The ATOM Pink Tank at FIU Business continues to help women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) make waves thanks to the six-month leadership program, now in its fifth year. Final presentations for the cohort were held April 11, 2025, showcasing the participants newly enhanced personal skills and technical training needed to succeed in competitive STEM industries.
Participants wowed the judges with their data-driven and tech-savvy solutions to ending gender bias in performance evaluations, but it was Team D and their project Reflecta, who took the first-place prize of $4,000.
“Reflecta is a smart, AI power tool that allows organizations to create better and fairer feedback,” said team member Natalia Martinez, a senior information systems and business analytics major. “It leverages machine learning, natural language processing and data visualization to help organizations create strategies and improve their performance assessment processes.”
BankUnited was so impressed, the company jumped at the opportunity to fund the venture and help the students continue to develop Reflecta.
“We each enjoyed what we did, we each took what we know we're good at and specialized in," said Raisa Ali, a senior studying information systems and business analytics. "So for me, hearing from BankUnited that there's some substance in Reflecta- It's validating, but it also shows the whole point of this program, when we come together as females, what we can actually do."
Like most teams and cohort members, the women in Team D, who called themselves the “Fire Lillies,” developed a deep bond.
“We didn't know each other going into this, and I think what really helped us was just being respectful and trying to compromise,” said Mia Urra, a sophomore studying information systems and business analytics.
The students worked together with mentor Brian Sooy, a technology business relationship manager with BankUnited, who offered professional guidance and support as their studies come to a close.
“He was always very open to giving me guidance, and as a soon to be graduate, that's very important - you can really feel lost looking for a job,” said Michelle Kim Heinze, a senior studying information systems and business analytics. “That mentorship, I would say, was key for this process, and BankUnited really provided all the possible resources for us to succeed.”
Sooy sees the mentorship program as an opportunity to make a long-lasting impact in someone’s life.
“That I've helped contribute to somebody's life in a way that will help them for the future,” said Sooy. “People use the word sustainable. This is sustainable, and that's what I like about it.