The HackHers

Needham High School has a vast number of clubs, and with the options ranging from Cooking Club to Investment Club, there is a place for everybody. Students have generally become more interested in STEM subjects, and clubs involving STEM concepts have reflected that. But in a world where STEM careers are typically dominated by men, it is difficult for everyone’s opinions to be heard. The HackHers, a branch of the Robotics Team at Needham High School, empowers women and non-binary students interested in technology. 

Founded to create a supportive space for those who are underrepresented in STEM fields, the HackHers  aims to provide equal opportunities for all members. Katherine Chladny, a co-project manager of HackHers, reflects that in the club, “We work together rather than against each other. No idea is a bad idea. We are a team, not competitors. During my freshman year, I was on the…robotics team, and it was primarily male populated. I felt insignificant…My ideas were brushed off as dumb, useless, or unfeasible.” Chladny emphasizes how she wants HackHers to feel supportive of others and ideas: “I want the space to be safe to express ideas as well as welcome other gender minorities interested in STEM, rather than be diminished due to their gender.” 

Members of HackHers primarily use the coding languages Java and JavaScript for their robotics projects. While some members focus on coding, others, like the hardware manager, focus on the engineering aspects of building and programming robots. 

In general, it has been difficult for HackHers to get recognized around the school, and students tend to be hesitant to learn something from scratch. HackHers invites everyone, no matter the skill set of each individual. Therefore, HackHers holds workshops each year to introduce new members to robotics and coding, creating a foundation for growth and interest. Students can find something of interest in these diverse skill sets within the club. 

The HackHers, along with the Robotics team, compete in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) competitions each year. Teams are tasked with designing and programming robots to accomplish specific challenges; last year the task was to automatically launch a paper airplane from the robot. These projects require technical skills, but they also encourage problem-solving and innovation within students, two traits that are important in any career. This club has celebrated significant achievements, with members winning several competitions last year and building on the successes of previous teams. Chladny recalls, “During my first year, we made it to states. Being part of the HackHers was an incredible experience, and the recognition we gained was empowering.”

As the club continues to grow, the members are focused on increasing their impact within the community. There are plans in place for outreach initiatives, such as presentations at the local elementary and middle schools, and fundraising for women’s shelters. Through these efforts, HackHers aims not only to empower its members, but also to inspire future generations of women in STEM, paving the way for more women and non-binary individuals to thrive in STEM careers, one robot at a time.