Diana Garcia remembers looking around when she went into clinical research and saw no one who looked like her.

Only men. 

Garcia loves science, but that stark image — ingrained in her memory — led her to Girls Inc. of Tarrant County, where the program coordinator now shares her passion for all things STEM with young girls. With the recent unveiling of the nonprofit’s 4,200-square-foot makerspace and STEM lab, Garcia is now able to introduce girls to science, technology, engineering and math through a variety of hands-on activities.

In her role, Garcia is constantly reminded about her own days in elementary and middle school and how much of an impact the science-focused space she works in would have had on her life. Her friends think about it, too, she said.

“We’re like, ‘Wow, we wonder where maybe we would have been if there was a program like this when we were younger,” Garcia said.

Jennifer Limas, Girls Inc. of Tarrant County’s president and CEO, described the space as a place where girls have the opportunity to experiment, take healthy risks and learn about STEM.

Walls, alternately painted in Girls Inc.’s colors of red and black, surround the STEM lab. 

In a caged-off area in the center of the space, girls learn how to pilot small drones and fly them through an obstacle course.

A room near the drone area is the designated STEM lab, where students learn everything from aerospace engineering, biotech and cybersecurity to math, robotics and geology. 

Students can also learn how to operate a 3D printer, a T-shirt maker and a large vinyl printer.

“This initiative isn’t just about equipping girls with technical skills. It’s about empowering them to take charge of their futures,” Limas said.

The STEM field needs more women, Limas said. While women comprise nearly half of the national workforce, they represent 27% of STEM workers, according to the U.S. Census.

“With North Texas experiencing rapid growth in STEM industries, there is a critical need for a skilled workforce and, in particular, we need to expand the opportunities that women serve,” Limas said.

Girls Inc. is working to narrow the gender gap in STEM, Limas said. The makerspace and STEM lab are one way. Another is through its Eureka! program, which ignites students’ interest and builds their confidence and skills in STEM.

Girls between third and 12th grades will visit the STEM lab, an exciting prospect for Garcia. People may think a third grader and a high school senior have nothing in common, but that is not the case, she said.

“When it comes to STEM, they do. They really do,” Garcia said.

Jacob Sanchez is a senior education reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at jacob.sanchez@fortworthreport.org or @_jacob_sanchez. At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.