By Joanne Liou, Communications and Impact Specialist
Diana Tsoy, 2015 fellow of Kazakhstan, launched the Technovation Challenge in her home country.
Shortly after the 2015 TechWomen program, Diana Tsoy of Kazakhstan launched the Technovation Challenge in her home country. “Technovation is a gift I brought from the U.S. to Kazakhstan,” Diana said. “The program is so well structured, and I receive support from Madhavi Bhasin, Technovation program director in San Francisco.” Kazakhstan is now home to 12 teams – comprised of 60 young girls and 24 mentors. At Almaty State Business College, the delegation hosted a panel and workshops for the Technovation teams. Panelists shared stories of overcoming obstacles and rejection that led them to where they are today.
The TechWomen panel featured, from left, 2015 fellow Aliya Ishmukhamedova of OLSOFT in Kyrgyzstan, mentor Marie Carter of Yahoo, 2015 fellow Poly Hamad of the Ministry of Finance in Lebanon and mentor Rebecca Biswas of Juniper Networks. Julia Lovin of Prysm moderated the panel
Following the panel, TechWomen mentors hosted workshops on pitch delivery and business plan writing for Technovation participants, while Technovation coaches attended workshops on networking, personal brand and monetization of social impact apps. The event concluded with a speed-geek session for Technovation teams to practice their pitch and receive feedback.
Tina Shakour of Cisco and Jeannice Fairrer Samani of FSG led a session for Technovation participants on perfecting their pitch.
Women in STEM at American Corner and Maker Space Almaty
Around the world, including in Kazakhstan, U.S. embassies have partnered with local organizations to create American Corners, which are libraries to provide information about the United States through Internet access, audio recordings, books and films. The American Corner and Maker Space Almaty, which hosts a weekly English discussion club open to the public, featured a TechWomen panel focused on women in STEM. Panelists included 2015 fellows Dayana Abboud of Nymgo S.A. in Lebanon and Aizhan Bizhanova of Kazkommertsbank in Kazakhstan, as well as mentors Bharathy Srinivasan of EMC and Teresa Zhang of SunEdison.
Concurrently, mentors Rebecca Biswas and Rekha Pai Kamath of Juniper Networks and 2015 fellows Poly Hamad of Lebanon and Tanzilya Yakshimbetova of Uzbekistan led a hands-on Arduino workshop for young women, while Andria Jones, Mohna Dhomse and Devanshi Sheth of Symantec led a workshop on cyber security.
Women in STEM networking reception
Wrapping up Day 3, the delegation continued the conversation with Almaty’s community of men and women in STEM at a networking reception at SIGS Space. The highlight of the evening was hearing from mentors and fellows in brief TED-talk style presentations about the importance of inspiring girls to pursue careers in STEM and hiring and promoting women, particularly in leadership. Read some of their words of advice below.
TechWomen mentors and fellows shared personal stories and advice. From left, 2015 fellow Ghana Bteich of Lebanon, mentors Eileen Brewer of Symantec, Queen Denchukwu of Autodesk, Tasha Pelaez of SolarCity, Maile Smith of Northgate Environmental Management and 2015 fellow Darya Alontseva of Kazakhstan.
It’s imp for economy, community for women to discover their potential. –#techwomen15 Darya, hosted @JuniperNetworks pic.twitter.com/3GokT4xncF
— TechWomen (@TechWomen) March 15, 2016
Whatever is inspiring you in the moment, go for it. Say yes to opps, and let that lead you. @tothelefteileen @symantec #TWkz
— TechWomen (@TechWomen) March 15, 2016
I learned that we can’t change the sys but a lil change can impact lives & community. #techwomen15 Ghana of #lebanon pic.twitter.com/N1IJJ2sGLn
— TechWomen (@TechWomen) March 15, 2016
Equitable policies extend to men too. Alongside promotion of women, we also need to support men in work/life balance. -Maile of Northgate
— TechWomen (@TechWomen) March 15, 2016
.@tashapelaez Steps for success:
1. Hire women.
2. Mentor women.
3. Support women.
4. Profit. #TWkz @USCGAlmaty— TechWomen (@TechWomen) March 15, 2016
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