MISSION:MATHMINDS.


The largest youth-led non-profit dedicated to transforming girls’ perceptions of STEM through a math-first approach, aligned with and actively supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of Quality Education (SDG 4) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10).

THIS TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY…


The math-first approach is, in my view, what will transform future education in the science, technology, and engineering spaces.

Founding Mission:MathMinds in 2020 at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was committed to creating a program that empowered girls to embrace their passions for math. This commitment emerged from the realization that girls, from a young age, girls often face unique barriers to STEM fields, stemming from an early form of math anxiety. This anxiety can arise from societal expectations, lack of encouragement, or simply the absence of programs designed to make math feel accessible and engaging for everyone.

Through Mission:MathMinds, our approach has been multidimensional, integrating interactive workshops, mentorship programs, and practical math applications to break down the anxiety and barriers girls often face. We work to foster confidence by showing how math connects to everyday life and by providing a supportive community of mentors and peers who share similar challenges and aspirations. Our mission is to cultivate an environment where curiosity and intellect are celebrated, creating a new generation of girls equipped not only with math skills but also with a belief in their own potential.

Since its inception, Mission:MathMinds has reached over 18,270 young girls across diverse communities, positively impacting their academic paths and boosting their interest in STEM fields. By collaborating with schools, parents, and STEM professionals, we continually adapt and refine our programs to address evolving needs and inspire lasting enthusiasm for math.

Visit missionmathminds.org to learn more about our initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and how you can support our mission to close the gender gap in STEM. Together, we’re empowering young minds to break barriers and reimagine what's possible in math and beyond.

VOLUNTEERING WITH UKRAINIAN

REFUGEE CHILDREN IN POLAND


Working with the United Nation’s Ukrainian education centers in Warsaw, Poland, was an incredible journey. My role focused on creating a supportive educational environment for displaced students who had endured profound challenges due to the conflict in their home country. Through Mission:MathMinds, we provided math and STEM-based learning activities that could engage the students’ curiosity and foster resilience, while also offering them a sense of stability and continuity in their education.

In addition to classroom teaching, I collaborated with local educators to design programs that acknowledged the unique cultural and emotional needs of these students. From adapting curricula to align with the Ukrainian education system to establishing safe spaces where students could explore math through creative problem-solving, every effort was aimed at helping them rebuild confidence and envision a positive future.

My work in Warsaw served as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of education. It showed how math could be more than just an academic subject but could serve as a tool for empowerment, adaptation, and connection. By working together, we are making strides toward bridging educational gaps and providing critical support to children who deserve a hopeful tomorrow.

Visit missionmathminds.org/ukraine to learn more about our ongoing initiatives, and support our efforts to bring stability and learning opportunities to children affected by this crisis.

INITIATIVES


Learn more about the global movements that I’ve had the privilege of leading.

  • Pioneered a COVID-19-era Math Mentoring Program focused on connecting girls with female role models and high school female mentors.

  • Building the largest network of female role models serving as leaders and mentoring the next generation of girls in METS

  • Aims to aid in bringing light to the displaced children of Ukraine and underserved communities of Chicago through the magic of books.

  • Annual summit to celebrate, inspire, and appreciate our fellow female members for the great work they are doing to inspire girls to find their passion in math

  • Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Award

    Largest Funding Award To Date

    Read the Story: http://missionmathminds.org/news/m3-awarded-largest-funding-by-goldman-sachs-and-hrmi

  • United Nations Recognition

    UN Volunteer Global Alliance

    Read the Story: https://missionmathminds.org/news/united-nations-recognition

  • Teaching at the First Ukrainian School in Poland

    1180+ students

    Moments in Photos: https://missionmathminds.org/ukraine

  • National Conference 2022 & 2023

    230+ attendees

    Keynotes & More: https://missionmathminds.org/national-conference

  • “Hope, belief, and gratitude”

    Global Gifted Books Shipping Ceremony

    Daily Herald Press: https://missionmathminds.org/news/daily-herald-hope-belief-and-gratitude-suburban-teen-ships-8000-books-to-ukrainian-refugees

  • Microsoft STEAM Fair

    280 students

    Math Mysteries Program: https://missionmathminds.org/events/microsoft-steam-fair-1

  • STEAM Scholars Summer Program

    5 Capstone Project Winners

    Summer Program: http://missionmathminds.org/summer

  • District 15 Board of Education Recognition

    $32,500 Worth of Edu. Resources Donated

    Learn More: https://missionmathminds.org/news/district-15-board-of-education-recognizes-missionmathminds-for-donation-of-20000-worth-of-books

AWARDS + HONORS


“The work that Mission:MathMinds does is so important. It helps show girls that not only is math important, it’s everywhere around us and it’s fun!

Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)

“It sounds like you are making a profound impact. Just amazing work you are doing!”

Principal, Fremd High School

“I am so truly proud of everything that you and everyone on Mission:MathMinds accomplished in 2022!”

Lindsay Schubel, President of Palatine Jaycees