me and changed my path forever." This experience highlights the profound impact educators can have on shaping young minds. Krystal's passion for learning led her to explore diverse fields, even venturing into computer science and robotics during her graduate biochemistry program. "A true testament to the value of tech and engineering in all fields," she notes.
At Forward Education, Krystal is thrilled to work in an environment that embraces interdisciplinary STEAM learning. "In my early career, I often feared being limited," she explains. "I've always had diverse interests, but felt that traditional schooling pressured me to choose between them; an interdisciplinary STEAM approach wasn't always the norm. Forward Edu allows me to work with like-minded educators and finally prioritize STEAM-based learning." Her enthusiasm is contagious as she describes the joy of exploring the interconnectedness of different fields and sharing that passion with others.
Krystal's advice for young girls interested in STEM is both practical and encouraging: "Grades do matter, but don't let the pursuit of perfection deter you or overshadow your sense of play, curiosity and experimentation. Keep asking questions, trying new things, building, testing, and embracing those valuable 'mistakes' along the way. In my experience, these are the skills that are most important in the long-term."
Reflecting on the importance of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Krystal emphasizes the need for diverse perspectives in solving complex problems. "As a society, we often limit ourselves by letting the past dictate what we believe is possible and who can achieve it. Today's complex problems demand creative, interdisciplinary solutions, which are only attainable when we consider diverse educational journeys, perspectives and lived experiences. For me, days like the International Day of Women and Girls in Science truly honour this principle by making the work we are doing visible and inspiring others."
Katlin Walsh: Igniting Curiosity and Empowering the Next Generation
Katlin's interest in STEM sparked at a young age during an engineering expo. "I was captivated by the process of designing an experiment, analyzing data, and improving on my work," she recalls. "That experience ignited a curiosity that I've continued to pursue in my career, and as a volunteer mentor for robotics teams and Makerspaces in my community!"
Katlin's passion for hands-on learning shines through in her work at Forward Education. "I love getting to work on new projects, building, and seeing my ideas come to life," she says. "One of my favourite things about Forward Edu is getting the chance to make Climate Action more accessible for our community! As someone with experience teaching in both K-12 and college STEM, I find it incredibly motivating that Forward Edu are so inclusive and excited to help enhance classroom learning for teachers and students."
Her message to young girls considering a future in STEM is powerful:
"STEM is for you too! Embrace your curiosity and never let anyone discourage you from exploring your interests. STEM fields offer endless opportunities for creativity, problem-solving, and making a real difference in the world. Don't be afraid to ask questions, seek out mentors, and remember that your unique perspective is valuable and needed in STEM."
Katlin believes that days like the International Day of Women and Girls in Science are essential for raising awareness and inspiring change. "Days like International Day of Women and Girls in Science are crucial for raising awareness about the gender gap in STEM and inspiring young girls to pursue their passions," she explains. "I hope to see a future where women and girls are equally represented in all STEM fields, contributing their unique perspectives and driving innovation. I also hope it sparks a passion for girls and mentors to create Girls in STEM clubs, and help bring other strong women’s voices forward in our industry."
Looking Forward
The stories of Krystal and Katlin remind us of the importance of fostering curiosity, encouraging exploration, and celebrating the contributions of women in STEM. At Forward Education, we're committed to empowering the next generation of innovators and creating a more inclusive and equitable future for all. We hope their experiences inspire young girls to embrace their passion for STEM and pursue their dreams without limits.
