Empowering Latina Girls & Moms in STEM
March 7 – April 25, 2026
Saturdays | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Terwillegar Recreation Centre – Edmonton
About the 2026 Program
Building Bridges is an 8-week in-person STEM and leadership program designed to introduce Latina girls (ages 8–15) to science, technology, engineering, and math while strengthening the relationship between mothers and daughters.
Through hands-on engineering projects, mentorship from professional engineers, and structured leadership development using the Catalyst Workbook for Girls in STEM, participants build confidence, curiosity, and real-world problem-solving skills in a culturally responsive environment.
This is not a one-day workshop — it is a cohesive, progressive learning journey.
2026 Program Line-Up
Each Saturday features a different engineering discipline and professional mentor:
March 7 – Catalyst Leadership Workshop
Mairim Neves – Mechanical Engineer
March 14 – STEM Projects & Experiments
Leticia Fantasia – Chemical Engineer
March 21 – STEM Construction Project
Laura Soto – Mechanical Engineer
March 28 – Catalyst Leadership Workshop
Mairim Neves – Mechanical Engineer
April 4 – STEM Projects & Experiments
Zulema Ruiz – Industrial Engineer
April 11 – STEM Projects & Experiments
Shirley Fong – Chemical Engineer
April 18 – STEM Projects & Experiments
Alejandra Mora – Electronic Engineer
April 25 – STEM Projects & Experiments
Caren Ramos – Electrical Engineer
Program Coordinators:
Duannaelba Arone – Chemical Engineer
Erick Magaña – Electro-Mechanical Engineer
Volunteer Support:
Maria Serrano – Industrial Engineer
Who the Program Is For
- Girls ages 8–15 interested in science, technology, or engineering
- Mothers who want to support and learn alongside their daughters
- Latina families seeking engaging, educational, and community-centered experiences
No prior STEM experience is required — only curiosity and willingness to learn together.
Program Approach
EaEach session includes:
- Hands-on engineering experiments
- Design and problem-solving challenges
- Mother–daughter collaboration
- Leadership reflection through the Catalyst Workbook
- Mentorship from practicing engineers
Sessions build progressively, making attendance consistency essential.
Why Building Bridges Matters
Latina girls remain underrepresented in STEM fields across Canada.
Building Bridges creates early exposure, representation, and belonging — helping girls see engineering not as something distant, but as something possible.
By including mothers in the learning journey, we strengthen family support systems and normalize STEM as an attainable path.
Community Partnerships
Building Bridges 2026 is delivered with the support of:
- Alberta Women’s Science Network (AWSN) — funding and program support
- The Catalyst BlueprintTM
- BalanceFEM
- Tamariz
- Sole Caffe
- Community volunteer engineers
- Community spaces and facilitators who contribute to program delivery
These partnerships help ensure the program remains accessible and free to participants.
Program Delivery
- Programs are offered as multi-week series
- Delivered in person in Edmonton
- Registration is required for each program cycle
- Space is limited to support meaningful learning experiences
Details for upcoming editions are shared through our website and social media channels.
Get Involved
We welcome collaboration from:
- STEM professionals interested in mentoring or facilitating sessions
- Organizations interested in partnering or sponsoring future programs
- Volunteers who support program delivery
For inquiries or partnership opportunities, please contact:
mujeresomegafoundation@gmail.com
