The Power of Mentorship and Dialogue: Local Companies Host International High School Girls in STEM
From July 26-July 30th, 2025, the World Affairs Council had the privilege of hosting a group of high school girls from Northern Africa, the Middle East, and United States for TechGirls. Although they were only here for a few days, it is truly astounding how transformative the experience was for the students, home hosts, and job mentors.
TechGirls student with home host family.
When students first arrived on Saturday, July 26, they immediately jumped into a service project with Art Equals, a local nonprofit that works to make art accessible to everyone. At the end of the project, students left with their host families feeling both excited and nervous about the experience. However, spending the weekend with their host families gave the students a unique opportunity to explore the region and visit some of our iconic attractions! Many students were amazed with the greenery and history of the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area.
The job shadowing experience that Monday and Tuesday were full of leadership trainings, sitting in on company wide meetings, hands-on work, and exploring the many different avenues of STEM. Some students even got to visit active construction sites, like at CVG! In return, the students filled every room they entered with curiosity and drive.
As one mentor said:
“The two-day experience was a powerful display of what it means to live out our values: advocating for inclusivity, thoughtfully investing in future leaders, and building a more innovative industry.”
TechGirls students at their jobsite with Noshable
The program ended with an emotional goodbye breakfast on Wednesday morning with home hosts and mentors.
When reflecting on the overall program, one student noted:
“I used to think the USA is a dangerous place where the people were very serious so I shouldn’t say something funny. I realize now it is a very safe place where the people are the kindest and fun.”
What makes programs like TechGirls so impactful, is it provides a space for students from around the world to have an open dialogue with locals in our region. It breaks down the barriers of assumption through connection and global understanding. Citizen diplomacy like this program makes us realize we are far more similar than we are different; and our differences are something to celebrate.
Thank you to everyone who made such a powerful impact on our students.
Thank you to our mentors and jobsites:
- Chloe Wurtz, Atlas Air
- Veronica Takacs, Connico
- Arline Pique, Hamilton County Educational Service Center
TechGirls students with home hosts David and Arline Pique
- Marina Harding and Gina Kemper, Kroger
- Benita Capers, Last Mile Food Rescue
- Connor Paton, Noshable
- Prerna Gahndi, Rotex Group
- Erica Ponce, Starrag
Thank you to our home hosts:
- Karen Bratburd
- Dominique Ellison
- Allison Erwin and Brad Kihnke
- Margaret van Gilse and Ray Takigiku
- Arline and David Pique
- Harue and Rick Marquardt
- Vicki Moseley
- Vera Long and Avalon Long Richard
This program truly wouldn’t be what it was without you.
TechGirls is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by Legacy International in partnership with World Affairs Council –Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky.
