Following a comprehensive national search for a visionary new leader, Girlstart, an Austin, Texas-based nonprofit organization in its 25th year, welcomes Shane Woods as the third executive director in the organization’s history. Ms. Woods brings twenty years of experience to leading Girlstart’s programming across Texas, as well as California and Massachusetts, continuing and strengthening its work to engage thousands of girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math each year. Despite making up nearly half of the U.S. workforce and holding as many undergraduate degrees as men overall, women are still vastly underrepresented in the STEM workforce and among STEM degree holders, making nurturing early involvement and interest in STEM a critical need across the United States. Ms. Woods notes:
“I firmly believe in being an active ancestor for our youth and those coming behind them who dare to make this world a better place. As a self-proclaimed ‘social justice architect’ my passion lies in preparing, nurturing, and sustaining spaces that welcome all girls so that they can prepare to take on the role or roles of their life.“
Most recently, Ms. Woods served as the Senior Director of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas STEM Center of Excellence, a 92-acre living laboratory where kids of all ages can explore and develop their competence and confidence in science, technology, engineering, and math – all while cultivating essential skills such as confidence, resilience, leadership, risk taking, and problem solving. She began her career as a middle school science teacher in the Fort Worth Independent School District. In her seventeen years with the district, Ms. Woods was able to make her mark in every position she held, from Department Chair to leading the entire district as the K-12 Science Director overseeing curriculum and assessment development while also supporting teachers in honing their skills through professional learning opportunities.
A scientist at heart, Ms. Woods holds a B.S in Biology from Xavier University of New Orleans and an M.S.Ed. in Middle Level Science and Mathematics from Walden University. She is a nationally recognized and award-winning leader and speaker in science education. Ms. Woods also holds volunteer leadership positions with the National Science Education Leadership Association, American Camp Association, and the Women Leading Technology Sorority.
