Zena Le – 2024 Tacoma Region Rising Star

Girl in white top and gold necklace smiles at the camera

Zena Le

12th grade
Mount Tahoma High School
Tacoma, WA
 
Zena shines in her school’s engineering program, where she uses computer-aided design (CAD) to create models of buildings and bridges. Creativity and craftsmanship define her work.
 
 
 

Get to know Zena

How has your math identity impacted your journey in STEM?
One of my earliest experiences in math was finding the right measurement for the interior and exterior design of a building. It became an important part of my STEM journey because it allowed me to develop new skills – like finding the right solution to the problem and measuring spaces in a building.

Who is the teacher or mentor who sparked your interest in STEM?
The teacher who sparked my interest in STEM with Miss Simmons. She has always encouraged me to do my best in her classroom. Her advice has always inspired me to work hard to achieve my goals and I couldn’t be more grateful for the fact that she was my STEM teacher.

What are you thinking about doing after high school and what are some of the ways you are beginning to explore potential careers?
After high school, I plan on going to college to study computer science and interior design. With that in mind, I’m also planning to apply to internships to gain more job experience, because I realize having job experience is as important as higher education.
 

The class that shaped her future

A computer-aided design class made a big impact on Zena’s plans for after high school.

 

Nominated for her craftsmanship

“Zena is a meticulous worker. She thrives in an environment where she is able to learn new computer skills and then use them to create a tangible product.”

“Zena Le is a student who I have worked with outside of the classroom but excels in the classroom as a passionate and inquisitive young woman with a passion for everything STEM. Zena is a meticulous worker. She thrives in an environment where she is able to learn new computer skills and then use them to create a tangible product. When I asked her what she likes about STEM, she described a love for the craftmanship and creativity that drives her classwork. She loves how she is able to identify and solve problems both individually and as a team.

Zena’s family owns a nail salon and she has a lot of responsibility to work for the family business. Because of this increased level of responsibility, she hasn’t had the same opportunities as her peers however, Zena has always taken advantage of every opportunity made available to her during the school day, be it a campus visit, a career exploration presentation, or participating in clubs that meet during the school day. Zena also has always had an eye on her future and wanting to do whatever she can to be prepared for life after high school. She is also amazingly kind and polite student who encourages her peers, is thoughtful and mindful with everyone, and is a diligent worker. I think all these skills are going to make her an amazing star in the STEM field.”

—Angela Phillips, Career Guidance Specialist at Mount Tahoma High School
 

 

 

The Washington STEM Rising Star Awards encourage young women and trans and nonbinary youth to embrace STEM learning in ways that will support their education, career, and community.

Meet all of the 2024 Washington STEM Rising Stars!