Students raise awareness about importance of diversity and inclusion in the STEM field
High school students and Novi residents Maansi Nema, Aliyah Hirji and Aryan Vaidya wanted to create a space that allows everyone’s voice to be heard.
Earlier this year, Nema, a senior at Novi High School, founded the nonprofit STEM Without Boundaries – appointing Hirji as the chief operating officer and Vaidya as the chief marketing officer. Nema created the organization to educate and encourage students around the globe to pursue STEM careers and especially empower women and those with diverse backgrounds.
Today, Nema, Hirji and Vaidya direct a team of 40 high school and college students and adults from across the country and internationally. They train students to host successful STEM Nights in their community for elementary students by providing all the resources, mentorship, and funding.
This month, STEM Without Boundaries is launching a new Diversity and Inclusion team as part of the nonprofit.
“STEM Without Boundaries understands that we are stronger when all backgrounds, genders, cultures and identities are free to express and share safely and are thoroughly represented. We encourage other organizations to take active measures to create an environment where equity, diversity and inclusion are embraced,” said Nema.
STEM Without Boundaries named Ayana Griffin, an incoming freshman at Stanford University as the executive director of the new Diversity and Inclusion team.
“I would like to ensure all students have access to STEM resources and know that they are capable and more than worthy of pursuing STEM as a career,” Griffin said.
For more information, visit stemwithoutboundaries.org, facebook.com/stemwithoutboundaries or email stemwithoutboundaries@gmail.com.