[smitikshah]

We have a pretty low demographic of girls. I was one of three girls on the team this season (around 25/30 members) and all three of us were leads (co-captain, photography lead, and mechanical (specifically drive train lead).

Next year (discounting incoming freshman), I will probably be the only girl on the team. Since freshmen aren't allowed to be leads their first year in FRC (team rules), looks like I will continue my co-captain duties, and only female leader.

Our club (more specifically our mentor) is super welcoming to any girls interested in joining the club - and trying to get some of his female students to join things like FRC and The Society of Women Engineers. Lack of females on our team is probably because of the current lack of female interest in the club. Even I initially was super intimidated before completely joining and as one of the only females on the team and I am working on changing that.

I took upon myself the responsibility of outreach, and am now working on developing Female in STEM programs where we go around and do activities normally associated with "female" interests (like making jewelry), and revolve it around STEM! This could involve learning how to cut, strip, and crimp wire, and then make wire bracelets (using anderson powerpoles to connect them). This is still in the making but hopefully by doing things like this in the community we can inspire girls to pursue STEM in high school, resulting in a higher yield of female leaders.

The future looks exciting!