When the sky is not the limit

Where STEM dreams begin

Crowder has been fascinated by all things Science , Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) since she was a child. Her fascination with space has led her to start a science-based company, attend international space conferences and pursue other educational opportunities in the field. Her experience as a young girl fascinated by the wonders of STEM has become the driving force behind the empowerment initiatives Crowder pursues. She is the founder of organizations such as STEM Squad and ITGirls, which support young people aspiring to pursue careers in the space industry.

“I was a dinosaur nerd as a kid,” Crowder says. “I was obsessed with paleontology. My parents took me to the zoo one day, and I asked, ‘Why aren’t there any dinosaurs? Why can’t I see them?’ I was curious about my own question, and I started learning about meteorites and asteroids that wiped out the dinosaurs. That’s how I developed a love for science and space, and that passion has stayed with me to this day.”

In 2019, Crowder participated in “Go For Launch!”, an initiative by Higher Orbits that aims to ignite STEM passion through hands-on activities and guidance from space industry experts. The trip from her small town to the program was a turning point for Crowder. There, she met former astronaut Don Thomas and won a competition to design an art experiment in space. The experience sparked a deeper interest in the space industry.

Empowering girls

"My biggest dream is to become an astronaut and leave footprints on the Moon, maybe even Mars. I want girls to see me pursuing a seemingly crazy dream and think: If she can do it, why can't I? I want them to understand that the sky is not the limit, it's just the starting point."

Sophia Crowder

Seeing her hometown’s lack of STEM opportunities and underrepresentation of women in the field, Crowder took action. In 2019, she partnered with her local library and community college to launch STEM Squad, a startup that aims to close the gender gap and inspire both boys and girls to explore STEM.

“I grew up in a rural part of Virginia where there were almost no STEM opportunities,” Crowder said. “With programs like Higher Orbits and others, I had to travel two hours, even three hours to attend. I wanted to bring STEM back to my hometown.”

Crowder has been actively involved in the science community since high school. She founded ITGirls to encourage girls to pursue STEM fields. With support from Microsoft, she hosts workshops at schools featuring women working in the space industry, helping girls better envision a future where they are part of this field.

Through her initiatives, Crowder was honored with the 2024 Astronaut Rockstar Gold Award from the UniPhi Space Agency. Just a few months later, she traveled to Milan, Italy, to attend the International Astronautical Congress, an annual event of the International Astronautical Federation. Beyond her personal successes, Crowder continues to direct her efforts toward a larger goal: representation and empowerment. She joined the advisory board of Être Girls, a platform that connects girls with resources and positive role models in their chosen fields.

Looking ahead, Crowder hopes to bring both Higher Orbits and Être Girls closer to the college community, where she believes more far-reaching change can be made. After graduation, Crowder has made no secret of her ambition to reach for the stars.

Source: According to The Cavalier Daily

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/khi-bau-troi-khong-phai-la-gioi-han-20250411123735263.htm