Co-Managing Director of Girls in Tech Phoenix, Melissa Drake (pictured below with Team 4717 – The Mechromancers), was a judge at the 2022 FIRST World Championship. This four day competition took place from April 19 – 23 in Houston, Texas. Around 160 teams, including several all girl teams, from 19 different countries participated in the competition. Each team was challenged in designing, building, programming, and operating a robot in alliance formatted head-to-head challenges.

It is an amazing experience to see all these amazing students with their fantastic robots. This inspires me to keep volunteering.
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) is a non-profit organization that focuses on inspiring innovation and leadership for young people in STEM. They engage students from grades PreK-12 in mentor-based robotics programs and challenges. These events helped students build both their technical and soft skills. Find more information about FIRST at firstinspires.org.

Robotics Face-Off: Team 13835 (Enigma) and Team 17977 (Omni-Future) vs Team 21094 (NIS KYRAN x SWB) and Team 16008 (Armored Artemises)

GIT PHX Co-Managing Director Melissa Drake and her judging partners

Incredible robots built by Teams (listed from left to right): 12808 (RevAmped Robotics), 10136 (Frost RoboFalcons), and 16091 (T.W.C.A. – Team Without a Cool Acronym)