In honor of Women’s History Month, we are turning our spotlight toward the power of representation and the ripple effect of women role models. At the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP), we know that when girls see themselves in stories of discovery and leadership, they are empowered to imagine themselves as the innovators and leaders of tomorrow. This month, we are thrilled to feature the work of sixteen-year-old Lucija Ðokić, a student from Montenegro currently studying in Spain, whose commitment to youth leadership and innovation perfectly embodies the spirit of this celebration. 

Lucija is the creative force behind Mimi’s Adventures, a project born from her passion for art, literacy, and youth development. Through her first book, Mimi’s First Rocket Ship, Lucija is bridging the gap between imagination and education, proving that you are never too young to inspire the next generation to dream big! One of the most inspiring parts of Lucija’s work is her commitment to accessibility. Mimi’s Adventures is designed to be a completely free resource for educators and families to help spark an early love for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).  

I had the pleasure of interviewing Lucija and learning more about her journey as a young creator, the factors that shaped her global approach to storytelling, why her mom is her biggest role model, and her empowering advice for other young people looking to take their school projects to the next level. Read on to explore our full conversation below! 

Amanda: To start us off, why is it important for you to inspire and support young girls?  

Lucija: Inspiring young girls is important to me because they are the next generation who will shape our world. Encouraging them from an early age helps them build confidence, understand their potential, and learn to overcome challenges as women. Starting young also allows them to question stereotypes before those ideas begin to limit them. When girls believe in their abilities, they are more likely to pursue their goals and make impossible things possible! 

Amanda: That’s so true—confidence-building is such a vital foundation. You’ve had a very big year personally, moving from Montenegro to Spain! How has living in different cultures influenced the way you think about storytelling and education? 

Lucija: Moving from Montenegro to Spain has given me a broader, more global perspective on many aspects of life. Experiencing a new culture firsthand has shown me how important it is to understand different traditions, values, and ways of communicating in order to truly connect with others. I realized that, while cultures may differ in language and traditions, the general human experiences (like family, friendship and struggles), are still similar. I believe that storytelling and education should focus on such universal themes, while also learning to accept the cultural differences. Living in two cultures has taught me to be more open-minded, adaptable, and empathetic, and to finally view storytelling as a connecting thread that can connect people from a variety of backgrounds. 

Amanda: Using storytelling as a "connecting thread" is a beautiful way to put it. That connection to your own history shows up in your book, too. Can you tell me why you chose a rocket ship for Mimi’s very first adventure? 

Lucija: I chose a rocket ship for Mimi’s first adventure because it represents where my own journey into STEM began. In 7th grade, I became especially interested in STEM fields as a young girl, especially after learning how women have often been overlooked in these areas. At the time, I was fascinated by aerospace engineering and how rapid technological advances make it possible for humans to explore the universe. Hearing personal stories from my Science and Math teacher, Ryan Kummins, who has experience in these fields, made it all feel real and even more exciting. When I created this book, I wanted the rocket ship to be a symbolic object - a way to represent curiosity and my own introduction to the world of STEM five years ago. 

Amanda: It’s wonderful how a great teacher can spark a lifelong passion. When it came time to actually create the book, how did you approach the illustrations and storytelling to make sure they really resonated with young children? 

Lucija: Before illustrating my book, I did research to make sure it would truly connect with children. I spoke with teachers, artists, and children to understand what works best. Artists guided me on colors, tones, and visual styles that appeal to young readers, while children helped me see the world from a more positive and imaginative perspective, where everything feels brighter and more exciting. Through my volunteering at a kids’ club, I also learned how important tone and energy are when speaking to children - the way you speak and interact with them can make a big difference in keeping their attention. Teachers reinforced this idea and encouraged me to keep the language warm, simple, and engaging. 

Amanda: That research clearly paid off. Did you have a specific moment during the process where you realized, "Okay, this is actually working"? 

Lucija: While creating the book, I often felt unsure whether I was making something truly worth sharing with young readers. After it was printed, I visited a couple of classes at my previous school and read it aloud to the children. As I read, I could see their reactions - happiness, excitement, and curiosity - which reassured me that they enjoyed Mimi’s story. That moment made me realize that I had created something meaningful, something children could actually enjoy. Their engagement made the experience special, because a book is nothing without its readers. Seeing their enthusiasm and engagement showed me that the story had value beyond its pages. Another cute situation is that a lot of children began calling me Mimi instead of Lucija, showing the impact my book had on them. 

Amanda: You’ve officially become the character! Since you’ve successfully taken this project "to the next level," what would you say to other 16-year-olds who might be afraid to start their own big idea? 

Lucija: Don’t be afraid to start. If you want to make a real change, you have to step outside your comfort zone, otherwise nothing will change. A school project is actually the perfect place to begin because you have guidance from experienced mentors. Be prepared to invest time and effort, and remember that success doesn’t happen overnight. Having a clear plan and doing thorough research will help you understand your goals and stay focused. I also recommend speaking to people who work in the field of your project, since their real experiences and advice can be really valuable. 

Amanda: That’s really inspiring advice! We know even the most ambitious creators need a support system. In the spirit of Women's History Month, do you have any women role models or mentors that inspire you? 

Lucija: My mama is my role model in many different ways. I know many people say their role model is their mom, but when I say it, I truly mean it with my whole heart. She is not only my mama, but also my best friend and the person I talk to about everything. She is always there to guide me, support me, and believe in me no matter what. She listens without judgment and encourages my ideas, even if they seem unrealistic or silly to others. Her unconditional love motivates me every single day, and she constantly puts my sister and me before herself. Without her support, I would not be the person writing and publishing Mimi’s Adventures, because she is the one who pushes me to be the best version of myself. She makes me feel valued, capable, and deeply loved—that is why I will always choose her. Cheers to all the moms out there!