Tell us about yourself and how you are involved with FIRST?
Hi, my name is Peyton, and I began my journey in FIRST Lego League at age 9, thanks to sponsorship from the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles. I formed my first team of five enthusiastic elementary school girls. When COVID struck, we had to return our robots, and I moved to New Mexico. Determined to continue, I started two FLL teams for homeschool students in Santa Fe. Two years later, I relocated to Atlanta, where I established another FLL tea. There, I helped mentor my teammates, and we ended up reaching the state championship. In seventh grade, I expanded my passion for FIRST and Lego robotics through my Girl Scout Silver Award project, introducing many girls to the program, which earned me recognition at the Atlanta History Museum. For the past two years, I’ve conducted outreach workshops across various teams and states while serving as team captain for FTC team 23509 RoboRibbits. I also helped create GLObotics: where Girls Lead on Robotics, a weeklong summer program for youth to explore FTC concepts and promote girl-focused robotics initiatives.
How has FIRST helped you accomplish your goals?
Having moved around a lot, I’ve been able to meet friends I wouldn’t have otherwise met, because FIRST is FIRST, no matter where you go. These friends push me forward and help me accomplish my goals. I can’t imagine what I would do without them.
Do you recall any special experiences or challenges?
After hosting several workshops with Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta as part of our GLObotics initiative, we were 
invited to come to the Girl Scout Centurion Luncheon and set up a table where a friend and I shared about FIRST and the outreach we had done with Atlanta business leaders. The keynote speaker at the Centurion luncheon was the CEO of Georgia Power. Our coach encouraged us to take our robot and talk to her. We ended up showing her how the robot worked and sharing a little about some of our outreaches. She asked us what we were struggling with, and we said we needed mentors. About a week later, we got an email offering mentors from TWIG (Technical Women In Georgia) and a direct donation to our two teams.
Why do you think FIRST is important for females?
When I look around at meets, I see a bunch of boys and a couple of girls, but then that one team with an older girl came over and introduced themselves again and again throughout my whole rookie season. I’m so thankful they always pushed us forward and were there when we had questions. I think that it is important that FIRST continues to push for more females to get involved so they can learn and continue see themselves in STEM.
What are your goals for the future?
FIRST Gold/Eagle project
Host a LEGO scrimmage
Mentor more teams
Go overseas again
Do more campouts and adventures with scouts
What advice would you give to the younger generation of girls interested in STEAM fields?
Just come try it. You don’t need experience; anyone can do it.
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!