May is filled with opportunities to celebrate excellence, innovation, and representation. During
both Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Women in Mathematics
celebrations, it is the perfect time to spotlight inspiring mathematicians who continue to impact
classrooms around the world. One mathematician I love sharing with students is Maryam
Mirzakhani.
Mirzakhani made history in 2014 when she became the first woman ever to win the prestigious
Fields Medal, often described as the “Nobel Prize of Mathematics.” What makes her story so
powerful for students is that she did not grow up thinking she was a math genius. In fact, she
enjoyed reading and dreamed of becoming a writer before discovering her passion for problem-
solving. That message alone can encourage students who sometimes believe math ability is
something people are simply born with.
In my classroom, I’ve found that students connect deeply with stories of perseverance and
creativity. Highlighting mathematicians like Mirzakhani helps students see math as more than
numbers and formulas. It becomes a field built on curiosity, imagination, and resilience. One
simple activity that works well is having students research diverse mathematicians and create
short “Math Hero” presentations or posters to share with classmates.
Representation matters. When students see women and people from different cultures
succeeding in STEM fields, it expands their view of what is possible for themselves. Celebrating
Women in Math Day during May is a meaningful way to inspire future scientists, engineers, and
mathematicians while reminding students that great ideas can come from anyone.