Following global changes within Girls in Tech, local chapters around the world began exploring new ways to continue their mission. In Luxembourg, a group of committed volunteers chose to move forward independently, transforming a moment of transition into an opportunity for growth. In 2024, the organisation re-emerged as WeSTEM+ (Women Excel in STEM), with an expanded mission and a broader, more inclusive vision. “The closure of the global Girls in Tech non-profit marked a pivotal moment,” explains Melody Chang, who supports partnership engagement for WeSTEM+ on a voluntary basis. “The Luxembourg team chose to transform this challenge into an opportunity. We established a new, independent structure that has since grown into a broader ecosystem, supported by more than 30 volunteers, mentors and sponsors.”
While Girls in Tech focused primarily on women in technology, WeSTEM+ seeks to support women and other underrepresented groups across all STEM disciplines: science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“The ‘+’ represents a deliberate expansion, aiming to create a more inclusive community where women and other underrepresented groups can excel across all STEM fields,” says Chang.
Supporting STEM Talent from an Early Age
A key objective of WeSTEM+ is to encourage interest in STEM among young people, particularly girls who may not have access to role models in technical professions. Through initiatives such as Robotics Rookies, school outreach activities and the Young Women’s Conference, participants aged approximately 12 to 18 are introduced to coding, robotics, engineering and data science through practical, hands-on experiences.
The organisation sees these activities as the first step in a much broader journey, helping young people discover opportunities that they may not otherwise consider.
Building Skills and Confidence
For adults, WeSTEM+ offers a wide range of programmes designed to support career development and professional growth. Its Mentorship Program provides one-to-one guidance from experienced professionals, helping participants navigate career transitions, strengthen their skills and gain confidence. The organisation also runs the BI Academy, a twelve-week Business Intelligence programme that introduces non-technical participants to data analysis, reporting tools and data storytelling.
In addition, workshops, networking events and speaker sessions cover topics ranging from public speaking and leadership to career planning and personal development. “WeSTEM+ works across three main pillars,” Chang explains. “Together, these initiatives create pathways from early education to career development and leadership in STEM.”
The organisation is also expanding its technical training offer in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data science and high-performance computing.
Developing the Next Generation of Leaders
Beyond technical skills, WeSTEM+ places strong emphasis on leadership development. The organisation believes that increasing diversity in STEM also requires greater representation in decision-making and management roles. To achieve this, it combines mentorship, coaching and awareness programmes that help participants overcome barriers and prepare for leadership responsibilities.
“We provide personalised mentorship, raise awareness of unconscious bias and empower participants to overcome systemic barriers while building confidence and leadership skills,” says Chang.
A dedicated Leadership Program, launching later this year, will further strengthen these efforts by supporting both emerging and experienced professionals in developing inclusive and impactful leadership styles.
The Power of Visibility
WeSTEM+ also works to increase the visibility of successful women and underrepresented professionals in STEM. Through social media campaigns and digital engagement, the organisation highlights role models and shares inspiring career journeys. “We leverage social media and online outreach to highlight role models, share success stories and encourage conversations around inclusion and diversity in STEM,” Chang explains. By making these success stories more visible, the organisation hopes to inspire future generations and encourage more diverse participation across STEM sectors.
Working Towards a Future Without Barriers
Although WeSTEM+ continues to grow, its long-term ambition is clear: to create a society where dedicated inclusion initiatives are no longer needed. “An initiative like WeSTEM+ would become unnecessary when the playing field in STEM is truly level — structurally, socially and economically — with no need for targeted interventions,” says Chang.
Until that goal is reached, WeSTEM+ remains committed to providing mentorship, training and leadership opportunities that help build a more inclusive STEM ecosystem in Luxembourg—one where talent, rather than background, determines success.
More information: https://we-stem.org/
