Ovalema Marie Curie (Enough with Marie Curie): Rethinking Scientific Representation for Gifted Girls

Portrayal of female scientists often centers on historical figures like Marie Curie, whose exceptional achievements may seem unattainable to young girls today. The Ovalema Marie Curie ("enough with Marie Curie" in Guarani, native language of Paraguay) initiative explores the hypothesis that presenting role models who are contemporary, relatable, and diverse can have a more significant impact inspiring gifted girls to pursue STEM fields. Preliminary data indicates strong preference for role models who are close in age and reflect diverse backgrounds. We will present initial findings and discuss implications for enhancing representation and engagement in STEM among gifted girls.