Preparing Young Minds: Big Sister STEM Chats Workshop

Introducing Preparing Young Minds

Over several months, the Sun and Truth Foundation collaborated with community organizations across Montreal to find sustainable and innovative ways to engage young people and create safe spaces conducive to encouraging them to take up space. With this objective in mind, the foundation launched Preparing Young Minds (PYM). PYM is a youth and community-focused initiative curated to empower youth with the tools necessary to thrive. Through strategic partnerships and targeted programming, PYM inspires a butterfly effect, enabling youth to uplift themselves and their communities.

PYM: Big Sister STEM Chats

May 17, 2025, marked the launch of the first Preparing Young Minds event: The Big Sister STEM Chats Workshop, in partnership with the community organization, Les Scientifines. The event was designed to foster a supportive and safe space where women in STEM could connect with girls aged 12–17 who aspire to enter the field, creating opportunities for mentorship and learning. The goal was to inspire young women by providing role models—professionals who are well-established in STEM and may share similar backgrounds or experiences.

Big Sister STEM Chats Presentations

The event was three-fold and structured to encourage meaningful connections, inspire through impactful presentations, and engage participants with an interactive science expo. TED Talk-style presentations were given by inspiring leaders and trailblazers in STEM: Jennifer Côté (CEO & Co-Founder, Opalia); Delina Efrem (Research Scientist, Modulari-T); Nivatha Balendra (CEO & Founder, Dispersa); and Hela Benaissa (R&D Manager, Dispersa). Each speaker shared their journey into STEM and the science behind their ventures.

Micro Science Expo

To conclude an exciting and impactful day, Big Sister STEM Chats organized a science expo, allowing young participants to explore various disciplines in STEM through interactive activities and presentations by corporate exhibitors, including: Unity, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Eli Health, LCCHS Robotics, Société des Arts Technologiques [SAT], and student science fair presentations by Les Scientifines. The girls explored topics ranging from pollinators in our food systems to 3D modeling, gaming, and the role of hormones in health.

The Sun and Truth Foundation would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the participants, Les Scientifines, corporate exhibitors, speakers, and volunteers. Without their dedication and collaboration, none of this would have been possible.