“… if you ask someone to name a woman scientist, the first and only name they’ll offer is Marie Curie. It’s one of the biggest obstacles to better representation of women in science and technology, and it’s time to cut it out… Who else?“

Source: Wired, We need to stop ignoring women scientists

Thank you so much for supporting STEM Gems!

As a nonprofit organization, STEM Gems relies on supporters like you to help us reach communities and people of all backgrounds. Your donation greatly helps our mission, and 100% of your donation goes to empowering and inspiring girls and young women to excel in STEM. Thank you so much; any amount helps a great deal. Please also follow us on social media @STEMGemsBook, contact us to become a volunteer, and spread the word about our mission!

With gratitude,
The STEM Gems Team

Donations in Loving Memory of Susana Restrepo Balkin

Born on January 9, 1983, in Barranquilla, Colombia, Susana Balkin dedicated her career to advancing science and healthcare. With a Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences from Pennsylvania State University and an MBA in Marketing Strategy from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, Susana skillfully combined scientific expertise with business leadership.

Susana built a remarkable career at companies like Merck & Co., Coca-Cola Co., Abbott Laboratories, and Advanced Biosciences Laboratories. At Merck, she led vital market research for products such as BRIDION and BRINAVESS, while her early work at Advanced Biosciences Laboratories contributed to pre-clinical HIV vaccine research.

Tragically, Susana passed away in April 2025 after a courageous four-year battle with blood cancer. She is survived by her husband Jonathan and their ten-year-old twin boys, Andrew and Ryan. Her legacy of resilience, leadership, and passion will continue to light the way, inspiring young women worldwide to pursue careers in STEM.

Why Donate?

Your support will:

  • Fund girls’ participation in STEM Gems programs, including the STEM Gems Summer Camp, STEM Gems Club, and STEM Gems Summit.
  • Expand mentorship and outreach initiatives.
  • Build a more inclusive and diverse STEM community.
Join Us in Empowering the Next Generation

Susana’s story proves that with determination and support, extraordinary achievements are possible. Together, we can build a future where every young woman has the opportunity to succeed in STEM. Every contribution, big or small, helps transform dreams into reality.

Thank you for supporting our mission to elevate women in STEM, and thank you to Susana’s husband Jonathan Balkin for partnering with STEM Gems to honor Susana’s memory in such an impactful way.

“Underrepresented minority students comprise 20% of those taking AP computer science exams, and female students make up 27%. Representation is scarcer in higher education, with 83% of computer science majors at the university level men.”

Source: USA Today, AP computer science exam takers double; here’s why