I’m thrilled to share the first entry of my blog, which is dedicated to a cause that holds deep meaning for me. My passion for industrial engineering has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My dad, an industrial engineer, would always find ways to simplify everyday tasks and include me in the process, showing me that even the smallest things can be improved through logic and design.

During eighth grade, my school offered a unique opportunity: we were challenged to partner with a nonprofit and design a project showing how a $10,000 donation could be used. The winning project would receive the funds to make their vision a reality.

At the time, I had just moved from Peru, where I had lived my entire life, to Dallas, Texas. Grateful for all I had and eager to give back, I began volunteering with an organization that teaches English to Peruvian girls. When the time came to choose a nonprofit for the school project, I knew I wanted to support Kantaya, a Peruvian organization close to my heart.

Kantaya provides quality education and emotional development to children in underserved communities. Through its flagship after-school program, Casita Feliz, Kantaya supports students with academic enrichment, life skills, and access to technology, helping them far exceed national averages in reading, math, and socio-emotional development. The organization also runs Podera, a program that trains young women from low-income backgrounds to become teacher assistants, giving them both educational and professional opportunities. With over 3,000 children impacted and a 100% secondary school completion rate among participants, Kantaya is changing lives through education.

When I spoke with Kantaya’s team, they helped us design a project that would have lasting impact: a STEM for Girls program. They shared with me a reality that stayed with me. In some schools, girls were sent to sewing or cooking classes. Meanwhile, boys were taught computer skills on the school’s limited technology. Girls were often excluded from tech-related opportunities. That wasn’t just unfair, it was an injustice. Kantaya and I wanted to change that.

The $10,000 donation is being used to fund STEM kits, teacher training, and hands-on activities that empower girls to explore science, technology, engineering, and math. Beyond the financial support, this project stands for something bigger. It represents a belief in equal opportunity. It recognizes the untapped potential of every girl. It also embodies the power of education to transform lives.

I strongly believe education can change the trajectory of a child’s future. My hope is that through this program, these girls not only learn about the tools that shape our world, but also realize they have the power to shape it themselves.

If you would like to learn more about Kantaya and their incredible work, visit kantayaperu.com. Let’s continue creating opportunities for every child to thrive.