Larsen '22 Creates WINDOWS for Women in STEM

Ellie Larsen ’22 has been interested and participating in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities since elementary school, and this summer she’s had the opportunity to start a new program to engage other girls.
Larsen and a team of girls in her hometown have founded Women Initiating Necessary Discussions on Opportunities for Women in STEM (WINDOWS), a monthly webinar series by women for women to share their experiences in STEM. The presenters often share how they got where they are and offer advice for young women interested in the field.
 
“The WINDOWS Initiative is important to me because I believe that bringing STEM opportunities to a more diverse group and empowering women to join these fields is critical not only in bringing equity to these jobs, but also in bettering the world,” Larsen said.
 
She and her team have big dreams for the program, including growing their audience to reach more listeners, gaining non-profit status, and expanding WINDOWS Inspire, a secondary program that engages low-income elementary and middle-age students with STEM. WINDOWS Inspire will distribute free STEM kits with materials and instructions for science and engineering experiments to kids in low-income households.
 
“Giving kids and young women the chance to find a passion in a STEM field can be life changing,” said Larsen. “Everyone deserves that opportunity. Everyone deserves the opportunity to change the world through science, technology, engineering, or math.”
 
In addition to co-founding WINDOWS, Larsen has been actively involved in multiple robotics clubs, including Chatham Hall’s TuTu Turtles.
 
“The girls on the TuTu Turtles team are super supportive of each other and a lot of fun to work with. I appreciate that Chatham has a lot of options for math and science classes, and there’s an opportunity to really dive into your interests here,” she noted. “Robotics has taught me a lot about teamwork, problem-solving, resilience, and the importance of giving back to the community. It’s turned into my passion.”
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800 Chatham Hall Circle  •  Chatham, VA 24531
+1 434.432.2941  •  admissions@chathamhall.org
Day and boarding school for girls grades 9-12 in the Episcopal tradition.

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