Tell us about yourself and how you are involved with FIRST?
My name is Lucy Loughlin, and I am a senior at South River High School in Maryland’s STEM Magnet Program for Computer Science and Applied Mathematics. I first became involved with FIRST when my brother competed on Team 1111, the Power Hawks, and I witnessed the profound impact it had on his life. Inspired, I joined the team in ninth grade and dove into the business side of operations. By sophomore year, I was leading our Events and Awards teams, and as a junior, I served as Business Lead and Assistant CEO. In these roles, I organized large-scale community events, doubled our team size, exponentially increased fundraising, led submissions for the Impact Award and multiple grants, and helped spearhead our AccessibilityFIRST initiative. I was honored to be nominated as our team’s Dean’s List representative and selected as a Chesapeake District Finalist, advancing to the World Championship to represent our community. FIRST has given me a platform to channel my passion for computer science, advocacy, and leadership in ways that empower and uplift others.
How has FIRST helped you accomplish your goals?
FIRST has been the cornerstone of my growth as both a leader and a STEM student. Through coordinating events, writing submissions, and advocating for accessibility, I developed organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills that extend into every part of my life. FIRST gave me the confidence to pursue cybersecurity and mathematics, fields where I now compete in CyberPatriot and have earned several Cisco certifications. It also fueled my passion for inclusion: my AccessibilityFIRST initiative was directly inspired by my experiences navigating my disabilities. Because of FIRST, I know I want to dedicate my career to technology that not only advances innovation but also empowers and protects people.
Do you recall any special experiences or challenges?
One of my most meaningful challenges was implementing accessibility practices at large venues for FIRST competitions. I collaborated with the Xfinity Center to learn how to conduct accessibility audits and adapted these practices to ensure our events were ADA-compliant. Another defining moment was representing my team as only the second student to compete at the Chesapeake District Championship and the first to advance to the World Championship as a Dean’s List Finalist. Standing alongside some of the most dedicated students in the world, I reflected on how far I had come, from a spirited freshman recovering from a traumatic brain injury to a leader recognized for impact. These experiences showed me that resilience and inclusion can transform obstacles into opportunities.
Why do you think FIRST is important for females?
FIRST is vital for females because it creates an environment where they can lead, innovate, and break barriers in STEM fields often dominated by men. As one of the first female Eagle Scouts, I know what it means to be the “first” in spaces where others doubt your abilities. Through FIRST, I mentor young girls, encourage them to step into leadership roles, and show them their voices matter. The skills, confidence, and networks women gain in FIRST ripple far beyond robotics; they challenge stereotypes, redefine leadership, and inspire the next generation of women in STEM.
What are your goals for the future?
Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a career in cybersecurity and mathematics, with a minor in Spanish to expand my fluency and ability to connect across cultures. I also hope to continue volunteering with FIRST as a mentor and advocate, working to grow AccessibilityFIRST so that events everywhere are inclusive for all participants. My long-term goal is to integrate the values I learned in FIRST, including teamwork, innovation, and impact, into a career that secures digital systems while also creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds to thrive in STEM.
What advice would you give to the younger generation of girls interested in STEAM fields?
My advice is simple: never let anyone convince you that you don’t belong. Challenges will arise, but they are also opportunities to prove your resilience and creativity. Seek out mentors, embrace leadership opportunities, and take risks. In FIRST you will discover that your ideas matter, your skills are valuable, and your passion can inspire others. Whether your strengths are in coding, business, or community outreach, every contribution shapes the team. Be bold, lift others, and know that your potential is limitless.
Do you have a woman you look up to/is your role model? If so, who is it and why?
One of my greatest role models is my mother. I aspire to be as selfless, intelligent, and caring as she is. She has a remarkable way of connecting with people, always giving a piece of her heart to those around her, which makes her deeply admired. She dedicates countless hours to volunteering with many organizations, including FIRST Robotics, Scouts BSA, Cub Scouts, and local churches. Her generosity, commitment to service, and ability to lead with compassion inspire me to follow in her footsteps and give back to my community in everything I do.
Do you know a student, alumnus, mentor, volunteer, or sponsor with a great story?
Click here to nominate your favorite #FIRSTLikeAGirl to tell her story!