Unlocking Potential: How Mentorship and Belief Empower Women & Girls in Science
International Women & Girls in Science Day is a moment to celebrate women’s achievements in STEM while recognising the vital role that encouragement, access, and mentorship play in opening doors for the next generation. At SAYes Mentoring, every day we see how trusted guidance and belief can transform potential into possibility.
SAYes mentee ambassador, Youseline, shares her story about how her path into biomedical science has been shaped by determination, curiosity, and by the people who invested their time, knowledge, and belief in her. It’s a testament to how mentorship helps young women overcome barriers, build confidence, and step boldly into spaces where they belong.
Discovering Purpose & Passion
Growing up, I always had a deep passion for science. From a young age, it was my dream to become a biomedical scientist, with a particular interest in cancer research. When people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was always “a doctor.” At the time, “Dr Dufrene” sounded impressive and exciting, but even then, it reflected a genuine curiosity and a desire to help others.
My interest in science and helping others was shaped early in life through attending pink ribbon walks. As a child, I enjoyed the music, the exercise, and the sense of being part of something meaningful. What stayed with me most, however, were the stories shared at the end of these walks. Women spoke openly about how cancer had affected their lives, about their diagnoses, treatments, and the physical and emotional impact of chemotherapy. While every experience was different, hearing these stories sparked something in me. I remember thinking to myself, I want to help people like those with cancer one day and make a meaningful difference in their lives.
The Power of Support Systems
After each walk, my mum would ask me how it went and whether I had learned something new. I would share the stories of the people I had met and explain how deeply they had affected me. My mum always encouraged me, reminding me that anything is possible if I put my mind to it, and reassured me that I was capable and intelligent. Over the years, her encouragement became the foundation of my journey. She made countless sacrifices to help turn my aspirations into reality, from buying me a new doctor’s kit every Christmas, to surprising me with my very own lab coat, to paying for extra classes in subjects I struggled with so I would never feel left behind.
Throughout my academic journey, I was also fortunate to have supportive family friends who helped edit my work and offered guidance when needed. Their generosity with their time and knowledge made a significant difference, and I remain deeply grateful for their encouragement and belief in me.
During secondary school, I carefully researched the subjects I needed to take to continue pursuing my dream. I attended additional classes in the sciences, physics, and human biology alongside my other subjects. I studied relentlessly, often day and night. There were moments when I felt exhausted and considered giving up, but my family and friends consistently encouraged me to keep going. On particularly difficult days, they would take me out for ice cream or to the beach for a short study break. They were small but meaningful acts that helped me recharge and return with renewed motivation.
Building Resilience When the Path Changes
When I did not achieve the results I had hoped for in human biology, my journey did not stop. After moving to the United Kingdom, I completed a Level 2 course in Health and Healthcare Science, achieving distinctions throughout. I then progressed to an Access to Biomedical Science course, which strengthened my understanding of laboratory work and scientific concepts. This pathway led me to university, where I am now proudly in my second year studying Biomedical Science. Along the way, I also published my first scientific article, an achievement that fills me with gratitude.
My journey reflects the true meaning of Give to Gain. Every step forward was made possible through generosity, encouragement, shared knowledge, time, and unwavering support from those who believed in me. In return, I have gained not only academic growth, but also a deep sense of responsibility to support and uplift others who are following similar paths. Mentorship, guidance, and community have shown me that progress is never achieved alone.
Growing Confidence Through Opportunity and Guidance
To all the young girls who aspire to pursue a career in STEM: do not give up. Aim high, even when the journey feels uncertain or challenging. There will be setbacks, moments of doubt, and voices that try to discourage you. Remember the lock-and-key principle: your dreams are the lock, and only you are the right key to unlock them. No one else should be given the power to open that door for you or keep it closed. Your dreams belong to you. But remember, having mentors and allies can help you find the strength and tools to keep opening doors.
Imagine a world where women like Marie Curie had given up on their ambitions. How much knowledge, progress, and innovation would have been lost? When we support one another, share resources, and create space for women and girls in science, we do not lose, we only gain.
I think my message message closely reflects the 2026 International Women’s Day theme, Give to Gain, which calls on all of us to contribute our time, knowledge, visibility, and support to advance gender equality. It also aligns with the United Nations theme, Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls, reminding us that alongside individual generosity, we must continue to challenge structural barriers and advocate for fair access to education, mentorship, and opportunity.
Together, through mentorship, collaboration, and action, we can continue to advance gender equality in science and beyond, ensuring that more young women like me are supported not just to dream, but to succeed.
Why Mentorship Opens Doors for Young Women in STEM
On International Women & Girls in Science Day, Youseline’s story reminds us that talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not. Mentorship helps bridge that gap. When women and girls are supported through guidance, encouragement, and access to learning, they are empowered to thrive and also pass along what they discover to the generations that follow.
By investing in mentorship and standing behind young women in STEM, we live out the principles of Give to Gain and take meaningful action toward rights, justice, and equity for all women and girls. At SAYes Mentoring, we are proud to support young people like Youseline as they unlock their potential and help shape a more inclusive future in science and beyond.
