10 Incredible Women Leading the Charge in Expanding Access to 3D Printing

Technology has the power to educate, empower, and transform communities, but only if people have access to it. That’s why, in early February, we partnered with Women in 3D Printing (Wi3DP), a non-profit dedicated to promoting inclusivity in additive manufacturing.

"Our goal is simple: to support women-led initiatives that are using 3D printing to create real impact in their communities." – Nadia Yaakoubi, Head of PR at Bambu Lab and Wi3DP Ambassador

Bambu Lab is donating 10 A1 Mini Combo 3D printers, while Wi3DP will provide mentorship, guidance, and access to a growing international community.

“This partnership with Bambu Lab is an exciting step toward making 3D printing more accessible to underrepresented groups, empowering women to bring innovation into their communities.” – Nora Touré, Founder of Wi3DP

Following a global call for submissions, over 130 inspiring women from around the world shared their projects with us!

Bambu Lab and Wi3DP would both like to sincerely thank ALL applicants. We saw potential and passion in each of them, making it very tough to make a selection.

After much deliberation, we’re thrilled to introduce our 10 winners!

Meet the Winners

Iris Vavilov – STEM Access for Refugee & Roma Youth 🇷🇴

Iris Alexandra Vavilov is making STEM education more accessible to young minorities, an opportunity that once changed her own life. Through Alacrity Education's workshops at the Polytechnic University of Bucharest and local high schools, she’s introducing Roma youth, refugees, and marginalized students to 3D modeling, design, and prototyping.

“My parent didn't have an undergraduate degree and ‘according to statistics’ there was a high chance for me to not continue my studies either. That’s why I genuinely love providing these opportunities to other women and people from underprivileged backgrounds.” – Iris Alexandra Vavilov

Ludovica Lanzillotti – Taking 3D Printing Around the World 🇮🇹

As an ICT Coordinator at the United Nations Global Service Centre, Ludovica Lanzillotti is bringing 3D printing to schools, hospitals, and underserved communities through workshops and hands-on demonstrations. By traveling to areas with limited access to digital fabrication, she aims to empower people to create medical aids, educational tools, and everyday solutions for their communities.

“PrintHer Future will introduce 3D printing by bringing it directly to places where it has never been seen before. I will show real examples of how 3D printing can provide practical solutions.” – Ludovica Lanzillotti

Helena Arias Casals – 3D Printing & Space Exploration for Girls 🇪🇸

Helena Arias Casals and the Hypatia Mars team are integrating 3D printing into space education through analog Mars missions and hands-on STEM programs. Their Space Makers initiative engages students in designing and prototyping mission tools, with top designs tested in a simulated Mars environment.

“Our approach combines space exploration, education, and digital fabrication, creating a unique and interdisciplinary learning experience.” – Helena Arias Casals

Brandi Gaye – Teaching STEM Skills Through PC Building & 3D Printing 🇺🇸

At The Lovely Corner, Brandi Gaye leads hands-on workshops that teach participants how to build PCs, customize setups with 3D printed parts, and develop STEM skills. These sessions are tailored for neurodivergent individuals, first-generation students, and underrepresented groups in tech.

“As a member of 1000 Dreams Fund, Twitch’s Women’s Guild, and Twitch’s Black Guild, I am deeply involved in advocacy for diversity in tech and gaming. I have seen the lack of representation of Black women and other marginalized groups in STEM firsthand and am committed to breaking down those barriers.” – Brandi Gaye

Linda McLean – 3D Printing Surgical Models for Women’s Health 🇨🇦

Linda McLean’s Motor Function Measurement Lab advances medical education and women’s healthcare by training students in biomedical engineering and 3D printing. Their goal is to create highly detailed 3D printed molds for silicone models used in pediatric gynecology training, where hands-on learning tools are scarce.

“Our project provides opportunities for women and other under-represented groups to gain skills in a supportive environment, where they receive direct mentoring from an accomplished biomedical engineer.” – Linda McLean

Farnaz Baksh – Bringing STEM Futures to Disadvantaged Schools 🇪🇪

Growing up in Guyana, Farnaz Baksh saw how difficult it was for students in rural communities to access advanced STEM education. Now, as a researcher and robotics educator, Farnaz is bringing hands-on learning opportunities to disadvantaged schools. Farnaz’s workshops focus on problem-solving and creative engineering.

“The experience of having grown up in Guyana– a country with limited educational resources– and now living in tech-savvy Estonia, seeing the huge disparities, fuels my urge to make quality education equal for all.” – Farnaz Baksh

Sarah Boisvert – 3D Printing Training for Native American Communities 🇺🇸

With their A1 Mini, Sarah Boisvert’s team at New Collar Network will bring 3D printing education to Native American communities across New Mexico. Their pre-apprenticeship program focuses on training teachers, librarians, and local leaders in 3D design and printing, enabling them to pass these skills on to students.

“Native American women artisans are more readily adopting additive manufacturing since it saves them time producing products while balancing their roles as primary caregivers.” – Sarah Boisvert

Darynka Hiriart – 3D Printed Toys for Hospitalized Children 🇪🇸

Darynka Hiriart Vega founded Finny Friends to create fidget toys for children undergoing cancer treatments. Designed specifically for hospital settings, these toys help ease anxiety while supporting sensory and motor development. With their new A1 Mini Combo, Finny Friends will train mothers of children with serious illnesses, allowing them to help produce toys, expand donations, and create a potential source of income.

“Our goal is to expand this impact by establishing agreements with more organizations that support children with severe illnesses and prolonged hospital stays, bringing comfort and play to those who need it most.” – Darynka Hiriart Vega

Kara Idda – 3D Printed Jewelry Funding Menstrual Health & LGBTQ+ Inclusion 🇬🇧

Led by Kara Mara Grace Idda, the Heritage & Pride project blends cultural preservation, sustainability, and empowerment through art. They’ll work with women and artisans at the London LGBTQ+ Centre to create upcycled jewelry, funding 3D printed menstrual health kits for schools and NGOs. Workshops will also teach 3D printing to LGBTQ+ youth, fostering technical and creative skills.

“I prioritize listening to and collaborating with communities to ensure solutions meet their needs authentically. This approach will ensure Heritage & Pride resonates deeply with its beneficiaries.” – Kara Mara Grace Idda

Victoria Mercouris – Inspiring Girls to Pursue Engineering 🇺🇸

At Victoria Mercouris’ school, the robotics team needs to reinforce a growing robotics program while fostering STEM engagement. The A1 Mini will enable the team to prototype robot parts, experiment with mechanical designs and inspire more students to get involved. 

“I’ve been through a program like the one I’m developing, and it has motivated me to inspire as many girls as I can to join and have the opportunity to experience the success and growth I was lucky enough to get.” – Victoria Mercouris

What’s Next?

These projects all have tremendous potential, and with their A1 Mini printers and support from the Wi3DP network, they'll be able to expand their work, reach more people, and amplify their voices.

We can't wait to see the impact these 10 extraordinary winners will have on their communities. Women in 3D Printing will follow their journeys throughout the year.

Learn more and join the community at https://womenin3dprinting.com/!