Interview with Divya and Sweta Srinivasan!
We recently interviewed the Co-founders of Girls for Science, Divya and Sweta Srinivasan.
Read the interview between Kaitlyn C., Divya Srinivasan, and Sweta Srinivasan.
Read the interview between Kaitlyn C., Divya Srinivasan, and Sweta Srinivasan.
Divya: I’m Divya Srinivasan, the Co-Founder of Girls for Science. I love contemporary art, coffee, and informing myself about politics. My goal is to empower girls to learn about the STEM fields which is why I started Girls for Science with my sister. Girls for Science has allowed me to work with my community and abroad to inspire students to create a gender equal future.
Sweta: Hello, my name is Sweta Srinivasan and I am the co-founder of Girls For Science. My hobbies include going to coffee shops and conducting scientific research. Through Girls for Science, my goal is to empower the next generation of girls to enter the STEM fields. I am very passionate about equality in the STEM fields.
Question 1: When did you first become interested in being an activist and how?
D: Since 8th grade, I have been trying to inform myself greatly about the political world. I started to do research about activists and women in history who fought for equality. Since then, I have tried my best to stay knowledgeable about what is going on in the realm of politics within my community and country. I have tried to take my own actions to help the world reach equality and began Girls for Science with Sweta in 2017.
S: I first became interested when I conducted my first workshop in India in 2017 about disease prevention. I was able to see the determination and passion these girls had towards the STEM fields, but I also realized that it is not as encouraged there. Therefore, I became very interested and passionate about teaching others about the importance of the STEM fields to girls in India and in my community. Through conducting hands-on workshops and clubs I strive to inspire and encourage as many girls as possible.
Question 2: What do you think are important qualities to have as an activist?
S: I believe communication and determination are very important qualities. You need to be able to communicate your cause to your audience. You also need to be determined to fight for your cause if you want to be successful. To tie these qualities together, you need to be passionate about what you do, because with passion comes progress.
D: To be an activist, a person has to care. You need to be passionate about what you are fighting for. It is also important to be patient with yourself and others in order to make change; nothing will be fixed overnight and it vital that people understand that change takes time. Activists should also be determined in order to continue the fight for their cause.
Question 3: What would you say the most difficult part of being an activist is?
D: The most difficult part of being an activist is communication. Sometimes it can be scary to talk to adults and explain to them what I do and why I do it. It is very important, however, to be able to communicate with others and through practice, I am no longer afraid to tell the world what I do as an activist. Now, I am very grateful when people ask me questions because it allows me to educate them.
S: I feel the most difficult part is communication. Communicating with adults and telling them your cause can be intimidating. However through doing it numerous times, I have become a lot more confident with my communication skills and my cause. I am still overcoming this obstacle, but as I continue to do so, it only strengthens my ambition to fight for my cause.
Question 4: What is your favorite part about being an activist?
D: My favorite part about being an activist is being able to interact with those that I am impacting. For example, when we conduct workshops in India, I love talking with the students there and getting to know them. Seeing how my work has an impact on the lives of others is so inspiring for me and keeps me going! I love working with my team as well. Having a great group of strong, intelligent women that I work with is the best thing in the world to me.
S: My favorite part is being able to see all the girls I have inspired. Holding workshops and clubs brings me so much joy. I am not only able to teach them about the STEM fields, but I also learn from them and their passions as well. Seeing their motivation and drive motivates me.
Question 5: Did your family support you, or help you reach your goals with this organization at all?
D: Our family has been so supportive throughout the whole process of creating Girls for Science. My family is my backbone and they keep my so motivated throughout my life. Activist work can be draining and they never fail to cheer me up and keep me so motivated. I am so grateful to my family for all that they do.
S: I am very thankful to my parents for being very supportive of Girls for Science. My parents both have jobs in the STEM fields. Growing up, I was inspired by them, hence my interest in the STEM fields. I am also very thankful to my twin sister and co-founder, Divya, because together we motivate each other.
Question 6: How’d you come up with the idea of creating this organization?
D: We conducted our first workshop in 2017, but never thought that it would lead to Girls for Science. Sweta and I worked with an organization called North South Foundation to conduct a workshop in India. We taught students about the scientific method and about disease prevention. Both of us loved the teaching process so much that we decided to begin Girls for Science. Since then, we have conducted workshops in India and Orlando and plan on inspiring people around the world.
S: When we held out first workshop in India in 2017, we were working with the organization, North South Foundation. After we completed the workshop, we realized how much fun we had and decided to start Girls for Science so we could conduct more workshops. From there, we started to extend our outreach by recruiting team members from all around the world who have the same drive to inspire girls to enter the STEM fields.
Question 7: What future goals do you have for this organization?
D: In the future, we want to conduct workshops all over the world. We also want to do more projects with our team members. We are definitely planning on continuing workshops and are always open to finding new ways to positively impact the community. Our amazing team of writers and communicators also help inspire people through writing articles about STEM and interviewing women in STEM, allowing us to educate people through social media.
S: This fall, we plan on holding an after school program in an elementary school on the scientific method. We also plan on conducting workshops in India every time we visit. Through our amazing team of driven young women we plan on extending our outreach through social media. In the future, we want to extend our outreach to other states and hopefully other countries as well!
Question 8: Who are your biggest supporters for your organization?
D: Our biggest supporters are our parents!! They always encourage us to do our best in anything we do. They are a huge inspiration to me and I am so happy to always have them by my side. My parents are so supportive of everything that I do, and I am so thankful for that.
S: My parents are definitely my biggest supporters for Girls for Science. They always encourage us and motivate us to fight for the goal of Girls for Science. They have inspired me so much and I am so grateful for their support. They constantly inspire me, allowing me to do the best.
Question 9: Does school conflict with your organization?
D: Sometimes it can be difficult to have both school work and organization work. However, I am able to prioritize what I do so that I can make sure that I am being efficient with my time. It is important to me to have balance with what I do, so making time to work on school and making time to work on Girls for Science has been helpful. I have been able to focus on both school and my organization effectively.
S: Organization is a huge factor when it comes to having an organization. That is why planning ahead and delegating specific tasks is key to an organized organization. By making schedules and staying on task, this prevents any conflicts with my school work. Balancing between both Girls for Science and school is possible through proper organization of tasks and deadlines.
Question 10: What is the best advice you were ever given about the STEM field that anyone pursuing that career should hear?
S: The best advice I have heard is to work your hardest and be confident in what you believe in. You should not be discouraged from your passion. If you are determined you will find a way to be successful. You have to believe in yourself and your ability to flourish in your career.
D: The best advice that I’ve heard about the STEM field is that it is not always easy to pursue. Science, technology, engineering, and math are all complex fields. It is not always easy for people to learn about and pursue careers in these fields. However, through hard work, passion, and determination, it is possible if you set your mind to it.
Question 11: What is the best advice you can give to teens not relating to the STEM field?
D: The best advice that I can give to teens that is not about STEM is to never give up. Being an activist and being someone who is passionate can be draining sometimes. However, I have been taught by my family that it is important to not give up when things get tough. I find ways to persevere with what I do and am grateful for the outcome.
S: The best advice I can give is to be passionate and confident in what you do. You should be motivated in what you do and you will make it. You should also be patient because nothing will happen overnight. With these qualities, you will make progress.
Kaitlyn: Thanks so much! Is there anything you’d like to add before we conclude the interview?
D: No thank you! I really appreciate you for thinking about us for the interview. Have an amazing day!
S: Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity! ☺️☺️
Kaitlyn: Thank you! Have a wonderful day!
View their socials (Instagram):
Sweta: @sweta_srinivasan
Divya: @divya_srinivasan
Girl's for science: @Girls.for.science
Sweta: Hello, my name is Sweta Srinivasan and I am the co-founder of Girls For Science. My hobbies include going to coffee shops and conducting scientific research. Through Girls for Science, my goal is to empower the next generation of girls to enter the STEM fields. I am very passionate about equality in the STEM fields.
Question 1: When did you first become interested in being an activist and how?
D: Since 8th grade, I have been trying to inform myself greatly about the political world. I started to do research about activists and women in history who fought for equality. Since then, I have tried my best to stay knowledgeable about what is going on in the realm of politics within my community and country. I have tried to take my own actions to help the world reach equality and began Girls for Science with Sweta in 2017.
S: I first became interested when I conducted my first workshop in India in 2017 about disease prevention. I was able to see the determination and passion these girls had towards the STEM fields, but I also realized that it is not as encouraged there. Therefore, I became very interested and passionate about teaching others about the importance of the STEM fields to girls in India and in my community. Through conducting hands-on workshops and clubs I strive to inspire and encourage as many girls as possible.
Question 2: What do you think are important qualities to have as an activist?
S: I believe communication and determination are very important qualities. You need to be able to communicate your cause to your audience. You also need to be determined to fight for your cause if you want to be successful. To tie these qualities together, you need to be passionate about what you do, because with passion comes progress.
D: To be an activist, a person has to care. You need to be passionate about what you are fighting for. It is also important to be patient with yourself and others in order to make change; nothing will be fixed overnight and it vital that people understand that change takes time. Activists should also be determined in order to continue the fight for their cause.
Question 3: What would you say the most difficult part of being an activist is?
D: The most difficult part of being an activist is communication. Sometimes it can be scary to talk to adults and explain to them what I do and why I do it. It is very important, however, to be able to communicate with others and through practice, I am no longer afraid to tell the world what I do as an activist. Now, I am very grateful when people ask me questions because it allows me to educate them.
S: I feel the most difficult part is communication. Communicating with adults and telling them your cause can be intimidating. However through doing it numerous times, I have become a lot more confident with my communication skills and my cause. I am still overcoming this obstacle, but as I continue to do so, it only strengthens my ambition to fight for my cause.
Question 4: What is your favorite part about being an activist?
D: My favorite part about being an activist is being able to interact with those that I am impacting. For example, when we conduct workshops in India, I love talking with the students there and getting to know them. Seeing how my work has an impact on the lives of others is so inspiring for me and keeps me going! I love working with my team as well. Having a great group of strong, intelligent women that I work with is the best thing in the world to me.
S: My favorite part is being able to see all the girls I have inspired. Holding workshops and clubs brings me so much joy. I am not only able to teach them about the STEM fields, but I also learn from them and their passions as well. Seeing their motivation and drive motivates me.
Question 5: Did your family support you, or help you reach your goals with this organization at all?
D: Our family has been so supportive throughout the whole process of creating Girls for Science. My family is my backbone and they keep my so motivated throughout my life. Activist work can be draining and they never fail to cheer me up and keep me so motivated. I am so grateful to my family for all that they do.
S: I am very thankful to my parents for being very supportive of Girls for Science. My parents both have jobs in the STEM fields. Growing up, I was inspired by them, hence my interest in the STEM fields. I am also very thankful to my twin sister and co-founder, Divya, because together we motivate each other.
Question 6: How’d you come up with the idea of creating this organization?
D: We conducted our first workshop in 2017, but never thought that it would lead to Girls for Science. Sweta and I worked with an organization called North South Foundation to conduct a workshop in India. We taught students about the scientific method and about disease prevention. Both of us loved the teaching process so much that we decided to begin Girls for Science. Since then, we have conducted workshops in India and Orlando and plan on inspiring people around the world.
S: When we held out first workshop in India in 2017, we were working with the organization, North South Foundation. After we completed the workshop, we realized how much fun we had and decided to start Girls for Science so we could conduct more workshops. From there, we started to extend our outreach by recruiting team members from all around the world who have the same drive to inspire girls to enter the STEM fields.
Question 7: What future goals do you have for this organization?
D: In the future, we want to conduct workshops all over the world. We also want to do more projects with our team members. We are definitely planning on continuing workshops and are always open to finding new ways to positively impact the community. Our amazing team of writers and communicators also help inspire people through writing articles about STEM and interviewing women in STEM, allowing us to educate people through social media.
S: This fall, we plan on holding an after school program in an elementary school on the scientific method. We also plan on conducting workshops in India every time we visit. Through our amazing team of driven young women we plan on extending our outreach through social media. In the future, we want to extend our outreach to other states and hopefully other countries as well!
Question 8: Who are your biggest supporters for your organization?
D: Our biggest supporters are our parents!! They always encourage us to do our best in anything we do. They are a huge inspiration to me and I am so happy to always have them by my side. My parents are so supportive of everything that I do, and I am so thankful for that.
S: My parents are definitely my biggest supporters for Girls for Science. They always encourage us and motivate us to fight for the goal of Girls for Science. They have inspired me so much and I am so grateful for their support. They constantly inspire me, allowing me to do the best.
Question 9: Does school conflict with your organization?
D: Sometimes it can be difficult to have both school work and organization work. However, I am able to prioritize what I do so that I can make sure that I am being efficient with my time. It is important to me to have balance with what I do, so making time to work on school and making time to work on Girls for Science has been helpful. I have been able to focus on both school and my organization effectively.
S: Organization is a huge factor when it comes to having an organization. That is why planning ahead and delegating specific tasks is key to an organized organization. By making schedules and staying on task, this prevents any conflicts with my school work. Balancing between both Girls for Science and school is possible through proper organization of tasks and deadlines.
Question 10: What is the best advice you were ever given about the STEM field that anyone pursuing that career should hear?
S: The best advice I have heard is to work your hardest and be confident in what you believe in. You should not be discouraged from your passion. If you are determined you will find a way to be successful. You have to believe in yourself and your ability to flourish in your career.
D: The best advice that I’ve heard about the STEM field is that it is not always easy to pursue. Science, technology, engineering, and math are all complex fields. It is not always easy for people to learn about and pursue careers in these fields. However, through hard work, passion, and determination, it is possible if you set your mind to it.
Question 11: What is the best advice you can give to teens not relating to the STEM field?
D: The best advice that I can give to teens that is not about STEM is to never give up. Being an activist and being someone who is passionate can be draining sometimes. However, I have been taught by my family that it is important to not give up when things get tough. I find ways to persevere with what I do and am grateful for the outcome.
S: The best advice I can give is to be passionate and confident in what you do. You should be motivated in what you do and you will make it. You should also be patient because nothing will happen overnight. With these qualities, you will make progress.
Kaitlyn: Thanks so much! Is there anything you’d like to add before we conclude the interview?
D: No thank you! I really appreciate you for thinking about us for the interview. Have an amazing day!
S: Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity! ☺️☺️
Kaitlyn: Thank you! Have a wonderful day!
View their socials (Instagram):
Sweta: @sweta_srinivasan
Divya: @divya_srinivasan
Girl's for science: @Girls.for.science