In a powerful move to empower Filipina women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), the Her Legacy Project has launched the SHE STEMS program, a scholarship initiative supported by UN Women Philippines. The program recognizes the critical need to address the gender gap in STEM, where only 3 out of 10 Filipinos working in these fields are women. This statistic highlights the urgent need to encourage and support more women to pursue STEM careers, especially considering that by 2025, 75% of the world’s most in-demand jobs will require STEM skills.
Spearheaded by award-winning journalist Karen Davila, UN Women National Goodwill Ambassador, the SHE STEMS program provides financial assistance, mentorship, and networking opportunities to 10 exceptional Filipina college students studying STEM. The program also includes a 3-day leadership program designed to enhance their leadership capabilities, deepen their understanding of gender equality, and reinforce their roles as future women leaders in STEM. The program culminated in an awarding ceremony at the University of the Philippines, attended by Davila, the UP scholarship team, and UN Women representatives.
Let’s meet the 10 inspiring SHE STEMS scholarship awardees who are passionate about using their STEM knowledge to make a positive impact on the Philippines:
Joeimarie Carmela Bueno: Aspiring Community Researcher
The Philippines faces numerous challenges related to natural disasters and the ongoing climate crisis. Bueno, driven by a deep concern for the environment and its impact on human health, aspires to become a community researcher in the field of planetary health. She understands the challenges faced by aspiring STEM students, particularly those with financial limitations and the need for mentors. Reflecting her commitment, Bueno has already started mentoring public high school students interested in pursuing STEM careers.
Gwyneth Precious Kiunisala: Aspiring Food Technologist
Food security is a critical issue in the Philippines, with 14.2% of Filipino families experiencing hunger daily. Kiunisala, personally experiencing this struggle, aspires to become a pioneering food technologist. Her goal is to study the physical, chemical, and biological properties of food to improve its nutritional value and contribute to combating hunger in the Philippines.
Kryzell Carmona: Aspiring Geologist
Carmona shares Bueno’s passion for addressing climate change, focusing her aspirations on the field of geology. Aiming for a doctorate in geology, she hopes to publish her research, contributing to the advancement of sustainable practices. Her dedication to addressing climate change through her work is inspiring.
Kate Macabalos: Aspiring Astrostatistician
The Philippines currently boasts only three astrophysicists and space scientists. With limited information on the number of astrostatisticians in the country, Macabalos aims for the stars, aspiring to be an astrostatistician, a field combining astrophysics, statistical analysis, and data mining. She hopes to contribute her skills to the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), a government agency addressing space science and technology applications.
Krystel Joy Swin: Aspiring Geodetic Engineer and Researcher
The Philippines also needs more geodetic engineers, particularly women engineers in the construction industry. Swin hopes to join this field, striving to become a geodetic engineer and researcher specializing in remote sensing. Her dedication to advancing the field and representing women in construction is commendable.
Sophia Rhys Bañados: Aspiring Neuroscientist
Bañados follows her heart, pursuing the path of a neuroscientist, dedicated to understanding the brain and nervous system. Working in a field often dominated by men, she dreams of becoming a pioneer in discovering medical breakthroughs related to brain function. Her ambition and passion for neuroscience are inspiring.
Elaiza De Luna: Aspiring Agriculturist
The Philippines is blessed with rich agricultural resources, and it is crucial to further enhance its agricultural sector. While women make up 39% of farmers in the country, their representation in science positions in agriculture is limited. De Luna aspires to be one of the few women in agriculture, striving to become an agriculturist. She aims to work on agricultural and environmental sustainability and conduct research to improve the productivity and sustainability of field crops, addressing national food security issues.
Claire Jaradal: Aspiring Data Analyst
The demand for data analysts has surged in recent years. This role involves decision-making, improving efficiency, enhancing customer experiences, and managing risks through data interpretation. However, it is often a field dominated by men. Jaradal hopes to change this narrative and achieve success as a female data analyst. Her ambition to challenge gender stereotypes in the field is commendable.
Gwyneth Ross Bukuhan: Aspiring Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers are in high demand in the Philippines, but only 26% of Filipina women are engineers. Bukuhan strives to become a chemical engineer in research and development for the beauty, health, and wellness industries. She aims to start a local manufacturing plant, providing livelihood opportunities for Filipinos. Her dedication to entrepreneurship and innovation is impressive.
Raiza Junio: Aspiring Physician-Scientist
Junio combines her passion for research and medicine, aspiring to be a physician-scientist. Her goal is to acquire new knowledge about health, disease, and patient care through research. With the Philippines facing a doctor shortage, she aims to contribute to improving the quality of healthcare in the country. Her commitment to improving healthcare through research is admirable.
The SHE STEMS program is a testament to the power of education, mentorship, and empowerment. These 10 remarkable young women are poised to make significant contributions to their respective fields, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of Filipina women in STEM.
