Purdue University and Hello Sunshine Launch 'Sunnie' to Empower the Next Generation of Bold Young Women
What happens when a top-tier STEM university partners with a media brand founded by one of Hollywood’s most influential storytellers? You get Sunnie—a groundbreaking new platform designed to inspire and empower Gen Z girls and young women to imagine bold futures, including careers in science and tech.
Launched by Hello Sunshine, the media company founded by Reese Witherspoon, and in collaboration with Purdue University, Sunnie is more than just a content platform. It’s a movement—built by and for Gen Z girls—to help them see what’s possible through storytelling, education, and real-world experiences.
A Platform Built for Purpose
Sunnie is all about amplifying female voices, fostering community, and encouraging young women to dream big. From digital storytelling and editorial content to in-person events and continuing education, Sunnie blends heart, intellect, and creativity to meet young women where they are—and take them where they want to go.
At the center of it all? The belief that when girls are seen, heard, and supported—they lead.
Why Purdue?
As the official university partner of Sunnie, Purdue University brings its unmatched leadership in STEM education to the table. With the largest undergraduate STEM enrollment of any top 50 university, Purdue isn’t just preparing students for the future—it’s helping shape it.
Through this partnership, Purdue will co-create:
STEM-focused curricula and digital content
Interactive “IRL” events for hands-on learning
Certification opportunities for caregivers and mentors
A “playbook” for building a STEM career that’s aligned with Gen Z’s values and passions
A Big Debut on the Global Stage
The Sunnie + Purdue partnership was unveiled at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity—one of the world’s biggest stages for innovation and storytelling. It’s the perfect place to introduce a project that blends both.
“Gen Z isn’t waiting for permission — they’re boldly shaping culture, community and conversation in ways that are deeply intentional and inspiring,” said Maureen Polo, head of Direct-to-Consumer at Hello Sunshine. “That’s why we’re so excited to partner with Purdue University as the official university partner of Sunnie. Their team has been instrumental in helping launch this exciting venture for Hello Sunshine. Purdue’s commitment to research, innovation and student empowerment aligns perfectly with our mission to create spaces where young women feel truly seen, heard and supported.”
More Than Content—It’s a Cultural Shift
Through Sunnie, young women will gain access to:
Relatable stories from inspiring women
Resources that connect STEM to creativity
In-person events and hands-on learning opportunities
Tools to help them grow as thinkers, makers, and leaders
The platform will also extend to parents, caregivers, and educators, offering continuing education and resources to better support the Gen Z girls in their lives.
Lifting the Next Generation
Leaders from Purdue’s Colleges of Science, Engineering, Business, and the Purdue Polytechnic Institute are all part of this initiative. For them, it’s not just about enrollment stats—it’s about building a future where innovation starts earlier and feels more inclusive.
Why It Matters
This partnership is about more than getting girls into science classrooms. It’s about giving them permission—and a platform—to lead. It’s about showing them how technology, creativity, and community are not separate ideas—but powerful tools that, together, can change the world.
As Lucy Flesch, Frederick L. Hovde Dean of the College of Science put it:
“As a scientist and an educator, I’ve seen how early exposure to STEM can spark ambition and agency — especially for girls who may not yet see themselves in these fields. It’s important to show them how it can connect to their passions — we unlock potential that might’ve otherwise gone unseen.”
And with Sunnie lighting the way, they will.
