Two Calhoun High School juniors are helping build a community where girls feel empowered to explore science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM). 

Sofia Maganuco and Gabby Torchia founded the school’s Women in STEAM Club last school year after experiencing firsthand what it was like to be among the few girls in some of their STEM-related classes and clubs. With the guidance of STEAM chairperson and faculty adviser Dr. Danielle Caliendo, the students created a space for girls to connect over shared interests, encourage one another and introduce younger students to the possibilities of STEAM. 

Since its founding, the club has grown to more than 60 members. Beyond its regular meetings, the group has made community outreach a central part of its mission, organizing hands-on STEAM workshops at the North Merrick Library and for local Girl Scout troops. Members also participated in the district’s STEAM Expo and created and donated 35 STEAM activity kits to Bethany House. 

For Torchia, introducing children to STEAM at an early age is an important part of helping them envision themselves in these fields. 

“I think when [kids] are younger it’s easier to expose them to STEM in different fields, and women [in STEM] that are very inspiring, because they mostly just learn about men who have made historical contributions to STEM,” Torchia said. 

The club’s work with local Girl Scout troops has been particularly meaningful to Maganuco, who sees the workshops as an opportunity to give younger girls experiences, she wishes she had growing up. 

“Because I saw little girls, like, I was wishing that I would have had something like that when I was in elementary school,” Maganuco said. 

That sense of possibility and representation also shapes the club’s culture at Calhoun. By bringing together students with common interests, the club offers members an opportunity to learn from one another, build confidence and recognize what they can accomplish. 

“I think having a community of just girls that all work towards that same goal, kind of just gives that feeling of inspiration, like ‘oh, if she could do it, then I can do it too,’” Maganuco said. 

In addition to its workshops and outreach initiatives, the club created a Women’s History Month display highlighting influential women in STEAM, helping bring attention to the contributions of women whose achievements have helped shape these fields. 

Dr. Caliendo said she has been proud to see the students turn their shared interests into opportunities for others to participate in STEAM. 

“They have consistently found creative ways to get other students and community members involved in STEAM. It’s really been great to see what they have accomplished and the impact they are having beyond Calhoun,” Dr. Caliendo said. 

Through hands-on learning, community partnerships and a supportive environment for students, Calhoun’s Women in STEAM Club is extending its impact beyond the classroom. Maganuco and Torchia hope to help younger girls discover their interests, see themselves represented in STEAM and feel encouraged to pursue new possibilities. 

The club’s outreach efforts will continue this fall with another opportunity for elementary-aged students to explore STEAM alongside Calhoun’s Women in STEAM members. The group will host a hands-on workshop at the North Merrick Library on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, from noon to 1 p.m. Advance registration is encouraged for families interested in participating.