Thursday, May 8, 2025 The Grand, Boston, MA

In the face of ever-changing challenges, our work at Science Club for Girls has never been more important. The Catalyst Awards celebrates the inspiring leadership and tireless commitment of those driving change in the world of STEM. This night is about honoring the incredible progress we've made together—and looking ahead to the future we can continue to build with your support.

2025 Catalyst Awardees

We're thrilled to announce this year’s Catalyst Award honorees—leaders breaking barriers, inspiring future generations, and making STEM more inclusive. Their achievements exemplify the power of innovation, mentorship, and perseverance in shaping a more equitable future in STEM.

Dr. Dorothy J. Phillips

Dr. Dorothy J. Phillips, the 2025 President of the American Chemical Society (ACS), is a trailblazer in chemistry and a champion for diversity in STEM. She was the first African American woman elected to both the ACS presidential succession and its Board of Directors, where she served three terms. A pioneering scholar, she was the first African American woman to earn a bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University (1967) and a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Cincinnati (1974). Her career spans groundbreaking research in viral RNA conformation, bioseparation, and analytical chemistry, with key contributions at Dow Chemical and Waters Corporation, where she retired as Director of Strategic Marketing. She has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Percy L. Julian Award and the Vanderbilt University Trailblazer distinction. Dr. Phillips has also co-authored influential works on responsible conduct in chemistry and career development. Her legacy continues to inspire the next generation of scientists.

Dr. Christine Santos

Dr. Christine Santos, Chief Technology Officer of Manus, is a leader in industrial biotechnology, driving the development of sustainable bio-based alternatives to replace traditional plant-, animal-, and fossil fuel-derived molecules. With over two decades of expertise in biochemical engineering, metabolic engineering, and synthetic biology, she has spearheaded the scale-up and commercialization of multiple bio-based solutions now sold in over 40 countries. A co-inventor on 30+ patent families and a published researcher in Science, Nature, and PNAS, Christine holds a BS and MS in Chemical Engineering from Stanford and a PhD from MIT. Recognized for her groundbreaking contributions, she was inducted into the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) College of Fellows in 2020 and serves on the board of the International Metabolic Engineering Society (IMES).

Master of Ceremonies

Pamela Gardner

Emmy Award-winning meteorologist Pamela Gardner will serve as the MC for this inspiring evening. A familiar face on NBC10 Boston and NECN, Pamela brings years of expertise in broadcasting and a passion for connecting with audiences. She has earned the Seal of Approval from the National Weather Association and has appeared on national broadcasts, including CBS Evening News. Her career spans roles at WBZ-TV in Boston, WISH-TV in Indianapolis, and WTHI-TV in Terre Haute, where she honed her skills in forecasting severe weather. A dedicated advocate for STEM education, Pamela has worked with the National Weather Service on cutting-edge severe weather warning systems and frequently visits schools to inspire future scientists. We’re looking forward to having her join our Science Clubs this semester when our participants learn about extreme weather events.

Sponsorship Opportunities
Amplify Your Impact

As a sponsor, you play an essential role in ensuring that Science Club for Girls can continue to provide free, hands-on STEM programs for the youth who need them most. Your support helps us keep our programs accessible, so that we can reach more girls and gender-expansive youth from all backgrounds, giving them the tools, resources, and mentorship they need to succeed in STEM fields.

Why Sponsor the Catalyst Awards?

Unmatched Visibility: Your brand will be featured across dynamic LED walls, event signage, and our marketing channels, offering visibility to a wide audience committed to progress in STEM.
Exclusive Event Access: Enjoy VIP access to the event, where you can engage with leaders, innovators, and organizations who share your commitment to empowering the next generation of STEM leaders.
Recognition: Your company’s support will be acknowledged throughout the evening, both in-person and through online platforms, demonstrating your commitment to diversity and the future of STEM.

Early Pledge Sponsors will receive additional exposure through early marketing campaigns, giving you an even greater opportunity to showcase your brand.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities and how you can get involved, please contact Kelley Borer-Miller at kborer-miller@scienceclubforgirls.org.

Learn More

The Grand

58 Seaport Boulevard

Boston, MA 02210

The Catalyst Awards will take place at The Grand, a stunning venue located in the heart of Boston’s Seaport. This sophisticated space offers a perfect setting for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and reflection.

The modern design and dynamic LED walls will provide an interactive and engaging environment for our guests—creating the ideal backdrop for a night that will leave everyone feeling energized and inspired.

With a capacity for over 400 guests, The Grand offers a warm yet expansive space that fosters connection and collaboration. It’s here where leaders, supporters, and mentors will come together to celebrate the important work being done—and to set the stage for the future we can all build together.

The Catalyst Awards is more than just an awards ceremony—it’s a celebration of the transformative work shaping the future of STEM and supporting girls and gender-expansive youth as they lead the way. This event underscores the value of mentorship, the importance of accessible education, and the critical need to build a more inclusive and equitable STEM ecosystem for all.

It’s also an opportunity to connect with a community of visionary leaders and institutions, all committed to ensuring that STEM is diverse, inclusive, and accessible to the next generation of innovators.

As we honor those who have made a lasting impact on our mission, we’ll look forward with renewed energy and a collective commitment to supporting girls and gender-expansive youth in their journey. This is a night to reflect on our progress, celebrate what’s possible when we work together, and embrace the boundless potential that lies ahead.

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“As I stand here tonight, surrounded by the embodiment of curiosity, passion, and potential, I am reminded of the transformative power of programs like Science Club for Girls. They don't just teach STEM; they inspire futures…join me in supporting this incredible organization as they continue to spark curiosity, build confidence, and empower the next generation of women in STEM. Together, we are teaching STEM, we are nurturing dreams, igniting passions, and changing lives - one colorful experiment at a time.”

Vicki Chen,

2024 Catalyst Awards Keynote Speaker & First SCFG employee

2024 Catalyst Award Sponsors

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424 Capital
Alkermes

Aurora Flight Sciences
Chiesi
Citizens
Covington
MIT
Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratory (MERL)
Roux Associates

Pegasystems

SoftWorld
Vertex
Vicinity Energy
Zentalis