A Mujeres Omega Foundation Initiative
Every March, as Canada celebrates Engineering Month, Mujeres Omega Foundation launches one of its most meaningful programs: Building Bridges. This six-week initiative brings together Latina girls aged 8–15 and their mothers for a unique experience that blends engineering education, mentorship, cultural connection, and most of all — play.
In 2025, Building Bridges completed its second successful year, and the impact continues to grow.
Engineering Month, the Latino Way
Founded by Mairim Neves, a Venezuelan-born Mechanical Engineer with over 23 years of professional experience in the mining industry and a passion for mentoring, the program was born from her desire to give back to the Latin community in Edmonton — the same way she was supported when she arrived in Canada 17 years ago.
Mairim, who also serves as Project Manager and founder of Mujeres Omega Foundation, envisioned Building Bridges as more than an introduction to STEM. For her, it’s a pathway to inspire girls to fall in love with engineering, while offering mothers the opportunity to connect and be fully present with their daughters through the magic of hands-on learning.
Learning Through Play: The Weekly Sessions
Each week introduces a different branch of engineering through creative and engaging activities, led by volunteer engineers who work in industry and generously donate their time. The program is conducted entirely in Spanish, creating a culturally safe and familiar space for Latina families.
Here’s a glimpse into the 2025 lineup:
Week 1: Mechanical Engineering & Autism Awareness
Although the mechanical session was postponed, families gathered for a painting night in honor of Autism Awareness Month on April 14. Together, they painted a giant puzzle — a symbol of inclusion, understanding, and creativity.
Week 2: Electromechanical Engineering – Freddy Bolaños
Girls and their moms built hydraulic-powered machines using syringes and colorful liquids, constructed bridges with popsicle sticks, and powered toy cars using rubber bands.
Week 3: Electronic Engineering – Alejandra Mora
Participants learned about circuits and created working transformers using batteries and copper wire.
Week 4: Chemical Engineering – Shirley Fong
A deliciously fun lesson! The girls made their own ice cream while learning the science behind freezing, using salt and friction to solidify liquids.
Week 5: Electrical Engineering – Karen Ramos
Through a presentation from EPCOR, families explored how electricity is generated and distributed in Edmonton. They then celebrated Easter by building bunny robots powered by motors and batteries.
Week 6: Project Management & Teamwork – Laura Soto
The final challenge: build the tallest spaghetti tower in 18 minutes. The activity taught leadership, communication, and collaboration. As a surprise, four mechanical engineering students from Mexico joined to teach the girls about fluid dynamics and the density of liquids — turning the last session into a vibrant celebration of cross-cultural knowledge sharing.
More Than Engineering — It’s About Connection
Building Bridges is inspired by two foundational programs of Mujeres Omega Foundation: Kids and Moms and Mindful Connections.
Co-founder Nery Payne champions the importance of play for children’s brain development — particularly when that play happens alongside their parents. Studies show that when children play with their caregivers, deep neural connections form that support emotional and cognitive growth. And for the moms, the act of being fully present with their daughters through play becomes a powerful form of mindfulness and bonding — better than therapy.
This program is not only about showing girls they belong in STEM — it’s also about reinforcing intergenerational love, curiosity, and trust.
By the Numbers
- 6 sessions delivered in both 2024 and 2025
- 10 mother-daughter pairs registered in 2025
- 9 mother-daughter pairs registered in 2024
- Over 14 volunteers contributed more than 130 hours in 2025
- 10+ volunteers in 2024
- Funded by AWNS – Alberta Women in Science: 2024 and 2025
Behind the scenes, Maria Cristina Serrano (Industrial Engineer) and Mairim Neves P.Eng. worked tirelessly to plan and prepare each session, ensuring every learning experience ran smoothly and joyfully.
Looking Ahead
Building Bridges is currently offered free of charge to Latina girls and their mothers in Edmonton. However, due to limited funding, participation is capped at 10 families per year. More funding would allow the program to grow, reach more families, and involve even more engineering professionals excited to give back.
There are countless ways to grow this program — from expanding session topics to reaching rural areas and launching online workshops. But most importantly, Building Bridges is pioneering in its approach: it doesn’t just teach science — it creates real, lasting connections between mothers and daughters during their most formative years.
Want to Support or Get Involved?
Whether you’re an engineer, educator, donor, or parent — we invite you to be part of the bridge. Help us spark the next generation of Latina engineers, leaders, and changemakers.
Visit www.mujeresomegafoundation.com to learn more about the program or to support its growth.
Because building a bridge doesn’t just connect places — it connects people. And when we connect, we thrive.
Leave a Reply