Impact Stories from Empowering Women and Girls Policy Area
Fellow(s): Gisele Beatrice Sonfack
Country: Cameroon
Cohort: 2016
Policy Area(s): Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Empowering Women and Girls, Professional Growth, Youth Engagement
2016 fellow Gisele Beatrice Sonfack was recently named a recipient of the 2021 Schlumberger Faculty for the Future Fellowship, a program that supports women from developing countries to pursue advanced graduate degrees in STEM fields at leading universities abroad. Gisele is a researcher, assistant professor and founder of WENTECH, an initiative that empowers young girls ages 13 to 18 with STEM skills through workshops, conferences and events.
Gisele has begun two years of postdoctoral research at France’s Université d’Orléans, studying at its engineering facility, Polytech Orléans. There, she will work on developing an intelligent electricity grid that can identify the consumer use on an electrical network in order to provide optimal management to both energy suppliers and consumers. Gisele reflected on her accomplishment in a recent post, saying, “This is an opportunity to tell all those who follow me that anything is possible for those who have the will and the commitment. Believe in ourselves.”
Report Date...: 4/26/21
Mentor(s): Daniela Ushizima
Company: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Mentor Type: Professional
Policy Area(s): Economic Impact, Empowering Women and Girls, Professional Growth
TechWomen Professional Mentor Daniela Ushizima was recently one of 25 female scientists recognized by 3M, honored as a top 25 Women in Science in Latin America. Dani is a staff scientist at TechWomen host company Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, working in their Computational Research Division.
The first edition of the 3M initiative recognizes science leaders who are making a significant global impact through their innovative work. Dani, who represents Brazil, was selected out of 1,000 applicants for her work creating and developing efficient methods for cell analysis in detecting cervical cancer. Dani has worked alongside an interdisciplinary group of colleagues to create new tools for analyzing cervical cells using computer vision methods.
The 25 winners and their projects will be amplified on 3M’s platforms, and will gain access to coaching sessions, guest blog posts and other activities.
Report Date...: 4/26/21
2020-2021 fellow shares her mentorship experience in blog post
Fellow(s): Anna Gowera
Country: Zimbabwe
Cohort: 2020-2021
Policy Area(s): Empowering Women and Girls, Professional Growth
This week, 2020-2021 fellow Anna Gowera authored a guest post on the TechWomen blog, sharing her mentorship experience and the lessons she will be taking with her on her professional journey.
Anna, an environmental, health and safety practitioner, was paired with Professional Mentor Laura Cutrona of Tesla.
In her post, Anna spoke about the ambitious goals she set with Laura in project management, networking, people management, curriculum development and self-discovery, and how, together, they covered all five themes. “By being connected to amazing people in Laura’s fold, I effectively experienced a mind shift from the notion that knowledge must be kept as cards close to one’s chest, to the impact and value of networking. I will be, and indeed have started, actively seeking ways to make connections for people, for their own progress’ sake,” wrote Anna. Anna concluded, “I heard somewhere that, ‘A mentor teaches how to think, not what to think.’ My mentorship experience with Laura is one I’ll cherish, and frequently refer to when I become a mentor too.”
Report Date...: 4/19/21
TechWomen concludes and Emerging Leaders become fellows
Fellow(s): 2020-2021 TechWomen Fellows
Country: Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, United States, Uzbekistan, Zimbabwe
Cohort: 2020-2021
Policy Area(s): Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Empowering Women and Girls, Professional Growth
This week, 106 Emerging Leaders offically became fellows, closing out the 2020-2021 TechWomen program in an event that convened State Department representatives, mentors, fellows and Emerging leaders to celebrate the conclusion of TechWomen’s first-ever virtual program.
In addition to sharing their own experiences, Emerging Leaders had the opportunity to hear encouragement and inspiration from Acting Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Matthew Lussenhop, as well as Professional Mentors, Facilitators, Impact Coaches, Peer Advisors and fellows who shared their advice, wisdom and congratulations on such an enormous achievement. TechWomen director Katie Zee addressed the new fellows, saying “You all came together with dreams at the beginning of this journey. I hope your dreams are now bigger. I hope your resolve is stronger. And I hope you are better equipped than ever to reach new heights in your journeys. You are supported by all of us — this powerful and uplifting TechWomen community — to take that next step.”
Report Date...: 4/12/21
Fellow and mentor collaborate to support Lebanon’s students
Fellow(s): Sabine Kai and Rebecca Biswas (mentor)
Country: Lebanon, United States
Cohort: 2014
Policy Area(s): Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Empowering Women and Girls, Professional Growth
Since TechWomen 2014, fellow Sabine Kai and her Professional Mentor Rebecca Biswas have kept in close touch, regularly talking on the phone, sharing updates and finding new opportunities for collaboration. In 2019, with the sponsorship of her company Juniper Networks, Rebecca facilitated the donation of 18 laptops to a local NGO that Sabine was supporting through Kids Genius, her organization that spreads maker culture to young students.
After the 2020 Beirut explosion, many of the schools, NGO’s and students in Sabine’s Kids Genius network were left without computers, internet connections and spaces to continue their learning. Shortly after the blast, Sabine decided to offer one of her locations, The Makers Hub, to public school teachers whose schools were damaged by the blast, supplying free space and free internet to those who had lost theirs at home. Sabine then contacted Rebecca and Juniper Networks, who signed on to donate 35 laptops to public school students who could not afford one. Sabine also lent some of the laptops to graduates of her Young Makers at American Corners program, helping them continue their STEM education. One laptop was loaned to a young girl who, after joining Sabine’s classes, developed a passion for computer science. “I offered her a laptop from Juniper for two years, on the condition that she does freelance jobs in coding and part-time work to save for a laptop for herself,” said Sabine.
Report Date...: 4/12/21
TechWomen announces virtual delegations
Fellow(s): TechWomen announces virtual delegations
Country: Cameroon, Palestinian Territories
Policy Area(s): Economic Impact, Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Empowering Women and Girls, Entrepreneurship, Professional Growth, Youth Engagement
Each year the TechWomen program has the opportunity to continue knowledge-sharing and deepen exchange through delegation trips, traveling to two TechWomen program countries to strengthen an international network of women in STEM fields, inspire women and girls and create exchange between the United States and TechWomen program countries.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the TechWomen community has shown that connection, professional development and mentorship can thrive in a virtual setting. IIE is excited to facilitate additional learning and exchange through its first-ever virtual delegations to the Palestinian Territories and Cameroon, two regions IIE has not had the opportunity to visit. In May, a small group of TechWomen mentors will participate in high-impact fellow-led events in the Palestinian Territories including a STEM learning event and a workshop with women entrepreneurs. In June, mentors will join Cameroonian fellows in their interactive and engaging events centered on robotics with young students and small group career-sharing sessions with university students.
Report Date...: 4/5/21
In keynote fellow speaks about advancing women in tech
Fellow(s): Houda Chihi
Country: Tunisia
Cohort: 2019
Policy Area(s): Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Empowering Women and Girls, Professional Growth
This week, 2019 fellow Houda Chihi was invited as a keynote speaker for an event on women in technology, presenting on gender equality, her career in engineering and the importance of mentorship. The virtual event was hosted by BINUS University in Indonesia in partnership with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the world’s largest technical professional organization.
Houda is a chief engineer at Tunisie Telecom, Tunisia’s leading telecom operator. In her talk to PhD students at the university, Houda spoke about the challenges she has faced in a male-dominated industry as well as her mission to inspire women to believe in their potential, seek out mentorship and contribute to closing the gender gap in technology fields. Houda encouraged the students to challenge themselves when seeking a mentor who can help advance their careers: “Pick a mentor who will drive you to be successful,” she said. Houda also presented on professional development opportunities for women in STEM, including the TechWomen program. She shared about her professional mentorship at Qualcomm, speaking about its importance in setting her up for future career success. “You can overcome your obstacles through education, participation in training and networking,” Houda reminded the group. “When you take risks, amazing things happen.”
Report Date...: 4/5/21
Fellows and mentors collaborate for TIKE webinar
Fellow(s): Imene Henni Mansour, Celia Ouabas, Katy Dickinson (mentor) and Jessica Dickinson Goodman (mentor)
Country: Algeria, United States
Cohort: 2019
Policy Area(s): Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Empowering Women and Girls, Entrepreneurship, Professional Growth, Youth Engagement
During TechWomen 2019, team Algeria created TIKE (Teacher’s Initiative for Kids Education), their action plan that addressed the country’s high student dropout rate through supporting educators and students. TIKE did not win a seed grant, but fellows Imene Henni Mansour and Celia Ouabas were undeterred, continuing to develop the project with support from their Impact Coach Katy Dickinson. TIKE launched in 2020, hosting workshops for schoolteachers themed on supporting Algeria’s students.
TIKE has continued its work in 2021, holding events for parents that explore ways to support children. Their latest webinar, “Academic success from the parent and child perspectives,” invited Katy and her daughter, TechWomen Impact Coach Jessica Dickinson Goodman, to share their perspectives on success and how parents can support their children in academics and beyond. During the talk, Katy explained that parents must actively work to not impose their own fears on their children’s potential, instead instilling in them a sense of ability and independence. Jessica agreed, saying “Academic success, namable achievements and titles are useful only in places where they can help you reach your goals. They don’t have intrinsic value to me — they have utilitarian value.” Imene and Celia will continue to host conversations that help Algerian parents, students and teachers: “We very much hope that the whole interview will help our audience of parents and teachers be more understanding towards children, and give the right support they need to help leverage their potential in the best environment possible,” they said.
Report Date...: 3/29/21
Mentor(s): Cecile Thirion
Company: Thirion Advisors
Mentor Type: Impact, Professional
Policy Area(s): Economic Impact, Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Empowering Women and Girls
In a recent blog post from Qwasar Silicon Valley, a platform that provides training for 21st century skills, mentor Cecile Thirion was interviewed about her passion for mentorship and commitment to community-building. Cecile is the founder and principal of Thirion Advisors and an advisor at Qwasar.
In the interview, Cecile spoke about serving as a TechWomen mentor since 2012 and the lessons mentorship has taught her along the way: “By giving back, I have learned so much. I’ve kept gaining knowledge and growing my skills not only by learning from these talented entrepreneurs but also from the mentor community. Mentoring led me to uncharted territories and opportunities I wouldn’t have thought possible,” she said. Cecile also spoke about joining Qwasar because of their commitment to creating social impact, and how she hopes to continue the mentorship model as an advisor. “Giving back through mentoring has become second nature,” she said.
Report Date...: 3/29/21
Fellow shares entrepreneurial journey in State Department talk
Fellow(s): Lindiwe Matlali
Country: South Africa
Cohort: 2017
Policy Area(s): Economic Impact, Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Empowering Women and Girls, Entrepreneurship, Professional Growth, Youth Engagement
This week, 2017 fellow of Lindiwe Matlali was interviewed by Molly Kress of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, speaking about her work, her TechWomen experience and her advice for entrepreneurs. The Instagram Live conversation was part of ECA’s Inside Exchanges – Women’s History Month series that features exchange alumna who are making a global impact.
Lindiwe is the founder and CEO of Africa Teen Geeks, Africa’s largest computer science academy dedicated to teaching underserved communities within South Africa and beyond. During South Africa’s COVID-19 lockdown, Lindiwe and her team launched STEM Lockdown Digital School, hiring 150 teachers to work on the free virtual learning program that ultimately reached over 500,000 children. Africa Teen Geeks is currently planning its expansion to Argentina as well as developing their partnership with South Africa’s Department of Basic Education that will implement ATG’s curriculum in schools: “Every child irrespective of their background will be able to access the curriculum,” she said.
Lindiwe also spoke about her TechWomen experience and how she used her mentorship experience to network, facilitate future projects and expand her impact. “I believe in having strong relationships with other women, especially those that have paved the way,” Lindiwe said. She concluded by sharing a Zulu saying: “You can only get directions from those who have already walked the path.”
Report Date...: 3/22/21
