Transforming Learning with AI & Building Future STEM Leaders
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Driving Innovation & Expanding Opportunities for Girls in STEM
Dear Friends,
At Silicon Valley Education Foundation (SV[e]F), we believe that access to opportunity, mentorship, and leadership is essential to building a future where everyone can thrive. This belief guides our work year-round—and during Women’s History Month, it takes on special meaning as we celebrate the innovators, changemakers, and trailblazers who have broken barriers, redefined industries, and opened doors for generations to come.
Women have long been at the forefront of scientific discovery and technological advancement, yet they remain underrepresented in STEM fields. Through mentorship, workforce development, and leadership initiatives, we are working to change this narrative by ensuring that the next generation of STEM leaders—especially young women—have the resources, support, and networks to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Over the past month, we’ve explored how artificial intelligence is transforming career readiness—highlighting the ways emerging technologies are reshaping the workforce and underscoring the importance of early exposure for students. We also examined leadership strategies that inspire professionals to grow and thrive in STEM fields, with a special focus on how mentorship strengthens pathways to success. As always, we are deeply grateful for your continued partnership in driving innovation and expanding access to opportunity.
Advancing AI in Education:
A Dual Approach for Students & Educators
The world of artificial intelligence is transforming industries at an unprecedented pace, and preparing both students and educators to navigate this shift is essential. That’s why SV[e]F has taken a dual approach—providing students with hands-on exposure to AI while also equipping educators with the tools they need to implement AI into their curriculum.
AI Design Camp: Preparing Students for the Future of Work
Our Eastside Education Initiative students participated in an immersive three-day AI Design Camp, where they explored AI's real-world applications and developed the skills needed to thrive in an evolving workforce.
Students worked directly with Adobe Firefly, an advanced AI tool that allows users to generate images and blend creativity with technology. Through hands-on activities, they engaged in AI-powered storytelling, learning about AI’s role across industries, experimenting with text-to-image generation, and crafting visual narratives that reflected their future career goals and academic aspirations.
By developing digital literacy, creative problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, these students are not only learning how AI works but also how to use it thoughtfully and responsibly—seeing it as a tool to enhance their ideas rather than a replacement for human creativity.
AI Workshops for Educators:
Bringing AI into the Classroom
In addition to student learning, SV[e]F also hosted AI Workshops for Educators, bringing together over 30 teachers to explore practical ways to integrate AI into their classrooms. The workshops were facilitated by education consultant Brigid Perhach and SV[e]F STEM Program teacher Danielle Letts.
These workshops provided hands-on training on how educators can leverage AI tools to enhance student engagement, personalize learning experiences, and introduce real-world applications of AI into their lesson plans. Educators left the workshops with not only a deeper understanding of AI but also actionable strategies to incorporate AI-driven problem-solving into their daily curriculum.
By equipping both students and educators, we are ensuring that AI literacy becomes an integral part of learning—helping students develop the future-ready skills they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving workforce.
STEMinists at Work: Bridging Talent and Opportunity, together.
On March 27th, Women in STEM Leadership 2025 brought together a vibrant community of leaders, learners, and supporters at the Computer History Museum to celebrate the theme "STEMinists at Work: Bridging Talent and Opportunity." The evening began with a lively cocktail hour and a curated wine presentation by Nancy Ulloa of Ulloa Cellars, setting the tone for an inspiring program centered on access, opportunity, and the power of women in STEM.
Guests were welcomed by SV[e]F leadership, who shared our mission to expand pathways for upward mobility through high-impact STEM education. The energy grew as neuroscientist and leadership coach, Shonté Jovan Taylor, delivered a powerful keynote on unlocking our brainpower to break barriers and lead with intention. A thought-provoking panel, moderated by SV[e]F Board Member Tugba Yanaz, followed—featuring Shonté and Diya Wynn, both dynamic women in STEM, sharing personal stories, challenges, and strategies for creating more inclusive, inspiring spaces for girls in STEM.
We're honored to present the 2025 STEM Trailblazer Award to Diya Wynn for her groundbreaking work in ethical AI and her commitment to paving the way for underrepresented voices in tech. Soon after, a particularly moving moment unfolded as Siya Aggarwal, a student from SV[e]F’s Cybersecurity Pathways, shared how access to opportunity has shifted the trajectory of her future—a powerful reminder of the real-world impact behind the evening’s celebration.
As the formal program ended, the room buzzed with energy and renewed commitment—proof that the future of STEM is being shaped right now by bold, brilliant women leading the way.
Save the Date for our next inspiring gathering—SV[e]F’s Annual DreamMakers Brunch on October 18, 2025—and continue the journey with us.
Mentorship is a powerful force for professional growth, providing guidance, expanding networks, and shaping the next generation of leaders. At SV[e]F, our President and CEO, Dr. Lisa Andrew, exemplifies this through her commitment to mentorship, influencing not only our team but also the broader education and nonprofit communities.
On February 24th, Dr. Andrew participated in Silicon Valley Business Journal’s Mentoring Monday, guiding emerging leaders and professionals on leadership development, career growth, and navigating workforce challenges. Her dedication to mentorship reflects the core of SV[e]F’s mission—ensuring that those shaping the future of education and workforce development have the support, knowledge, and encouragement to thrive.
By championing mentorship, Dr. Andrew is paving the way for future leaders, reinforcing the power of guidance, connection, and shared knowledge in building a stronger, more innovative community.
Broadcom Foundation, Paisley Family Fund, Joaquin Miller Middle School, Marvell, Health Trust, HP Global Social Investment, Varian Medical Systems, Sriram Kini, Google Inc., Ross Stores Foundation, AirBnb, San Jose State University, California Emerging Technology Fund, City of San Jose, Boston Consulting Group, Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, African American Community Service Agency, Stanford University, Tom Baker, Marcey Winawer, Fernanda Prata, James and Maren Otieno, Diane Takeuchi, Tasha Castaneda, Sergio Diaz, Sheri Boscaro, Tugba Yanaz, Janikke Klem, Deirdre Ryan Hanford, Jill Prantera, Jaime Campos, Emiko Pereyra, Leah Carig, Jeremiah Lineberger, Katrina Stevens, Kiran Mahadik, Nandini Ravichandran, Matthew Sapp, Rukhsana Khan, Muge Tanik, Shawn Gerth, Jessica Cedillos, Raylene Hernandez, Melissa Canela, Aubrey Calderon, D. John Miller, Anastasia Brown, Stephanie Kashima, Tami Jo Hodson, Heather Herrera, Denise Torrisi, Courtney Macavinta, Luisa Olivares, Pamela Bentley Mills, Ellen Kamei, Valeria Avila, Kathleen King, Julie Resendez, Terri Spencer, Valerie Benavides, Andrew Regner
SV[e]F appreciates the generous individuals and institutions who made gifts to SV[e]F in February and March 2025. If you have a question about your gift or would like to make a change to your listing, please contact development@svefoundation.org.
