On a Mission to Minimize the Gender Gap in Mathematics

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Michelle Han. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

Michelle Han is leading the charge for greater gender equity in STEM fields as the executive director of INTEGIRLS, a global nonprofit dedicated to empowering gender minorities in mathematics. Under Michelle’s leadership, INTEGIRLS has blossomed into an international force, with over 33 chapters across 60 countries. Through math competitions, workshops and community events, the organization has reached more than 8,000 participants, fostering an inclusive and encouraging environment for young people to explore their passion for mathematics.

Michelle’s commitment to this mission goes far beyond traditional leadership. She dedicates approximately 25 hours per month to overseeing INTEGIRLS’ global operations. Her responsibilities are vast and include managing finances, ensuring compliance with nonprofit regulations and leading a team of nine executives and over 200 officers worldwide. She also spearheads community-building initiatives like Discord fireside chats, organizes speaker talks and mentors chapter leaders to maintain high-quality programming across all chapters.

One of Michelle’s standout contributions has been coordinating biannual math competitions and puzzle hunts. These events are meticulously designed to challenge participants while fostering collaboration and inclusivity. From developing competition problems to managing registration and social media outreach, Michelle ensures every event is a success. Her grant writing and strategic outreach efforts have helped secure resources that sustain the organization’s global impact, empowering thousands of young people who may have felt uncertain about pursuing STEM opportunities.

Through her tireless work with INTEGIRLS, Michelle Han is not only closing the gender gap in mathematics but also inspiring a new generation of leaders to break barriers in STEM. Her leadership and vision demonstrate the power of combining passion with action to create meaningful change on a global scale.

Tell us about your volunteer role.

I serve as the executive director of INTEGIRLS, an international 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to bridging the gender gap in mathematics through inclusive and community-driven events. INTEGIRLS is made up of 33 chapters across nine countries, supported by a team of nine executives and a network of over 250 members, all of whom I oversee and support in their roles.

In my role, I coordinate competitions, raise funds and work to ensure resources are accessible, especially for chapters in underserved areas where access to STEM opportunities is limited. I also spearhead partnerships with organizations that share our mission, helping us expand our reach and amplify our impact.

Beyond logistics, my role is about fostering a supportive community where students of underrepresented genders can explore math alongside peers like them and rediscover their confidence and passion. From creating new programs to brainstorming with chapter heads, every aspect of my work focuses on empowering others to find their place in math.

Why is this issue so important to you?

I’ve been the only girl in math spaces too many times to count. In my freshman year, I was the only girl in my IT pathway, and I’ve often felt isolated in competitive math environments where it’s hard to find people who understand or relate to your experience. I know how discouraging it can be to feel like you don’t belong, and I’ve seen others walk away from math and STEM for the same reason. Through INTEGIRLS, I’m working to create the kind of community I wish I’d had—a space where people can explore math with others like them and feel supported. It’s about being the change I want to see and building opportunities for others to feel welcome in a field that so often feels exclusive.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

It’s definitely seeing the ripple effect of the work we do. I remember one chapter leader from a small town telling me she started her chapter because she wanted to give younger girls the opportunities she never had growing up. Hearing how INTEGIRLS inspires others to create their own spaces of belonging is incredibly rewarding. And seeing participants light up during “aha!” moments—whether it’s solving a tricky puzzle or realizing they’re capable of so much more than they thought—makes all the late nights worth it.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

I’ve learned the importance of flexibility and understanding in leadership. Each chapter and event comes with its own challenges, and listening to different perspectives has helped me make better decisions. For example, a few chapters shared that their participants didn’t feel confident in their problem-solving skills going into competitions, which held them back from sharing their ideas. To help, we introduced weekly interactive problem-solving sessions where participants could collaborate, ask questions and strengthen their skills in a supportive environment before the main event. These sessions not only boosted their confidence but also helped build stronger connections within the community.

Tell us about future partnerships, programs or events that you are excited about.

I’m very excited about our upcoming INTEGIRLS Puzzle Hunt we’re hoping to re-launch in spring/summer 2025. We wanted to redefine what a math event can be, one that’s rooted in just fun, creativity and teamwork, rather than a traditional competition. Participants work in teams to solve unique puzzles that combine math, logic and problem-solving. In past hunts, we’ve had everything from cryptography challenges inspired by Caesar ciphers to matrix encryptions.

Our team put a lot of thought into creating puzzles that were engaging for both beginners and seasoned problem solvers. One of the most rewarding moments from our previous hunts was hearing how many participants say that the event helped them rediscover their love for math in a unique way and feel more confident in tackling complex problems.

Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about?

Because change starts with people who care. Getting involved with a cause means contributing to something bigger than yourself. You’re helping to solve problems, create opportunities and inspire others. For me, working with INTEGIRLS has been about creating opportunities I wish I’d had, but it’s also taught me how powerful a shared mission can be. You don’t need to have all the answers or resources, just being willing to try and take the first step. That’s sometimes all it takes to inspire others to do the same.

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?

Start with what you care about and take one small step. It doesn’t have to be perfect, and you don’t need to have everything figured out—just show up. Whether it’s joining an event or helping with a specific task, every contribution matters. If you can’t find an opportunity that fits, create one or reach out to youth-led initiatives already doing work you admire. We’ve collaborated with various nonprofits and organizations, like Society for Science, Women in STEM and Non-Trivial to share resources and ideas, and those collaborations have strengthened INTEGIRLS in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

I want people to see that change starts with small steps and a willingness to take action. When I first got involved with INTEGIRLS, I didn’t have all the answers, but I cared deeply about building a community where people could explore math with others like them. Over time, I realized that by listening, learning and working with a dedicated team, we could build something far bigger than any of us imagined. I hope my story shows that you don’t need to be perfect or have it all figured out to make a difference. All it takes is passion, persistence and a belief in the impact of community.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Michelle? Find local volunteer opportunities.