Diabo amplifies voices in STEM
Gracie Diabo on the far left and two other national student reps at the Sequoyah Fellows Ceremony, representing Indigenous voices in STEM at the American Indian Science and Engineering Society National conference. Courtesy Gracie Diabo
At just 22 years old, Gracie Diabo, a third-year software engineering student at McGill University, is already making waves in the world of science and technology.
Recently named the Junior Canadian Student Representative for the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), Diabo attended the organization’s National Conference in Minneapolis, where she joined over 3,000 Indigenous students and professionals from across Turtle Island and the Pacific Islands.
The conference, which blends cultural celebration with academic and professional development, offered Diabo the opportunity to connect, grow, and represent Indigenous youth in STEM fields.
“When I attended my first AISES conference, I realized how important it is to see people who look like you in science and engineering, that’s what inspired me,” she said. “AISES brings together Indigenous students and professionals to celebrate culture and innovation in STEM. As a student rep, my goal is to connect youth with those opportunities and show them how far they can go.”
As part of her two-year role, Diabo helps promote scholarships, events, and educational opportunities through social media. She co-manages an Instagram account to engage Indigenous students and raise awareness about AISES initiatives.
“We post promotional material for scholarships, events, and opportunities specific to Canada,” she explained. “I hope our platform encourages more Indigenous students to explore STEM, because social media is such a powerful tool to reach youth.”
After the Canadian conference next spring, Diabo will become the senior representative. Her experience at the conference marked a major moment of personal growth. “One of the most memorable parts was speaking on stage in front of 3,000 people,” she shared. “It was nerve-wracking but empowering. It reminded me that I belong in this space.”
Beyond her role with AISES, Diabo remains deeply connected to her community. She hopes to share her experiences through writing and outreach, including speaking engagements and mentorship. “I want to show students back home what’s possible,” she said. “I only learned about AISES in university, but I wish I’d known sooner. There are so many opportunities for Indigenous youth to get involved.”
For Diabo, representation in STEM is not just a goal, it’s a lifelong mission.
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“Organizations like AISES create space where Indigenous youth can see themselves reflected in science, technology, and engineering,” she said. “It’s about showing that we belong here, too.”
