Tell us about yourself and how you are involved with FIRST?
My name is Dariana, and I’m in 10th grade at National College ”Ion C. Bratianu” in Pitesti, Romania. I’m involved in design, outreach, and PR & marketing, where I help with organising events, connecting with the community, reaching out to sponsors, and promoting our team. I have participated in multiple activities, and I find myself becoming more passionate about FIRST with each day. Being in FIRST has helped me grow as a person, improve my communication skills, and work closely with a large group of teammates. I especially enjoy reaching out to sponsors and organizing events, because it shows me how much our team can make a difference beyond the competition. One of the events that I enjoyed the most was Broboți Fest, a science festival that was organized by my team. I had the opportunity to participate at the LEGO stand, where I introduced kids to the world of FIRST LEGO League and taught them about how robotics can be both fun and educational. Through FIRST, I’ve gained not only technical and teamwork skills but also friendships and mentorships that inspire me to keep pursuing my goals.
How has FIRST helped you accomplish your goals?
FIRST has helped me accomplish my goals by giving me opportunities to grow and build confidence in my communication skills. As part of my team’s PR & Marketing department, I learned how to work with a diverse group and collaborate with my teammates, while also strengthening my communication skills by tackling real-world challenges such as obtaining new sponsors. After every setback, I became even more motivated to keep going and work toward making our aspirations a reality. Throughout my first year in FIRST, I also met many amazing people, including mentors and professionals, who opened doors to new opportunities for my future after high school.
Do you recall any special experiences or challenges?
One of the challenges we faced was reaching out to potential sponsors and not receiving many callbacks. Even though we had experience with fundraising, it was frustrating when our efforts didn’t seem to get results, especially with the limited time we had. Instead of giving up, we adjusted our approach, following up more consistently, personalizing our messages, and showing sponsors the real impact of supporting our team. Over time, those efforts paid off, and we were able to secure the financial support we needed. That experience taught me resilience, persistence, and how important it is to stay motivated even when things don’t work out right away.
Why do you think FIRST is important for females?
I think FIRST is especially important for females because it proves that women are just as capable of achieving things that are sometimes seen as areas only for men. It challenges stereotypes and shows that skills like engineering and design are not limited by gender. Being part of FIRST also opens up opportunities for girls to explore careers in fields that are often considered ‘male-dominated,’ and it empowers us to see ourselves as leaders and innovators in those spaces. On my team, for example, we actually have more girls than guys, which creates an environment where female leadership and collaboration are the norm rather than the exception. Beyond the technical skills, FIRST also fosters a strong sense of community. The bonds I’ve built with my teammates through long nights of preparation, problem-solving under pressure, and celebrating our achievements together have been some of the most rewarding experiences.
What are your goals for the future?
Being part of a FIRST team made me realize how much I enjoy organizing events where children, teenagers, and even adults can discover something new about the world of STEM. That’s why one of my future goals is to use the organizational and fundraising skills I’ve gained to give my community the chance to experience the beauty and diversity of science. I want to create opportunities for others to learn and grow, just as I was fortunate enough to take part in programs and activities that showed me how exciting technology can be. As an alum, I want to stay connected with my team members and support them with advice and ideas to help them achieve their goals. I also hope to volunteer at as many FIRST events as possible, so I can contribute to giving new generations unforgettable experiences at competitions.
What advice would you give to the younger generation of girls interested in STEAM fields?
If I could give advice to younger girls interested in STEAM, I’d say: go for it with confidence. Something I love is that there are actually more girls than guys on our team. It proves that these fields aren’t “just for boys” like some people still assume. Even then, it can still feel intimidating when you’re learning new skills like coding or building. My biggest piece of advice is to stay curious and never be afraid to ask questions. You don’t need to have all the answers right away. Celebrate your creativity and your ideas, because STEAM thrives on teamwork and different perspectives. And don’t hold back from taking leadership roles or tackling the hard challenges. You belong here, and the more girls who step up in STEAM, the stronger and more inspiring the community becomes.
Do you have a woman you look up to/is your role model? If so, who is it and why?
Honestly, my biggest role models are the more experienced girls on our robotics team. When I first joined, I was a little nervous because I didn’t know as much about coding or mechanics, but they were so encouraging and patient with me. They’re not just amazing at what they do—they’re also confident leaders who make sure everyone feels included. Watching them handle challenges, whether it’s fixing something that broke minutes before a match or leading a design discussion, inspires me to push myself harder. What I admire most is how they balance being skilled and knowledgeable with being approachable and supportive. They’ve shown me that leadership in STEAM isn’t about knowing everything, but about helping others grow while growing yourself. I hope one day I can be that role model for the younger girls who join after me, just like they’ve been for me.
Do you know a student, alumni, mentor, volunteer or sponsor with a great story?
Click here to nominate your favorite #FIRSTLikeAGirl, to tell her story!