How Can I Empower My Daughter in STEM and Build Her Emotional Resilience?
by Julie Diamond, OCT
As a female entrepreneur and founder of Diamond Teachers Group, I’ve seen firsthand how empowering young girls can lead to incredible transformations. From building their confidence in the classroom to watching them thrive in real-world environments, I know that supporting girls in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) while nurturing their emotional well-being can unlock limitless potential.
International Day of the Girl was last Friday (October 11), when we celebrate girls everywhere and recognize the importance of creating opportunities for them to succeed—both in academics and in life. This day reminds us all of the critical role we play in encouraging girls to dream big and to step into spaces where they’ve historically been underrepresented.
As a woman who transitioned from teacher to entrepreneur, I understand the challenges girls may face as they navigate their academic and personal journeys. I’ve built my business on the belief that girls should have every opportunity to pursue their passions without limitations. Empowering girls in STEM while fostering emotional resilience is one way we can break down barriers and ensure they’re ready for the future.
Here’s how you can start supporting your daughter today:
1. Encourage Curiosity
From a young age, encourage your daughter to explore the world around her. STEM is built on asking questions and solving problems, and it allows her to experiment and discover new things. Show her that being curious isn’t just allowed—it’s celebrated! As a teacher, I’ve seen how curiosity fuels a love for learning. Create opportunities for her to engage in STEM-related activities, like building projects or science experiments, and let her take the lead.
2. Be a Role Model
Representation matters, especially in fields like STEM where women are often underrepresented. Share stories of women making waves in technology, engineering, and science. Whether it’s inspiring female entrepreneurs, groundbreaking scientists, or engineers who are shaping the world, these role models can help your daughter see that her dreams are achievable. As a female entrepreneur myself, I strive to show girls that with hard work, passion, and resilience, they can break through any glass ceiling.
3. Support Emotional Intelligence
Building emotional intelligence is just as important as academic success. Encourage your daughter to recognize and express her emotions and help her navigate challenges with resilience. Simple mindfulness practices or daily reflections can help her develop self-awareness, empathy, and problem-solving skills.
As a business owner and educator, I’ve found that emotional intelligence is a key factor in overcoming challenges and staying focused on long-term goals.
4. Offer Hands-On Learning Experiences
Get your daughter involved in hands-on learning! Whether it’s through coding classes, robotics clubs, or science workshops, these activities allow her to engage with STEM in a practical and exciting way. I’ve seen the transformative power of hands-on learning in both my classroom and my business.
By experimenting, failing, and trying again, girls learn that they’re capable of solving problems and overcoming obstacles—skills they’ll need not only in STEM but in life.
5. Celebrate Small Wins
In both academics and personal growth, every small achievement matters. Whether she completes a difficult math problem or builds her first robot, celebrate the journey.
Celebrating progress—no matter how small—builds confidence and motivates us to keep going, even in the face of challenges. By celebrating her efforts, you’ll help your daughter see the value of persistence and hard work.
Celebrating the Next Generation of Fearless Girls
On International Day of the Girl, and every day, let’s commit to empowering our daughters to be confident, resilient, and unafraid to pursue their passions—whether in STEM or any other field. Let’s see how powerful it can be when girls are encouraged to dream big and chase those dreams with determination.
Together, we can raise a generation of fearless innovators and leaders, ready to take on the world and make their mark in history. 💪👧🌍