23 May 2025
Impactiv, in partnership with Schneider Electric, celebrated the successful completion of the first cohort of Fem in STEM, a six-month mentorship program designed to empower young women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The program paired 25 mentees with 25 industry professionals from Schneider Electric to build critical skills, boost confidence, and prepare participants for the workforce.
Over the course of six months, mentees and mentors engaged through structured connections aimed at transferring real-world knowledge, personal experiences, and professional tools to help shape the mentees’ career trajectories. The program’s goals were clear: develop a future-ready workforce equipped to thrive in today’s competitive environment, enhance employability, strengthen interpersonal skills, build confidence and resilience, and open access to professional networks. This initiative reflects a shared vision between impactiv and Schneider Electric to create meaningful, long-term impact by empowering the next generation of leaders in STEM and paving the way to greater diversity, stronger education, and youth-driven entrepreneurship in UAE and beyond.
Empowering Young Women Through STEM and Mentorship
This initiative aligns with Impactiv’s mission to empower youth to unleash their full potential, drive transformative success, and build inclusive cultures through mentoring and innovation. The Fem in STEM program focuses on youth empowerment and gender equity by preparing young talents for inclusive, future-focused careers. It reflects our broader commitment to connecting education, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
The program witnessed the transformation of the mentees across various levels, from building presentation skills as they worked on their senior design projects, to equipping them with confidence as they start to introduce themselves professionally. By owning their development journey and taking charge of the pace of that learning, the mentees were able to achieve their goals and benefit greatly from their mentors.
Key Highlights
· 91% of mentees believe working with a mentor significantly enhanced my personal and professional development.
· 86% of mentees believe they now know how to build and maintain professional relationships that can support my career growth
· 90% of mentees would recommend this program to other university students.
Quotes and Reflections
The program really helped me define what needs to be done in preparation for the working life. I feel more ready and aware of what to expect in the future. My mentor instilled in me the belief that my life is mine to shape, and that I must always work toward my dreams. If I don’t take action, they’ll never come true — the only way to make them a reality is to take the first step.
– Mentee of Fem in STEM Cohort 1
I’m walking away feeling more confident in how I want to show up in the world.
– Mentee of Fem in STEM Cohort 1
Through this mentoring program, I was able to guide someone toward their career and personal goals over months while tweaking my approach to fit their needs. I listened deeply and broke down big ideas into clear steps, which boosted my own communication skills. It also taught me how much I value seeing someone grow, reinforcing my belief that development is a two-way process where I learn as much as I give.
– Mentor of Fem in STEM Cohort 1
Looking Ahead
Building on the success of the first round, Fem in STEM Cohort 2 will officially launching September 2025 with one goal: amplify the impact, double the significance. Cohort 2 aims to:
- Match 50 mentees with 50 mentors
- Collaborate with 5 top universities in UAE
- Conduct over 300+ mentoring sessions
The second cohort will continue to build bridges, offering deeper mentorship engagement and wider reach. With every connection made, Fem in STEM moves closer to a future where young women don’t just enter STEM, they redefine it.
