Deena Saadi: Inspiring young scientists

On Wednesday afternoons at King Open School in Cambridge, Deena Saadi unpacks a set of science kits, lays out name tags, and chats with her fellow mentors about the day's lesson. Soon, the room will fill with eager kindergarteners and first graders—bubbling with energy, full of questions, and ready to explore.

For Deena, Science Club for Girls (SCFG) is the highlight of her week.

A social science major in college, Deena once imagined herself teaching. But after choosing a different path to pursue a research career, she realized something was missing: the joy of sharing science with others. Enter SCFG! “Right away, I could tell this was a very well-run nonprofit,” Deena says. “Everything is thought out—there’s a clear mission, a plan, and a team structure. It was easy to just show up and make a difference.”

Deena recently wrapped up her second semester with SCFG. “You don’t have to be an expert,” she explains. “Sometimes I’m less familiar with the theme, like engineering—but that just creates an opportunity to learn with the girls.”

In one session, she noticed a few girls scribbling in their lab journals. One student had written in bold, careful letters, “I think science is fun and cool!” Deena laughs gently. “These girls don’t have any hesitation about science yet. No one’s told them it’s not for them. That openness is beautiful.”

Every week brings a new experiment or creative challenge—whether launching paper airplanes or designing a house to withstand a weather event using popsicle sticks and glue. One girl built a two-story cat-themed house, completely stable, entirely her own vision. While certainly a bit of a departure from the lesson, Deena thought, that’s the point: science is creative. “It’s about possibilities. Watching them realize that—that’s the real reward.”

Although Deena has a background in working with kids and being comfortable in a classroom, she’s quick to acknowledge that not everyone does—and that’s okay. “SCFG sets you up for success. What matters most isn’t what you know—it’s showing up with love, empathy, and curiosity. Being around girls who are just endlessly curious—it reminds me why I loved science in the first place.”

For Deena, volunteering isn’t just giving back—it’s growing forward. And as she looks around the room each week—at the rug full of “young scientists,” journals in hand, building their own understanding of the world—she sees something extraordinary taking root.

Thanks to Deena, SCFG, and CV volunteer writer Ravenna Neville for this profile. Click here to learn more about Science Club for Girls and how to get involved.

You can help Cambridge Volunteers connect more volunteers like Deena with the local nonprofits who need them! Make a contribution today at www.cambridgevolunteers.org/donate.