Girls STEAM Institute is proud to announce that our co-founder, Diane McClelland, has been chosen to be featured in one of the oldest publications in the United States, Marquis Who’s Who in America. The publication shares stories about our society’s leaders over the past 126 years, highlighting those who’ve contributed to the success of others and helped change our country.
At 82 years old, Diane McCelland continues to be a driving force to advance STEAM technology and education through innovative educational and entrepreneurial programs. She is a leader in promoting women’s rights and leadership opportunities, starting back when she in high school and she and her twin sister fought to create the first high school interscholastic sports in her area, 15 years before Title IX passed, allowing women to participate in team sport competitions.
Diane McClelland, a seasoned entrepreneur and nonprofit leader with over four decades of experience, dedicates her expertise to mentoring women business owners and young female STEAM entrepreneurs. She employs global collaborative innovation and immersive technologies in her approach. As the author of “Walk Your Talk,” McClelland has co-founded three nonprofits that empower women business owners by facilitating access to capital and global markets, while also guiding young girls in establishing STEAM businesses using cutting-edge technology.
Throughout her career, McClelland has been a driving force in changing perceptions of women in business. She advocates for women-owned enterprises and encourages young women to recognize the value of their innovative contributions to society. Her extensive experience includes serving on multiple nonprofit boards and receiving a presidential appointment during the Clinton administration as Vice Chair of the SBA National Advisory Council. Additionally, she has been a member of the Oregon Governor’s Small Business Council.
Below is the Press Release from Marquis about her honor:
Press Release
Marquis Who’s Who Honors Diane L. McClelland for Expertise in the Nonprofit Sector
Diane L. McClelland is a dedicated leader who founded three nonprofits in 40 years serving women and girl entrepreneurs
SUNRIVER, OR, December 31, 2024, Diane L. McClelland has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who in America. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Ms. McClelland is a distinguished leader in the nonprofit sector. Since 1985, she has co-founded three nonprofits serving women owned businesses and girls STEAM entrepreneurship. In 2014, Ms. McClelland co-founded the Girls STEAM Institute and became its first chief executive officer of this international nonprofit. Her career is dedicated to empowering and supporting girls ages 13-18 through virtual reality entrepreneurial STEAM programs designed to inspire global collaborative innovation, using immersive technologies. These programs focus on leadership and personal development including forming STEAM businesses who compete globally as a team to solve challenges in climate change and mental health as part of the UN SDG programs.
Throughout her career, Ms. McClelland has founded and led several influential organizations. She was the founder, president and chief executive officer of Astra Society International dba Astra Women’s Business Alliance in Portland from 1999 to 2017. Additionally, she was appointed by President Clinton to the SBA National Advisory Council, and became the Vice Chair between 1990 and 1994. She was also the co-founder, president and chief executive officer of the Foundation for Women Business Owners from 1985 to 1987.
In preparation for her future, Ms. McClelland completed coursework in international business, trade and commerce at Portland State University in the school of business in 1984. She also received a Dartmouth Executive Education leadership certificate. Ms. McClelland’s academic achievements and dedication to her field have significantly contributed to her professional success, leaving an impressive mark on the industry.
Ms. McClelland’s outstanding leadership allowed her to found and lead three nonprofit organizations dedicated to empowering and supporting women and girls. Her dedication to these causes has made a significant impact on countless lives. She attributes much of her success to curiosity, empathy and a positive mindset, which has been instrumental in her leadership roles.
Looking ahead, Ms. McClelland is creating a worldwide movement focused on increasing the number of prime women contractors in the global supply chains who use GEN Z & Millennial women and men as 1st & 2nd tier STEAM contractors using immersive technologies. This movement will involve partnering with Corporate America and women-owned businesses to expand opportunities for girls in the supply chain. This movement is expected to generate a significant transfer of wealth and create new financial strength for women and their families.
About Marquis Who’s Who®
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Marquis celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2023, and Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. Marquis® publications may be visited at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website at www.marquiswhoswho.com.
