Tell us about yourself and how are you involved with FIRST?
Hi There,
My name is Singithi and I am the Lead Mentor for Melbourne RobCats.
My FIRST journey started 8 years ago when my two daughters got involved with FRC & FLL. Over the last 6-7 years I have volunteered at FLL Regionals & National events as a Judge (Robot Design, Core Values & Project), and now I train new judges for FLL events.
I stepped up to the the Lead Mentor for Melbourne RoboCats to save the team from being shut-down and to give all girls in Melbourne Australia the opportunity to explore STEM and develop their passion of Robotics, Engineering, Technology, Arts and Science, while spreading the essence of FIRST throughout the communities and schools in Australia.
I am also the Director & Tournament Director for the Off-Season FIRST competition – Melbourne Robotics Tournament (MRT) held each year for the past 3 years in Melbourne Australia, and instrumental in putting together FRC teams and supporting these teams in schools, and organising the 60-80 volunteers for this event.
I support FIRST Australia with volunteers for all FIRST events in Australia.
I just love seeing girls and boys get excited about what they have created together, their wins and being there for their challenges as well. The excitement I see in all your faces gives my the energy to do even more! That’s why I love FIRST and am involved with FIRST Robotics!
Outside of FIRST Robotics, I am a Mum to two amazing girls – one is about to be a Professional Golfer and the other is doing her final year in highschool looking to do BioMed/Medicine at University, and I am a wife, and I work Full-Time in Property Development.
One of my little hobbies are Orchid’s and I am an International Orchid Judge as well. 🙂
How has FIRST helped you accomplish your goals?
My goals have been to empower young girls and boys, especially girls to reach their aspirations in life.
I just love seeing girls and boys get excited about what they have created together, their wins and being there for their challenges as well. The excitement I see in all your faces gives my the energy to do even more! That’s why I love FIRST and am involved with FIRST Robotics!
Do you recall any special experiences or challenges?
Yes, the biggest challenge that I have faced was to stop Melbourne RoboCats from being shutdown for all the wrong reasons.
The Head of FIRST – Dean Kamen and Head of FRC Colin Fultz supported me to keep Melbourne RoboCats going!
The students and parents gave me the strength to help them to keep their love for RooCats alive, and they inspire me everyday!
I am so honoured and grateful to be part of these amazing young girls lives at Melbourne RoboCats, to see them grow into amazing professional women!
Thank you to you all at FIRST Like A Girl for inviting Melbourne RoboCats to be Ambassadors for the 2025 Season!
Why do you think FIRST is important for females?
FIRST is crucial for females because it provides them with the tools, resources, and inspiration to break into and thrive in STEM, which in turn can lead to greater gender equality and innovation in the workforce.
There are several key reasons FIRST is important for Females is:
* Encouraging STEM Engagement: Women are traditionally underrepresented in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. FIRST provides an accessible platform where girls can engage in hands-on learning and exploration of STEM concepts in a fun, collaborative environment. By exposing young females to robotics, engineering, and technology, FIRST helps spark their interest and confidence in these fields.
* Breaking Stereotypes: Many girls grow up in environments where there are fewer role models in technical fields. FIRST allows girls to challenge societal norms and stereotypes, proving that they can excel in traditionally male-dominated areas like engineering and robotics. This helps build self-esteem and resilience, empowering them to pursue careers in STEM.
* Fostering Leadership and Teamwork: FIRST teams promote a culture of collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving, all of which are critical skills for success in any field. Female participants in FIRST can gain confidence by taking leadership roles, working with diverse teams, and developing problem-solving abilities. This experience is invaluable, especially in a world where women are still underrepresented in leadership positions in many industries.
* Networking and Mentorship: FIRST offers females the chance to connect with mentors, many of whom are successful women in STEM. Having mentors who understand the challenges and opportunities that women face in these fields can inspire and guide the next generation of female engineers, scientists, and innovators.
* Future Career Opportunities: By participating in FIRST, young girls are better prepared for future opportunities in high-demand fields like robotics, AI, engineering, and tech, where women are in great need. The skills learned through FIRST—problem-solving, programming, and teamwork—are directly transferable to many of the fastest-growing and highest-paying careers.
* Building a Stronger Community: FIRST emphasizes values like inclusion, teamwork, and respect for diversity. These values can help create a more inclusive and equitable STEM community where women feel welcomed and supported, leading to better outcomes for everyone in these fields.
What are your goals for the future?
My goals for Melbourne RoboCats and FIRST for the future is to create awareness and have a global movement into the international audience world-wide.
We need more Females in all Industries – to help make the world a better place for out future – the future is Girls!!
What advice would you give to the younger generation of girls interested in STEAM fields?
For younger girls interested in STEAM, I would like to share some pieces of advice to encourage and guide them:
* Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions: Curiosity is one of the most powerful tools in STEAM. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, explore new ideas, and challenge yourself. The more questions you ask, the more you learn and grow.
* Embrace Failure as Part of Learning: In STEAM, failure is not the end—it’s part of the process. Every failure is an opportunity to learn, improve, and get closer to a solution. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Keep experimenting, trying new approaches, and learning from mistakes.
* Find Role Models and Mentors: Seek out women in STEAM who inspire you. Whether it’s a teacher, family member, or someone you read about, connecting with mentors can help guide you on your journey, give advice, and show you that success is possible. Having role models who share similar experiences can also provide motivation when things get tough.
* Be Confident in Your Abilities: It’s common for girls to doubt their abilities in male-dominated fields, but don’t let that hold you back. Trust in your skills and your unique perspective. Your voice and ideas are important in every field, and you have the potential to make a big impact.
* Get Involved Early: The earlier you dive into STEAM activities, the more experience you’ll gain. Participate in clubs, competitions (like FIRST Robotics), workshops, or online courses. These experiences will build your knowledge and skills while helping you meet like-minded individuals who share your interests.
* Explore All Aspects of STEAM: STEAM encompasses a wide range of fields, from coding and robotics to art and design. Don’t be afraid to explore different areas and see what excites you most. You may discover an unexpected passion or talent for something you didn’t initially consider.
* Collaborate and Build a Supportive Network: STEAM is not just about working alone. Collaboration is key. Build a network of friends, mentors, and teammates who can support and inspire you. Working together brings new ideas, and learning from others is essential to growth.
* Challenge Gender Stereotypes: Society may try to tell you that certain fields are “for boys” or that girls shouldn’t be interested in math or science. Challenge these stereotypes by pursuing your passions, no matter what others may say. Remember, the world needs diverse perspectives to drive innovation.
* Be Persistent and Patient: Success in STEAM takes time. Be persistent, and don’t rush. It’s okay to take your time to master concepts, develop skills, and gain confidence. Perseverance and patience are key to succeeding in any field.
* Have Fun and Be Creative: STEAM isn’t just about numbers and equations—it’s about creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. Whether it’s designing a robot, solving a complex math problem, or creating a digital art piece, remember to enjoy the process and let your creativity shine.
Finally, remember that your voice and perspective are needed in STEAM. Whether you’re passionate about coding, designing, experimenting, or inventing, your contributions will help shape the future. Keep learning, stay curious, and most importantly, believe in your potential!
Do you have a woman you look up to/is your role model? If so, who is it and why?
I do not have one woman that I look up to as a role model.
I look at the many amazing and inspiring women who have made a profound impact in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), and whose stories might inspire others:
Marie Curie: As a pioneering physicist and chemist, Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields—Physics and Chemistry. Her groundbreaking work on radioactivity has had a lasting impact on science and medicine. She is admired for her dedication, resilience, and groundbreaking contributions despite facing numerous barriers as a woman in science in the early 20th century.
Rosalind Franklin: A biophysicist whose X-ray crystallography work was critical in the discovery of DNA’s double helix structure, Rosalind Franklin’s contributions were often overshadowed during her lifetime. She is now celebrated for her groundbreaking work in molecular biology, and her story has become an important example of perseverance in the face of challenges and gender bias in science.
Maya Angelou: As a poet, author, and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou used her voice to inspire and empower others. Her work transcends literature, touching on issues of race, identity, and social justice. Maya’s resilience, creativity, and advocacy for equality have made her an enduring role model for many women in the arts and activism.
Grace Hopper is an exceptional and inspiring figure, especially for women in technology and STEM fields. She was a pioneering computer scientist and one of the most influential figures in the development of computer programming.
And in our current day –
Sheryl Sandberg: As the former Chief Operating Officer of Facebook (now Meta), Sheryl Sandberg is an influential figure in tech and business. She is a prominent advocate for women in leadership roles and authored the book Lean In, which encourages women to pursue their ambitions and overcome the barriers they face in the workplace. Her work has sparked conversations about gender equality in tech and leadership.
These women, each in her own field, exemplify courage, determination, and a commitment to breaking barriers. They serve as powerful role models, especially for young girls interested in STEAM, showing that with passion and persistence, it is possible to make a significant impact, no matter the obstacles one may face.
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!