This summer, I was selected to represent Kenya in the TechGirls 2025 program, a prestigious and highly selective initiative that empowers young women to grow as leaders in STEM.
My journey took me to the United States for 23 days, where I joined brilliant peers from around the world. It was an honour to immerse myself in 40 hours of intensive STEM instruction in molecular modelling and informatics at Virginia Tech University. Guided by outstanding professors, I learned to use advanced tools like PyMOL and Gnina to visualise proteins and simulate ligand docking. My team’s project explored how sugar substitutes such as Sorbitol and Sucralose interact with the enzyme Glucokinase and their potential impact on diabetic patients. This was a significant milestone for me because I had the chance to connect science, technology and real-world issues. I now look forward to collaborating with my teammates from different parts of the world to publish our first research paper, as well as starting my own Malaria community action project.
Alongside STEM, TechGirls emphasised leadership development. Through 30 hours of workshops, I strengthened my teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills—lessons that will guide me in future leadership roles.
One of the most memorable moments was the community barbecue, where we came together to celebrate our cultures. We dressed in traditional attire, shared foods from around the world and enjoyed cultural dances and songs. It was a beautiful evening that highlighted the diversity and unity within TechGirls.
The program also gave me unforgettable cultural experiences. During a community immersion in Denver, Colorado, I lived with an American host family and gained a unique perspective on everyday American life. We bonded over meals, shared stories about our cultures and explored Denver together. What made the experience truly special was that my host mom is a U.S. Ambassador. With my passion for Model United Nations, our conversations often centred on diplomacy, leadership and global affairs.
For my job shadow experience at the University of Denver, I engaged with female STEM experts, observed zebrafish research on heart regeneration and explored biomechanics in sports science.
I also explored aviation and robotics at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy National Air and Space Museum and Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. I visited the NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre, where I learned about the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and saw how complex science is transformed into visual stories. We also visited the U.S. State Department and toured historic monuments, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial.
Beyond the program, I had the honour of being invited by the U.S. Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires ad interim to a Welcome Reception for the 2025 U.S. Exchange cohort. I shared my journey as the youngest in the room and realised the impact of diverse voices coming together. A highlight was my personal conversation with Carla Benini, the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, where we discussed youth leadership, technology and the role of exchange programs.
TechGirls 2025 was truly life-changing for me. I returned with new skills, new friendships and a bigger vision for what’s possible. This is only the beginning.
By Zeinab Fauzi – Student, MPESA Foundation Academy.
