event in 2019 - I was there as a student.' 

Why does this pipeline matter?

Organizers say connecting these young women with people already working in the field is critical - because for many of them, this isn't just a hobby. It's a career path.

 I am intending on going into STEM. I'm going into industrial engineering,  Manning said.  Seeing girls like me, especially after being in classes that are all guys - it means a lot. 

Beyond the competition itself, participants say the event fosters something equally valuable: community.

 It just makes you feel so proud as a team because it's not a one-person sport. It's unified,  Solis said.