Seattle, Wash., November 12, 2023—Katie Larios, a student at Mountlake Terrace High School, has been named the 2023 Snohomish Regional Rising Star by the Washington STEM.  She is one of 11 promising young women recognized by the organization for 2023.

“Katie works hard to achieve in STEM and looks back to see who she can pull up with her,” says Brandon Owings, a computer science teacher at Mountlake Terrace High School. 

Larios is a 12th grader, an officer in her school’s Feminism Club and the Latino Student Union. One of her favorite movies is Hidden Figures, a 2016 American biographical drama film about three Black female mathematicians at NASA in the 1960s who contributed to the United States Space program.

“Just seeing those three women work so hard despite having so many odds against them is just super inspiring,” Larios stated.

The Washington STEM Rising Star Awards recognize young women who explore STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) in ways that will support their education, career, personal development, and community. The awardees were nominated by their schools and selected in partnership with regional networks. They will receive a $500 stipend and will be celebrated at Washington STEM’s 2023 Summit luncheon.  

“The data show that a strong cradle-to-career STEM education prepares students for high-demand, household-sustaining jobs,” says Lynne K. Varner, CEO of Washington STEM. “The Rising Star Awards highlight the next generation of leaders and encourage girls and young women to explore STEM education and careers.”  

The 2023 Rising Star awardees are listed by name and region on the Washington STEM website. 

About Washington STEM 

Washington STEM is a statewide, education nonprofit leveraging STEM for social change, removing barriers to credential attainment, and creating pathways to long-term economic security for historically excluded students. In our state STEM is at the forefront of discovery, on the frontlines of creative 21st century problem-solving, and serves as one of the largest pathways to family-wage careers and long-term economic security. STEM pathways have promise like few others in Washington and it is imperative that students of color, rural students, girls and young women, and students experiencing poverty have access. For more information, go to www.washingtonstem.org. You can connect with us on Twitter (@washingtonstem) and via Facebook and LinkedIn.