Science Club for Girls - Catalyst Awards

For more than 30 years, Science Club for Girls has demonstrated that when access and mentorship are prioritized, girls from underrepresented communities don’t just enter STEM - they transform it. Our alumni attend college at extraordinary rates, pursue STEM majors far beyond national averages, and carry with them the confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills our future workforce depends on. At a time when the need for inclusive innovation has never been greater, Science Club for Girls is building momentum backed by results.  

The Catalyst Awards exist for moments like this. At a time when the future of STEM will be defined by the choices we make today and who we choose to invest in, Catalyst honors leaders who are setting the standard for courageous, equity-driven leadership across science, academia, industry, and public service.

Our 2026 Catalyst Awardees are Yvonne Hao, COO & General Partner at Flagship Pioneering and former MA Secretary of Economic Development; and Dr. Sally Kornbluth, 18th President of MIT! This year’s honorees represent the pinnacle of impact - shaping global innovation, advancing bold research, and strengthening Massachusetts’ economy and institutions. Retired Astronaut Sunita Williams will be joining us as the Keynote Speaker during this inspiring evening.

Catalyst drives the investment that keeps Science Club for Girls’ programs free, hands-on, and accessible for the girls and gender-expansive youth who need them most. By joining us, you are making a clear statement about the future you believe in - one where talent is not determined by zip code or identity, and where progress accelerates because we choose to invest in it.