Impact Stories from Professional Growth Policy Area
Fellow wins 2020 OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Award
Fellow(s): Chao Mbogo
Country: Kenya
Cohort: 2017
Policy Area(s): Economic Impact, Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Empowering Women and Girls, Entrepreneurship, Professional Growth, Youth Engagement
This week, 2017 fellow Chao Mbogo traveled to Seattle, Washington to receive the OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Award for Early-Career Women Scientists in the Developing World at the annual American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Meeting.
The award, given in partnership by the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) and the Elsevier Foundation, recognizes early-career researchers for their diverse accomplishments in engineering, innovation and technology. It also acknowledges the researchers’ commitment to leading and mentoring young scientists, and to improving lives and livelihoods in their communities. Chao, dean of the School of Science and Technology at Kenya Methodist University, was selected for her computer science research that supports students in resource-constrained environments to learn computer programming using mobile devices. Her work addresses barriers to learning, such as small screens and keypads, that make it difficult for students to use mobile phones for programming in areas where computers are not easily accessible.
“This award is a testament that designing technological tools that support learners is important and timely work, especially for students in developing countries who may not have much access to information or opportunities,” says Chao. “This award has acted as a strong reminder to me to never stop holding the ladder up for others.”
Report Date...: 2/17/20
Fellow named Youth Entrepreneur Influencer by Prime Minister
Fellow(s): Reema Diab
Country: Jordan
Cohort: 2019
Policy Area(s): Economic Impact, Entrepreneurship, Professional Growth, Youth Engagement
2019 fellow Reema Diab recently presented at the National Forum for Young Entrepreneurs and Innovators, where she spoke about how TechWomen enhanced her professional experience and expanded her connections. During the Forum, Reema was named a Youth Entrepreneur Influencer by the Jordanian Prime Minister, Omar Razzaz, and was given an award to commemorate her efforts.
Reema was also recently invited by the British Embassy in Amman to be a guest speaker at the Chevening Fellow Dinner for fellows and NYU-Abu Dhabi students returning to Jordan. During her talk, Reema highlighted her work as the CEO of Galaxy, an IT non-profit organization dedicated to driving economic growth by hosting programs for youth and women in artificial intelligence, coding and more. In attendance at the event was the Jordanian Minister of Youth, Dr. Fares Braizat, who then invited Reema to be a consultant and Galaxy to be a partner for the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship’s National Youth Strategy.
Report Date...: 2/17/20
Fellow gives seminar on Women and Girls in Science Day
Fellow(s): Farhat Yasmeen
Country: Pakistan
Cohort: 2019
Policy Area(s): Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Empowering Women and Girls, Professional Growth, Youth Engagement
Recently, 2019 fellow Farhat Yasmeen gave a seminar entitled “The Role of Women and Girls in Science and Technology,” speaking with students at the Government College University in Lahore on the UN’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The event celebrated women and girls who are leading in STEM, and included discussions that addressed gender inequality in STEM fields.
Farhat, a trained environmental scientist, is a professor of chemistry and an advisor to students on their research. In her seminar with the students, Farhat highlighted the historical gender gap within STEM through the stories of successful female scientists, and how the culture at that time affected each woman’s eventual recognition in the field. She also led interactive exercises she learned during the TechWomen program to help the students evaluate their current position on a “ladder of success” that they defined themselves.
Report Date...: 2/17/20
Fellow attends women in science assembly at UN Headquarters
Fellow(s): Ghada Ameen
Country: Egypt, United States
Cohort: 2018
Policy Area(s): Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Empowering Women and Girls, Environmental Sustainability, Professional Growth, Youth Engagement
This week, 2018 fellow Ghada Ameen traveled to the United Nations Headquarters in New York to attend the 5th International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly held by by The Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT).
The event was held on the UN’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day that recognizes women and girls in science and advocates for gender equality and opportunity within the field. The event convened government officials, representatives from international organizations and women in science to discuss gender inequality in science and create collaborative solutions and public policy recommendations. This year, the assembly had a particular focus on the role of women in science in creating green and inclusive economies. Ghada, a researcher and engineer in the field of sustainable development, participated to raise awareness about her work and support other women in joining STEM fields.
During the assembly, Ghada had the opportunity to share best practices from her field, working alongside other women researchers to create tangible solutions to promote STEM and advance women in science. When Ghada returns to Egypt, she plans to start a mentorship program in Cairo with a mission to encourage and empower girls to enter STEM.
Report Date...: 2/10/20
Fellow delivers speech at Microsoft Ignite in Dubai
Fellow(s): Hiba Shabrouq
Country: Jordan
Cohort: 2017
Policy Area(s): Economic Impact, Entrepreneurship, Professional Growth
After seeing a call for speakers on TechWomen’s Alumnae Facebook group, 2017 fellow Hiba Shabrouq applied and was selected as a featured speaker for Microsoft Ignite The Tour Dubai, held this week at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event series travels to cities around the world, gathering guest speakers, industry experts and technologists for two days of professional development and technical training.
Hiba, a product marketing expert at Orange, gave a talk on public speaking for people in technology fields. During her session, she spoke about the structure of a good speech and provided tips and tricks for before and after a public speaking engagement. She also shared her own public speaking experience during TechWomen, recalling the advice she received from Impact Coach Erin Keeley just before she presented her action plan on TechWomen’s Pitch Day. “She told me to do the power pose,” says Hiba. “I shared it with the audience, and they were fascinated with it!”
Report Date...: 2/10/20
Fellow interviewed about her career in technology
Fellow(s): Chepkemoi Magdaline
Country: Kenya
Cohort: 2019
Policy Area(s): Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Empowering Women and Girls, Environmental Sustainability, Professional Growth, Youth Engagement
This week, 2017 fellow Chepkemoi Magdaline was interviewed about her career in computer science by Girl Talks Tech, a website that brings diverse stories and inspiration from women in tech around the world. Chepkemoi is the founder and executive director of Eldohub, an education technology platform that brings digital skills and ICT training to young people, focusing on empowering them to solve community challenges using technology.
In her interview, Chepkemoi spoke about her journey from growing up in a rural village to becoming a computer scientist, company founder and recipient of the Anitab.org Pass it on Award. She also discussed the need for more women mentors and role models: “We need women…to speak up, gain confidence, gain visibility and impact other women and girls,” she said. “I recently participated in the Techwomen program … [TechWomen] enabled me to build a business model for my startup, and I built genuine sustainable professional connections.”
Report Date...: 2/10/20
TechWomen shares upcoming delegation trip to Rwanda
Fellow(s):
Country: Rwanda, Tunisia, United States
Cohort: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
Policy Area(s): Economic Impact, Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Empowering Women and Girls, Entrepreneurship, Professional Growth, Youth Engagement
This week, TechWomen published a blog post sharing the announcement of the two delegation trip countries for 2020: Rwanda and Tunisia. Delegations are a cornerstone of the TechWomen program, serving a vital role in growing and sustaining the TechWomen network. The trips strengthen an international network of women in STEM fields, creating partnership and exchange between the United States and TechWomen program countries.
Later this month, 18 TechWomen mentors will kick-off the first delegation of the year in Kigali, Rwanda, joined by 15 traveling fellows from Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria and more. There, the group will join forces with nearly 30 Rwandan fellows who are currently hard at work organizing a week of educational and inspirational programming. Since participating in TechWomen, the Rwandan fellows have created initiatives that inspire girls to pursue STEM fields, provided support for survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi, brought digital literacy training to youth and more.
Report Date...: 2/3/20
Alumnae launch first TechWomen/TechGirls Club in Kyrgyzstan
Fellow(s): Kyrgyzstan Fellows
Country: Kyrgyzstan
Cohort: 2018, 2019
Policy Area(s): Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Empowering Women and Girls, Professional Growth, Youth Engagement
Last month, TechWomen alumnae of multiple cohorts organized and launched Kyrgyzstan’s first TechWomen/TechGirls Club. Hosted by the American University of Central Asia in Bishkek, the inaugural event convened 14 TechWomen fellows, six TechGirls alumnae and five representatives of the U.S. Embassy Bishkek for a day of programming and networking.
The day was meant to build connection between TechWomen and TechGirls, celebrate the Kyrgyz community of alumnae and create blueprints for future collaboration. The day began with an introduction from Donald Lu, U.S. Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic, who shared a story about his own mother’s challenges and career journey in tech. After a welcome speech from 2019 fellow Azhar Mambetova, 2018 fellow Elena Chigibaeva and the club coordination committee led a discussion about the TechWomen/TechGirls Club road map and vision, dividing the attendees into small groups to brainstorm opportunities and activities. Groups brainstormed monthly trainings and workshops for the club, as well as a mentoring challenge for teachers in local Bishkek schools.
The day concluded with an “I am Remarkable” masterclass delivered by Azhar meant to motivate, empower and inspire attendees. It was emotional,” said the fellows. “It helped all of us once again remind ourselves why we are remarkable.”
Report Date...: 2/3/20
Fellow delivers TEDx talk in Amman
Fellow(s): Afnan Ali
Country: Jordan
Cohort: 2011
Policy Area(s): Economic Impact, Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Empowering Women and Girls, Entrepreneurship, Professional Growth, Youth Engagement
This Saturday, 2011 fellow Afnan Ali delivered a TEDx talk at the TEDxAlAbdali event in Amman, Jordan. Afnan is the founder of Eureka Tech Academy, Jordan’s first science academy with a mission to educate children on technology and engineering through innovative and hands-on programming.
The event’s theme was “Transform,” and amplified ideas and achievements that introduce transformative topics. In her talk, “From Education to Innovation,” Afnan spoke about how to prepare the next generation of changemakers and innovators, sharing best practices on empowering and motivating young people. Using Eureka Tech Academy as a case study, Afnan shared success stories of children who have gone through the program since its inception five years ago. Since its founding, Eureka has been nationally recognized for its model; in 2017, Queen Rania visited the initiative, meeting with students in their programs.
Report Date...: 2/3/20
Fellows hold first TechWomen Nigeria Alumnae Conference
Fellow(s): Dr. Joy Agene, Damilola Ade, Carolyn Seaman, Busayo Durojaiye, Olasimbo Sojinrin, Olamide Ayeni Babajide, Ogu Maduewesi
Country: Nigeria
Cohort: 2014, 2015, 2017
Policy Area(s): Economic Impact, Education Diplomacy/Mentoring, Empowering Women and Girls, Entrepreneurship, Professional Growth, Youth Engagement
Recently, fellows from multiple TechWomen cohorts collaborated to host the first TechWomen Nigeria Alumni conference, an interactive one-day event for STEM professionals, social entrepreneurs and women in tech. The conference was held in partnership with the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria as well as the Entrepreneurship & Skill Development Centre of the University of Lagos.
With a theme of Advancing the Global Leadership of Nigerian Women in STEM, the conference convened over 200 women for a day of in-depth group discussion, panels, keynotes and Q&A’s with local women leaders. Alongside Consul General Claire Pierangelo, TechWomen fellows Dr. Joy Agene (2014) and Damilola Ade (2017) opened the event, introducing TechWomen’s mission of empowering international women in STEM fields. 2017 fellow Carolyn Seaman, founder of Girls Voices Initiative, led a panel with local founders, entrepreneurs and academics on how to empower women and girls in technology. Later, 2014 fellow Busayo Durojaiye, CEO of BusinessBrace360, was joined by 2015 fellow Olasimbo Sojinrin of Solar Sister and 2017 fellow Olamide Ayeni Babajide of Pearl Recycling for a discussion that shared best practices on building confident tech entrepreneurs. After breakout sessions and practical workshops themed on soft skills for women in tech, tech entrepreneurship and tips for the 2020 TechWomen application, 2014 fellow Ogu Maduewesi closed out the day, sharing takeaways and encouraging participants to continue to strengthen the network of women in STEM in Nigeria.
Report Date...: 1/27/20
