Gears, Grit, and Girl Power: Malia’s Troop Codes a Better Future

Malia is a proud member of her all-girl troop — and their robotics competition team. Together, the girls design, build, and program their robot from the ground up.

They don’t just assemble parts.

They:

• Brainstorm solutions

• Test prototypes

• Debug stubborn code

• Present their ideas

• Design projects that help society

In other words, they engineer with purpose.

More Than a Competition

Malia and her team celebrates their competition robot

Yes, there’s a robotics competition. Yes, there are challenges to overcome.Yes, there are moments of frustration when the robot refuses to cooperate.

But here’s the real win:

The girls discover that collaboration beats comparison. Problem-solving beats perfection. Impact beats trophies.

They learn that the true power of engineering lies not in winning — but in building something meaningful together.

Why This Story Matters

This book captures several critical truths about STEM education:

• Girls Belong in Robotics – Not as guests. As leaders.

• Troubleshooting Is Growth – Debugging builds resilience.

• Communication Is Engineering – Presenting ideas is as important as coding them.

• Service Through Design – Innovation should improve lives.

Malia’s troop models what equitable STEM spaces look like: supportive, ambitious, collaborative, and community-focused.

Robotics as Leadership Training

Malia and her troop make a presentation about their robot design

Robotics competitions teach far more than technical skills. They cultivate:

• Confidence in public speaking

• Strategic thinking

• Project management

• Ethical design considerations

• Team dynamics under pressure

The girls in Malia’s troop learn that engineering is not a solo act. It is collective brilliance in motion.

And when young girls see themselves solving real-world problems through technology, they stop asking if they belong.

They start asking what’s next.

For Troop Leaders, Coaches, and Families

This book is perfect for:

• Girl-centered STEM programs

• Robotics competition teams

• After-school engineering clubs

• Leadership development programs

• Read-alouds before kickoff season

Extension ideas:

• Host a mini design challenge focused on community impact

• Practice elevator pitches for robot presentations

• Facilitate a troubleshooting workshop

• Create a “fun over trophies” reflection circle

Let the story spark both soldering irons and sisterhood.

The NoireSTEMinist®️ Vision in Action

When girls design robots that help society, they are practicing justice-centered engineering. When they prioritize teamwork over winning, they are redefining success.

Malia’s story shows what happens when girls are given space, tools, and trust.

They build robots. They build confidence. They build community.

And in the process, they build a future where engineering looks exactly like them.

There's a Robot in my Troop now available in the NoireSTEMinist®️ shop and everywhere that books are sold.

Malia and her troop work on their competition robot