On Wednesday, April 26, the members of the TechWomen delegation awakened to the desert backdrop of Astana. The capital city of Kazakhstan since just 1997, Astana is a rapidly-growing, planned metropolis with a mix of historically-inspired and state-of the art architectural design.
Venturing out into the unseasonably sunny climate, the delegation started their day with a visit to the U.S. Embassy in Astana, where they had the opportunity to further acquaint themselves with the kinds of bi-national initiatives of the U.S and Kazakhstan designed to engage and elevate women entrepreneurs and innovators.
In the afternoon, the delegation carried on to the American Corner in Astana for an intimate STEM Career Day with local students and alumnae of TechGirls and Technovation, both international mentorship programs that offer opportunities for girls worldwide to train, practice and compete in STEM challenges.
“20 years from now there will be jobs for technologies that we cannot imagine today,” voiced mentor Shawne Van Deusen‐Jeffries, setting the stage for the event with welcome remarks. “Be fearless. And when you see a problem, know that you are just as capable as anyone else in solving it.”
Next, fellow Dana AbdelKhalek led a panel discusion, “Opportunities in STEM,” with fellow Mahina Usmonova and mentors Janice Campbell, Jayme Farrell Ranker and Nancy Hendrickson. Delegates first took turns sharing their areas of expertise, then explored global job market trends and the many ways STEM careers can be shaped.
“In Lebanon, I work on social entrepreneurship,” Dana shared, “and we try to mobilize youths to be the change. Whether they’re working on reducing plastic bag use, raising awareness about use of water or promoting healthier commutes to work, I think it’s very important for them to feel, ‘I, as well, can contribute. I don’t have to wait. I can start with myself.’ Little by little, we’ll get at policy and infrastructure change and hopefully have a greener future.”
“Looking toward the future, critical thinking skills will be important,” Jayme pronounced. “As we become more proficient with tools such as AI and No-Code, we need to be able to apply critical thinking to the output they provide and know that we can add value to those tools.”
Following the main discussion, attendees had the opportunity to pose questions to the panel. Though initially shy, the audience quickly warmed up to the delegation, with some attendees even being invited to sit with the panelists as they shared their questions and ideas.
The conversation quickly and often turned to questions of environmental protection and sustainability.
“As we look at climate change,” Nancy expressed excitedly, “there’s a whole web of careers coming up related to resiliency. As climate change affects areas such as sea level rise, we need to consider the impact on infrastructure… the sewers, the electrical grid, the transmission lines, and more.”
In a rousing “wow” moment that everyone enjoyed, one attendee posed a question about robotics and mentor Kathy Giori sprang into action. Producing several Microblocks robots seemingly from nowhere, Kathy offered a live demonstration and some thought-provoking insights.
“It’s not just robotics,” Kathy imparted passionately. “We say ‘physical computing’ because robotics is a form of actuation but if you want to make your car autonomous you have to have sensors. There are now AI cameras that can interface with these, so you can detect QR codes and stop signs and on and on. And this technology can be taught to kids as young as ten years old.”
The afternoon’s events also included one-on-one speed mentoring, during which delegates broke out into small clusters, allowing attendees to roam the room and engage with the delegates on an even closer level. In closing, the delegation offered words of reflection and encouraged the attendees to continue exploring careers in STEM.
In the evening, the TechWomen community was honored to pay a visit the home of Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Judy Kuo, where representatives from the delegation engaged one-on-one with U.S. State department staff and representatives in Astana while enjoying an array of light local cuisines and refreshments.
After excitedly spending time building connections, the party gathered in the main reception space to hear remarks from DCM Kuo and celebrate our mutual mission of women’s upliftment through STEM, as evidenced in the breadth of bilateral initiatives sponsored and supported by U.S. and Kazakh partners.
“Today’s reception is an opportunity for our Kazakh friends to meet the TechWomen delegation and form bonds and lasting relationships,”
DCM Kuo warmly imparted during her keynote address.
The delegation also heard from mentor Mimi Hills and fellow Ainur Kuanyshbayeva, who thanked the U.S. Embassy and the Chargé d’affaires for hosting our group and offering such robust support for our delegation as they emphasized the power of TechWomen and the importance of sustaining these networks.
Excitement and gratitude rippled through the room as each delegate walked away seemingly more affirmed in the impact of TechWomen.
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