Debbie Sterling By Sergio Basulto Grijalva

 Debbie Sterling and her contributions

    Debbie Sterling is a female entrepreneur and engineer who has made significant contributions to the fields of engineering, science, and technology. She is the founder and CEO of GoldieBlox, a company that creates toys and books to encourage young girls to explore and pursue careers in these traditionally male-dominated fields. Her work has not only inspired young girls but has also helped to address the gender gap in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.

    Sterling was born in 1983 in Los Angeles, California, and graduated from Stanford University with a degree in mechanical engineering. During her studies, she realized that there were very few women in her classes and that this was reflected in the workforce as well. Sterling believed that this was due to a lack of exposure to STEM fields at a young age, and she was determined to change that.

    In 2012, Sterling founded GoldieBlox, a company that creates toys and books designed to introduce girls to engineering principles. The toys include construction sets, building tools, and other STEM-focused activities, which help to foster an interest in engineering and science at a young age. By presenting engineering in a fun and engaging way, Sterling hopes to break down the barriers that prevent girls from pursuing STEM careers.

    Sterling's efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2013, she raised over $285,000 through a Kickstarter campaign to fund her GoldieBlox toys. The company has also won numerous awards, including the Toy Industry Association's Toy of the Year Award in 2014, and has been featured in major media outlets such as CNN, Forbes, and The New York Times.

    Sterling's work has also extended beyond GoldieBlox. She has been a strong advocate for STEM education, speaking at conferences and events around the world, including the White House, where she was invited to speak about the importance of encouraging girls to pursue STEM careers. Sterling has also written a book, "Engineering for Every Girl: Easy Activities That Make Learning Science Fun," which offers easy and fun engineering projects for young girls to try at home.

    In addition to her work with GoldieBlox, Sterling is also a board member of the nonprofit organization Girls on the Run, which promotes healthy lifestyles and self-esteem in young girls. She has also been named to Fortune's 40 under 40 list, Forbes' Women to Watch list, and was recognized as one of Fast Company's Most Creative People in Business.

    Debbie Sterling's contributions to STEM education and gender equality have been invaluable. Through her work with GoldieBlox, she has helped to break down gender stereotypes and inspire a new generation of young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. Her advocacy for STEM education has helped to raise awareness of the gender gap in these fields and has led to important discussions about how to address it. Sterling's dedication and hard work have made her a role model for women in STEM and a true inspiration to all.