Our
Story
Beginning as a simple school club at Rancho Campana High School, Claire Kim and Kai Abutin founded WEMech to engage the community about their passion for mechatronics engineering. Through school events such as an annual RCHS Build-A-Bot night and dozens of local events, WEMech has since gained enough momentum to expand into a nonprofit 501(c)(3). The WEMech Organization hopes to spark interest of engineering for young children in Ventura County and beyond.
​
Thank you so much for your support!
- Claire & Kai
About
Kai Abutin, CEO
Kai Abutin is a current senior at Rancho Campana High School. Her first endeavor with WEMech was discussing the field of mechatronics to kids across California in collaboration with UCSB Society of Women Engineers. Since then, she has developed a passion for early engineering education. In 2024, Kai directed the 1st-annual RCHS Summer STEAM Camp for children grades 4-8 to explore engineering and other STEAM concepts. She has also co-directed the 2024 RCHS Engineering Academy Bridge Program and works as a Design Lab teacher at the Camarillo Boys and Girls Club to help children ages 9-13 explore industrial lasers and 3D printers. Kai also assisted the RCHS RCSpace Club as the outreach coordinator for the NASA App Development Challenge---presenting the applications of quantum diamonds to middle schoolers. At university, Kai plans on majoring in Business Administration to expand WEMech into a nationwide organization and improve the accessibility of engineering education for all.
​
About
Claire Kim, CFO + Secretary
Claire Kim, a senior at Rancho Campana High School, was driven to create opportunities in mechatronics after encountering exclusion in robotics. Wanting to offer her peers the Mechatronics opportunities she didn't have, WEMech was founded to foster inclusivity and hands-on learning. Since then, Paper Circuits, Build-A-Bots, and teaching filled her life. In 2023, Claire led an Arduino Workshop for high school students to be introduced to electrical engineering and computer science concepts using Arduino kits. From leading RCMakes since 2023 to co-planning RCHS's 2024 Academy Bridge Program to working as a BGC Design Lab teacher, she gained a diverse skill set in leadership, teaching, engineering, and communication—skills she actively applies in WEMech to create meaningful learning experiences and opportunities for others in mechatronics. At university, Claire plans on majoring in Mechanical Engineering to deepen her expertise and expand WEMech’s impact, working to introduce engineering to more communities.
Mission Statement
At WEMech, our mission is to inspire the next generation of innovators by making mechatronics education accessible and engaging. Through dynamic events, hands-on workshops, and partnerships with schools, we enrich students' STEM experiences, fostering curiosity and a love for learning. We aim to create an inclusive community where every child can explore and excel in the world of mechatronics.
