Las STEMateras from Boyle Heights earn top 10 spot at Global Hydrogen Grand Prix in Germany

Last week, Las STEMateras, an all-girls Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP) team from Hilda Solis High School in Boyle Heights competed in the H2GP World Finals in Chemnitz, Germany, earning an impressive seventh place among dozens of international teams.

Proudly sponsored by the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES), the STEMateras not only represented Los Angeles and California on the global stage, they also made history as the only all-female team competing in the advanced Hybrid Category, breaking barriers at an early age and paving the way for greater representation in the Latina community.

“STEM programs are vital in Latino communities because they open doors to opportunity, close equity gaps and show young people that their ideas can shape the future. Representation matters when students see others like them thriving in STEM, it inspires confidence and possibility,” said Angelina Galiteva, CEO of ARCHES.

The team made up of Yatziri Rodriguez, Diana Orozco, Emily Flores, Iyari Hernandez and Ashley Torres designed, built and raced hydrogen-powered cars, competing against more than 600 students from around the world. Their achievement showcases the talent and determination of Boyle Heights students, demonstrating leadership in engineering while inspiring young girls everywhere to pursue opportunities in STEM.

“We are incredibly proud to have Las STEMateras from Boyle Heights representing at this year’s World Finals. As the only all-female team competing in the advanced Hybrid category, they embody the innovation, determination and leadership that the H2GP Foundation strives to inspire in the next generation. We couldn’t be prouder of these young women,” said Nicola Weiss, executive director of H2GP Foundation.

Galiteva told CALÓ NEWS that in order to continue empowering girls in STEM, it's essential to keep supporting and investing in schools. “Celebrating these extraordinary achievements and creating environments where girls feel safe to take risks, we help them not only participate but lead and transform the future of clean energy,” she said.

She also emphasized that the success of Las STEMateras is especially powerful because, in just six hours, they were able to design, build and test hydrogen-powered race cars while working continuously with only a fixed, limited fuel supply.

“Their achievement in calibrating performance, weight and aerodynamics while balancing speed and fuel use to finish with optimal results, shows what it means to break barriers and lead on the world stage,” Galiteva said. “At ARCHES, we are committed to fueling that brilliance. As California’s hydrogen hub, we’re building pathways that connect innovation with opportunity, partnering with schools, expanding access to renewable hydrogen programs, and ensuring students, especially girls and underrepresented youth, have mentors and real-world experiences.”