Lynwood Unified Empowers Future Women in STEM Through Annual Girls Conference

Lynwood Unified School District’s Girls STEM Conference brought together female elementary students from across the District for a day of hands-on learning and an introduction to careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) on March 20.

The event featured Lynwood Unified alumnae as keynote speakers, including Ashley Peña and America Castaneda, who shared their journeys from local classrooms to STEM careers.

“For me, STEM isn’t just about learning the content, it’s about being encouraged to push past feeling out of place in historically male-dominated fields,” Peña said.

Students participated in hands-on activities led by Firebaugh and Lynwood high schools’ STEM clubs and Career Technical Education pathways, exploring fields such as biomedical science, engineering, robotics and computer science. The conference connected students with industry professionals from various organizations including Faraday Future, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the Society of Women Engineers, the Columbia Memorial Space Center and Women In Bio, providing a firsthand look into potential futures in STEM.

“Seeing us all here feels awesome and exciting,” Washington Elementary third grader Crystal Rose Gomez said. “Learning about STEM careers made me feel like girls can go anywhere and do amazing things. I can’t wait to major in math in the future."

The Girls STEM Conference reflects Lynwood Unified’s commitment to expanding access and opportunity in STEM, connecting students with role models, hands-on experiences and real-world applications. Through continued investment in programs and pathways, the District is preparing students to pursue futures in high-demand fields while building a sense of belonging in STEM spaces.