Sometimes all it takes is one story, one voice, one role model to spark a young person’s belief in themselves. For girls especially, seeing women succeed at the highest level — in sport, in science, in leadership — can be life-changing.
That’s why athletes like Hannah Mills OBE matter so much. As one of the most successful female Olympic sailors in history, Hannah isn’t just a champion on the water — she’s a champion for change. She speaks out on climate action, mentors young people, and shows that determination and courage can open doors far beyond sport. For a teenage girl wondering if she belongs in STEM, or whether her voice is strong enough to make a difference, Hannah’s example says: yes, you do, and yes, it is.
And the impact goes far beyond Hannah alone. Research shows that 70% of girls feel more confident to follow their dreams when they see women leading the way, yet women currently represent just 28% of the STEM workforce (WISE, 2023) and fewer than 10% of Fortune 500 CEOs(Fortune, 2024). In sport, women still receive less than 10% of media coverage. That’s why role models — whether they’re athletes, engineers, scientists or entrepreneurs — are so powerful. They help young people, especially young women, picture themselves in spaces they might not otherwise imagine.
At the 1851 Trust, this is at the heart of our mission: to use the power of sport to inspire the next generation in STEM and climate education. We know that when students connect the excitement of high-performance sport with science, engineering and technology, their curiosity grows — and so does their belief in what’s possible for their own futures.
That’s exactly why we created the “Use Your Voice” resource on STEMCrew. Featuring Hannah Mills and other inspirational athletes, it’s designed to help students explore how personal stories, science, and sport can combine to make a real difference in the world. It’s not just about learning — it’s about giving young people the confidence to speak up, take action, and dream bigger.
So the question is: how will you use your influence? Whether you’re a teacher, parent, coach or mentor, every encouragement you give matters. Together, we can help young people find their voice, follow their passions, and shape a better future.
👉 Explore the free “Use Your Voice” resource here: STEMCrew.org