03/31/2026
As we celebrate the last day of , we’d like to spotlight the women in LA STEM’s leadership!
This year, the LA STEM Collective Advisory Board includes eight women from all over Los Angeles. They bring perspectives to the Collective from large and small non-profit organizations and museums, including the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, The Engineer Factory, a project of Community Partners, Friends of the Los Angeles River, and the Aquarium of the Pacific.
Milena Acosta became the LA STEM Collective’s Board Chair last year, marking the Collective’s first year with a woman-led Board and a woman-led staff. She reflected on Women’s History Month and the meaning of :
“To me, STEM is not just something that happens in laboratories or classrooms — it happens everywhere, every day. It’s in the questions we ask about the natural world, the ways communities solve problems, and the curiosity that drives discovery.
As a marine biologist, some of my favorite STEM moments happen outdoors — like exploring tidepools and discovering the incredible life that exists in just a few inches of water. Other times, STEM looks like leading campouts that connect people to nature, volunteering at the Society for Science’s International Science and Engineering Fair, or speaking and moderating conversations that make STEM more inclusive and accessible.
As Board Chair of the LA STEM Collective, I’m constantly reminded that STEM belongs to everyone. When women are visible as scientists, educators, and leaders, it helps the next generation see that they belong too.”
Grace Adams, Treasurer of the LA STEM Collective and Executive Director of Roundhouse Aquarium also shared some advice for those interested in pursuing STEM in the future:
“Stay curious, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re part of learning. Your ideas and perspective matter, and STEM needs diverse thinkers to solve the challenges of the future."
