Women in STEM take the ‘lead’ in Foley Freeze

by Grace Kaptur and Anna Klucens

FIRST Robotics has always prioritized emphasizing the leadership of women in STEM, and the Foley Freeze is proud to help inspire young women on the team through learning opportunities and leadership positions within our subteams.  Empowerment of women is especially evident this year with the addition of our three female team captains: Claire Kaptur, Sabrina Causley, and Arianna Kerkmaz. These women have demonstrated incredible leadership within the robotics team and the STEM community. 

Claire Kaptur, a junior captain, has made a positive impact on the team through her encouragement and leadership positions within the school. As a captain of the swim team, leader of the build sub-team, and member of key club, soccer team, cathletes, and NHS, she exemplifies a good role model for underclassmen. When asked about the importance of women in STEM, she says that women “…should have the same opportunities as men do, and it’s important for girls to be leaders especially in STEM, which is very male dominant. Girls can aspire for leadership roles just like men can and women can bring a new perspective to leadership in STEM.”

Sabrina Causley, a senior who will be attending George Washington University in the fall of 2021, is a student who is an exemplary leader within robotics and throughout the Foley community. This year, as a lead for the Build subteam, she demonstrates her leadership among over twenty robotics build members. Not only does she exemplify leadership on the robotics team, but she also is the Executive President of Student Council, captain of the swim team, as well as a member of NHS, Student Ambassadors, Cathletes, and drama. Her leadership at Foley reflects the ideal leadership role that future students should aspire to obtain. When asked why women in STEM should desire leadership roles, she says that women in STEM “…bring a new point of view to the world of STEM with the creation of more diverse ideas.”

Arianna Kerkmaz is a senior at Bishop Foley who has made waves in the Foley Freeze since her freshman year. She is the lead of programming and one of our three female captains. Arianna has a welcoming personality that motivates people to become excited about robotics. In addition to robotics, she is one of the key members of the Varsity Cross Country team and Bishop Foley’s Choir. She has consistently promoted women in STEAM. “When women are in STEM, it not only empowers them, but it also brings new innovation and ideas to the world in the form of new ideas and a fresh set of eyes on challenges that exist,” she said. “These new ideas and solutions positively impact the world and bring us into the future.” Her hard work and positive attitude are contagious and makes everyone around her work harder.