NCWIT-WI Affiliate Aspirations Award in Computing 2022 Recognition Program Booklet

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GOLD SPONSOR

We would like to congratulate the honorees for this year’s Aspirations in Computing awards!

PDS, A Converge Company is a proud supporter of women in technology and the National Center for Women in Information Technology (NCWIT) Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Program.

For more than 35 years PDS has been the trusted technology partner for organization across Wisconsin. Come see how we’ve grown and have expanded our ability to serve you in the areas of Cybersecurity, Digital Infrastructure, Digital Workplace, Cloud Platforms, Application Modernization and Advanced Analytics.

Learn more at pdsit.net

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NCWIT is a non-profit community of more than 1,400 universities, companies, non-profits, and government organizations nationwide working to increase the meaningful participation of girls and women — at the intersections of race, ethnicity, class, age, sexual orientation, and disability status — in the eld of computing.

NCWIT equips change leaders with resources for taking action in recruiting, retaining, and advancing women from K–12 education through careers. Find out more at www.ncwit.org.

AGENDA

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TABLE OF CONTENTS ABOUT NCWIT Founding Sponsor - PDS, Inc................................... 2 Table-of-contents, Event Agenda, About NCWIT....... 3 About NCWIT, About Aspirations in Computing...... 4 NCWIT-WI Today Infographic................................... 5 NCWIT-WI BOD; Aspirations Volunteers.................. 6 Words to Wise – encouragement for you................. 7 Address: Gold Sponsor: PDS, Inc John Miller, Executive Vice President...................... 8 Keynote Bio: Laurie Panella, CIO, Marquette University....................................... 9 NCWIT Rep Bio: Bridget Quinn, Aspirations Regional Affiliate Manager................... 10 Aspirations Alumnae Well Wishes........................... 11-12 Educator Awards...................................................... 13-15

Aspirations Awards - about...................................... 16 Aspirations Awards - National Honorees................. 17-18 Aspirations Awards - Winners.................................. 19-27 Aspirations Awards - Honorable-Mentions.............. 28-36 Aspirations Awards - Rising Stars............................. 37-41 Academic Community Activities Including listings of honoree by district and school............................................... 42-48 All sponsors of NCWIT-WI........................................ 49 Gold Sponsor (Assoc Bank)...................................... 50 Silver Sponsors........................................................ 51-52 Bronze Sponsors...................................................... 53-54 NCWIT National Sponsors . ..................................... 55 WI Academic Alliance Members Program Flyers..... 56-76

ABOUT NCWIT ASPIRATIONS IN COMPUTING (AIC)

NCWIT AiC changes what’s possible for women, genderqueer, and non-binary individuals in technology from K-12 through career by offering the kind of encouragement that combats isolation, enables long-term persistence, opens doors, and changes lives. AiC uses program elements that spark interest in computing (AspireIT); recognizes and celebrates women’s technical aspirations and abilities, as well as the educators who support them (AiC Award Recognitions); and, provides an expansive, supportive network (AiC Community).

Aspirations in Computing National Stats…

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ABOUT WISCONSIN AFFILIATE Wisconsin Affiliate 2021-2022 Email:

Mission statement

Years

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NCWIT Wisconsin Affiliate 515 honorees, 31 national honorees, and 6 Aspire IT Grants

In 2021 provided access to over 35 Scholarships, Internships, and Events involving students networking with other young IT professionals

ncwit.wi@gmail.com

AWARDEES

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Website www.ncwit-wi.org

LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/ncwitwisconsin/

9-12th grade high school students, including 5 National Honorable Mention winners

Sponsorship Information Mary Acuna Mary.acuna1@gmail.com Dele Ojelabi dojelabi@comcentia.com

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2 Winners from area highschools And 1 Honorable Mention

Impact “It made me feel recognized as a woman in computer science and gave me motivation to keep moving forward in the field.”

Across the State

“Gave me a community of like minded individuals”

2021 Event Booklet Diversity

“Winning the award gave me the confidence that this was the right career path for me. I had a lot of doubts about being a girl in tech, but the award affirmed that I have a place here and has inspired me to be that encouragement for other girls in tech as well.”

White Asian Black Hispanic

* Self-Identified

Native American Other

30+ 11-30 6-10 3-5 1-2 0

Volunteers

62 Professional and Student Volunteers from 33 organizations

500+ Volunteer Hours

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NCWIT - WI AFFILIATE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair

Vice Chair

DIRECTORS: Aspirations in Computing Applications and Review

Aspirations In Computing Awards Event

Joe Kmoch - JK Consulting

Cheryl Nowak - TAPCO (chair) Sharon Skinner - Alverno College

Academic Engagement - Collegiate

Academic Engagement - K - 12

Patricia Phillips - Instructional Designer

Kristi Tlachac - Northwestern Mutual

Academic Engagement - AspireIT

Alumnae Outreach

Community Outreach

Diversity Engagement

Joe Kmoch - JK Consulting (ncwit.wi@gmail.com)

Joe Kmoch - JK Consulting

Megan Cindric - devCodeCamp

Cheryl Nowak - TAPCO

Megan Choy - Northwestern Mutual/UW-Madison student Kate Martino - Augustana College Student Lita Mallett - Carmen Schools

Finance/Treasurer

Christine Gay - Advocate Aurora Health

Sponsorship

Mary Acuna - UW-Whitewater Dele Ojelabi - Comcentia

Marketing and Digital Presence Steven Hartl - PDS Inc John Miller - PDS Inc

At Large

Cynthia Sternard - Associated Bank

Interns

Vanesa Padilla - Alverno College Jennifer Martinez Sandoval - Alverno College

ASPIRATIONS VOLUNTEERS

The year-round Aspirations program is very dependent upon many volunteers who are involved with activities to help our NCWIT-WI Aspirations program deliver a quality program to our high school young women. Support in the application process and reviewing applications are among these volunteer activities. We’re sincerely grateful to our 2021-22 volunteers.

Terry Adams, ManpowerGroup Eric Boll, LiquidPlanner Christine Cheng, UW-Milwaukee Nicole Conrad, Johnson Controls Shawna Ferguson, Alverno College Emily Higgs, Independent IT Consultant Hayley Jamiola, AiC Alumna (2021) CyndiKaye Lambach, WCTC Saanvi Malhotra AiC Alumna (2021) Vanesa Padilla, Alverno College Kim Phillip, AiC Alumna (2014) Shalisha Porter, Firefly Multimedia Wendy Revolinski, Gateway Technical College Jennifer Sandoval, Alverno College Amelia Sitzberger, AiC Alumna (2021) Michael Swift, University of Wisconsin-Madison Jennifer Young, The Kern Family Foundation

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Naomi Bhagat, AiC Alumna (2016) Eleanor Certalic AiC Alumna (2023) Beth Clarke, CESA 2 Technology Doris Dix, Northwestern Mutual Carly Fristoe, Northwestern Mutual Sharon Ihm, ManpowerGroup Jodie Koziczkowski, Advocate Aurora Health Shu Liu, Independent IT Consultant Kari McConnell, Northwestern Mutual Sandhya (Sandy) Padala REX Academy Srishrika Pattaswamy, AiC Alumna (2021) Alana Platt, UW-Whitewater Joni Reese, Zonta/Northwestern Mutual Tina Rock, Advanced Hires Cindi Short, Lexico Consulting Karen Smith, Codeworks LLC Nouchi Weber, AiC Alumna (2021)

WORDS TO THE WISE The following pages include experiences and advice for you from professionals and students. Please read their comments.

John Miller

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Laurie Panella

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Bridget Quinn

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Executive Vice President and General Manager, PDS. Gold sponsor of NCWIT-WI Aspirations

Chief Information Officer of Marquette University

NCWIT Regional Aspirations Manager

Encouragement and Advice from Aspirations Alumnae

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JOHN MILLER

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER Here in 2022, we recognize the immense imbalance that still exists with females making up 47% of the workforce, but only 25% of technology related positions. For these “trailblazers,” there were no diversity statistics, no focus on this imbalance of women in technology. So, while we’ve seen improvement since then, we still have a journey ahead for true gender equality.

NCWIT was formed to provide assistance, encouragement, and recognition to young girls pursuing a path in technology or related fields. This is to give you the best support possible to pursue your dreams. While we can provide this, everything starts with you.

As the Gold Sponsor for NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Awards, I have the privilege each year of writing a welcome letter to the awardees of this prestigious program. As I type this letter on my ultra-fast, high-performance laptop, I am reminded of some of the early innovators of this powerful technology…

Ada Lovelace: Many consider her the world’s first computer programmer. She developed an “analytical machine” to perform computations. This is also considered to be the first general computer, developed in the 1800’s.

Grace Hopper: Grace was an insightful computer scientist who created a machine-independent programming language that led to the development of COBOL in the 1950’s, an early programming language still in use today.

Mary Allen Wilkes: Mary designed the software for the LINC, an early interactive computer, and first ever home personal computer in 1960’s.

Adele Goldberg: In the 1970’s, Adele helped develop the programming language Smalltalk which used object-oriented programming concepts. This set-in motion the basis for graphical user interfaces we still use today.

What did these innovators have in common? While they share some common attributes, these innovators are notably all women. That’s what makes them more appropriately labeled as “trailblazers” as they are part of an early movement in breaking down barriers.

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You’ve each shown a spark in your interest in this field. You’ve each already overcome obstacles by standing out in a field that you are a minority in. And most importantly, you inspire all of us with your ongoing pursuits and desires. Some of you will blaze your own trail, while others will follow in the path laid out by those earlier mentioned trailblazers. Either way, you are taking true steps of courage and progress and leaving behind footprints for others to follow.

We celebrate each of you today for that pursuit and courage. We also commend your sponsors and guardians for their roles in helping you along the way. And while we honor the present, we do so with a watchful eye to your future. Despite some of the challenges that exist, you’ve proven yourself capable to pursue boundless possibilities. Embrace your role as a trailblazer and know you’re also inspiring all of us around you to follow your lead.

PDS, A Converge Company, employs hundreds in the field of Information Technology. Our organization pledges to continue to support NCWIT, and leading by example with equitable hiring and active involvement in DEI initiatives.

LAURIE PANELLA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER OF MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY

also named among the ‘Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers’ in 2012 for national public sector IT by Government Technology magazine.

Laurie Panella was selected in 2019 to serves as the Chief Information Officer at Marquette University. In this position she is responsible for developing and implementing the university’s technology strategic direction and leading the IT services that support academic and administrative computing, networking, support services, classroom and instructional technology, programming services, and telecommunications.

In collaboration with the students, faculty and administration, Panella ensures alignment of technology resources in support of the university’s strategic goals.

Panella holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Marquette. Panella is active in several professional and community organizations including serving as the President of the Association of Jesuit Catholic Universities CIO Governing Board, Evanta Milwaukee CIO/CISO Governing Body, Milwaukee CIO United Advisory Board, Society for Information Management, TEMPO Milwaukee and the Versiti Audit and Compliance Board. She is a commissioner of the Parks and Forestry Board for the city of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin where she resides.

Prior to joining Marquette, Panella held progressive leadership roles within Milwaukee County, most recently serving as the Chief Information Officer since 2009. In this role, Panella was named CIO of the Year in 2017 by the Milwaukee Business Journal. She was

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BRIDGET QUINN

NCWIT REGIONAL ASPIRATIONS MANAGER Bridget is passionate about STEM education, the environment, and creating powerful youth development opportunities for girls. She began her career as a Field Scientist, working on environmental and geotechnical remediation and investigation projects. Bridget transitioned into youth development and education, serving as the STEM Program Specialist for Girl Scouts, and later as an Undergraduate Instructor and Advisor.

Her eclectic experiences in science and education have fostered a true desire to help girls conquer the gender gap and realize that science and technology are awesome. As a Regional Affiliate Manager for NCWIT Aspirations in Computing, Bridget coordinates multiple program areas across the country. The best part of her job is working to inspire and encourage her teams, helping them to support and celebrate women and girls in computing. A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Bridget holds a Master’s degree in Applied Environmental Science from University College Dublin, Ireland. When she isn’t working, she’s likely chasing after her two small children, who are likely chasing after their new dog, Rosy.

A MESSAGE FROM BRIDGET Dear Students, On behalf of NCWIT and the Aspirations team, I am so pleased to congratulate you on your achievement as a 2022 award recipient! We are so excited to celebrate YOU - your accomplishments, your interest and aspirations in computing, and all there is to come! We believe each of you can have a future in tech, and NCWIT and the Aspirations team are all here to support you on that journey!

We also want to thank everyone who has supported you, amazing students. To the family, educators, mentors, friends, sponsors and partners, we say a very wholehearted thank you! With your encouragement and remarkable commitment, you are helping these students on their journey to success!

Congratulations again, dear awardees, and good luck in all you do!

Sincerely, Bridget K. Quinn Regional Affiliate Manager, NCWIT Aspirations

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NCWIT WISCONSIN ALUMNAE UPDATES Kate Martino, she/her, New Berlin Eisenhower, Class of 2019 Data Analytics & Business Administration with focuses in Management and Management Information Systems, Graduating in 2023

My journey since high school when it comes to technology and finding my path has been nothing short of exciting. When I got to college, I declared Data Analytics as my major right off the bat because it was the perfect mix between technology/computing and business. I have enjoyed learning about the tech world through a data lens. In addition to my schoolwork, I have had some awesome opportunities such as serving on the NCWIT-WI board as the Alumni Chair working with past awardees and interning with Northwestern Mutual for the past year in their Data Science and Analytics department. I started at NM as program management intern and transitioned to a Data Analyst intern where I have learned so many skills that I will be able to apply to my future career. This summer I am beyond thrilled to have my dream internship with Amazon in the DC Metro area where I am excited to learn and grow professionally and personally with a big tech company!

Kim Phillip, she/her, Rufus King IB HS, Class of 2014 Software Developer

I think the AiC award and community helped me a lot in college - reading about what my other peers were doing or struggling with across different universities. I also got additional interview opportunities (like Bloomberg) through the award. I went to a few NCWIT meet-ups in NYC over those years and got to stop by the NCWIT booth and snag a cool T-shirt I still wear to this day! I’m definitely grateful for the NCWIT community.

Grace Steinmetz, she/her Middleton High School, Class of 2020 University of Wisconsin Madison, Computer Science, Graduating in 2024

NCWIT has supported me in so many ways. Going to the awards ceremony and being in a community of girls just like me, who are passionate about technology was insane. The feeling of being a part of something bigger, the feeling of joy and pure happiness where you know, there are people that are just like you. Some friends and I were able to start a high school organization from the money we applied for, Aspire It. Though I’ve graduated and don’t run it anymore, other people keep it going. I am also currently getting a CS degree at UW Madison, building projects and enjoying it so much.

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NCWIT WISCONSIN ALUMNAE UPDATES Julia Schmidt, Brookfield Central HS, Class of 2015 GoDaddy – Senior Software Engineer

I am extremely fortunate to have been a part of NCWIT throughout my time in high school and college. The support and resources offered by the community were invaluable when navigating my education and early career, including advice to pursue opportunities that emphasized soft skills alongside technical roles like research positions and internships.

Having a diverse array of experiences helped me stay well-rounded in a highly technical major and helped me identify what I valued in a job. It also made me a more competitive candidate when applying for full time roles, so I was able to choose one that allowed me to do challenging work with a team that I really enjoy.

Lexus Fuller, University School of Milwaukee, Class of 2021 University of Rochester, Biomedical Engineering, Graduating in 2025

What I hope to do with technology in my future career is contribute to the biomedical engineering field. I am currently studying in the concentration of cell and tissue engineering. My goal is to be able to further knowledge and research in the potential of stem cell regeneration and regenerative therapies. I would also like to use the degree to be able to then go into medical school and become a specialized doctor of some kind. I want to do this because it means a lot to me to be able to help people around me. This is something that I realized I wanted to do from a young age because I could see how the people I grew up around never received the care that they needed because of how underprivileged they were in society. I want to be able to create a change and help those people get the care that they deserve.

Muskan Kanungo, Wauwatosa West High School, Class of 2018 Milwaukee School of Engineering, Biomolecular Engineering, Graduating in 2022

My collegiate level studies in computing and bioinformatics, as well as involvement in a student organization called Connecting Researchers, Educators and Student (CREST), have surprised me because I never realized how integral computing is for the modeling of complex chemical and biological structures. By elucidating such structures, we are better able to understand protein structures and drug-drug interactions, which can help us identify and study potential drug targets for diseases, including SARS-CoV-2. I never realized that computing could be used for drug discovery and development.

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EDUCATOR AWARDS ASPIRATIONS IN COMPUTING EDUCATOR AWARD an NCWIT Award

ABOUT THE ASPIRATIONS IN COMPUTING EDUCATOR AWARD (AIC EDUCATOR AWARD) The NCWIT AiC Educator Award identifies exemplary formal and informal educators who play a pivotal role in encouraging 9th-12th grade students who self-identify as women, genderqueer, or non-binary to explore their interest in computing and technology. The award recognizes these educators for their efforts to promote gender equity in computing. Find out more at www.aspirations.org/recognitions/AiCEducatorAward.

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WISCONSIN EDUCATOR AWARD WINNERS Amy Fetherston Amy has been teaching Math and Computer Science for the past 26 years.

She started her career teaching computer science at Washington High School in Milwaukee, WI. After 10 years she moved to Wauwatosa West and has been working to build a computer science program in the district that allows access to computer science for all students.

Amy is committed to increasing access and providing equitable curriculum to students throughout the state. She has been a facilitator for Exploring Computer Science and AP Computer Science Principles professional development programs since 2017. She is actively involved in supporting Wisconsin CS teachers by serving as the WI Dairyland CSTA chapter co-president and has served as an AP reader for the College Board for AP Computer Science Principles.

Seeing a need to expand computer science concepts throughout the curriculum, Amy collaborated with her Tech Ed Department to develop an Advanced Manufacturing and Design LAUNCH strand co-taught with a Tech Ed teacher.

This course offers a multidisciplinary approach to teaching the underlying principles of computation, and introduces students to the creative aspects of computer science and advanced manufacturing through a collaborative approach to solving real world industry problems.

Stacy Lesmeister Stacy is a math and computer science teacher at Cedarburg High School. She graduated from UW-Whitewater in 2009, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and minored in Special Education. In 2017, Stacy got her Computer Science license to help with the expanding enrollment in computer science at Cedarburg. Since then, each year there has continued to be an expanding enrollment, along with a significant increase in female students in the computer science courses. Last year, in AP Computer Science Principles alone, there were 41 female students out of 84 students total!

Stacy is an active member of Cedarburg’s Makerspace Lead Team, Coach/Advisor Leadership Council, Youth Mental Health First Aid Training, the 180o Program, and the Bulldog Coding Club. She has found that having the high school students volunteer at the local elementary and middle schools has helped with keeping female engagement. The high school students love to give back and enjoy working with the younger students on programming opportunities.

The younger students love having the high school students as mentors and completing fun, problem-solving activities together. It is a great experience for all involved!

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WISCONSIN EDUCATOR HONORABLE MENTION Rick Kamps 20th year of teaching 6th year at Pulaski High School Associate Arts Degree - General Studies - Scottsdale Community College (1986) Bachelor of Science Degree - Secondary Education - UW Oshkosh (1993) Masters Degree of Science - Educational Administration - University of Scranton (2008) Currently I teach a variety of Tech Ed courses at PHS including several PLTW Engineering classes (IED, CEA, EDD), a CISCO IT Hardware class, Graphic Communciations, Raider Graphics LAB class, Architecture, CAD. I am also an Assistant Football & Track Coach here at Pulaski High School, and have been both a Head Varsity Football and Track Coach at various high schools throughout my teaching career. In addition, I am a co-advisor for our SKILLSUSA chapter at PHS. I have been happily married to my wife Lynn for the past 17 years. We have 5 children, Jamie Sable 36 (Dante), Stephany 35 (Keegan, Kennedy, Crew), Haley Gille 31 (Cody), (Case, Breckyn, Sawyer), Karstin 30 and Brayden 17 (a junior at PHS).

I enjoy spending time with my family and in particular spending it outdoors on the water. We enjoy wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing, and just leisurely boating on the water with our family, grandchildren and friends. I also enjoy vacationing in Tamarindo, Costa Rica with Lynn, and we hope to winter there in retirement.

PREVIOUS HONOREES Mark Taylor, Milwaukee Excellence Charter School, 2021 Winner Samantha Kabel, New London High School, 2021 Honorable Mention Jim Ferwerda, Mukwonago High School, 2021 Honorable Mention Alyssa Basthemer, Kettle Moraine High School of Health Sciences, 2020 Winner Mary Walz, Sauk Prairie High School, 2020 Honorable Mention Olivia Dachel, Merrill High School, 2019 Winner Brenda Larson, Menomonee Falls High School, 2019 Honorable Mention Laura Masbruch, Whitewater High School, 2019 Honorable Mention Aaron Chamberlain, New Berlin Eisenhower Middle/High School, 2018 Winner

Jim Ferwerda, Mukwonago High School, 2018 Honorable Mention Aaron Pavao, Waunakee High School, 2017 Winner Rose Hoffman, Waukesha Catholic Memorial HS, 2017 Honorable Mention Linnea Logan, Whitefish Bay High School, 2016 Winner Dean Johnson, Fort Atkinson High School, 2015 Winner Rose Hoffman, Waukesha Catholic Memorial High School, 2014 Winner Tom Wozniak, Rufus King IB High School, 2013 Winner Bob Getka, Janesville Parker High School, 2012 Winner

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ABOUT AIC

ABOUT THE AWARD FOR ASPIRATIONS IN COMPUTING (AWARD FOR AIC) The NCWIT Award for AiC honors 9th-12th grade students who self-identify as women, genderqueer, or non-binary for their computing-related achievements and interests, and encourages them to persue their passions. These award recipients are then inducted into the AiC Community --- a phenomenal network of 20,000 technical individuals who self-identify as women, genderqueer, or non-binary who recieve many exclusive benefits.

Through Award Recognitions and the Community, AiC reaches all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, all U.S. military bases overseas, and Canada. Find out more at www.aspirations.org/recognitions/AiCAward.

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NATIONAL HONORABLE MENTION & WI WINNERS Shradha Godishala, Middleton High School National Honorable Mention & Wisconsin Winner, she/her

Shradha is a junior at Middleton High School that gained interest in CS from a young age. Thus far, she has worked with middle school girls to expand their knowledge in Computer Science, and has taught JavaScript, Python, 3-D printing, and more to kids ages 5-14 through working at Code Ninjas. She had the opportunity to work at IncredibleBank to learn about mobile banking and cybersecurity within banking, and has used her knowledge to educate customers on these topics. During the pandemic, she also collaborated with her friends to create a website to promote spending locally within her community.

Angela Gorton, Ronald Reagan High School National Honorable Mention & Wisconsin Winner, she/her

Angie is a high school student currently pursuing a Full IB diploma and working as a data engineer intern at Northwestern Mutual. She is interested in data ethics and equity and has completed research projects as a part of the MKE Tech Hub Coalition’s “Impact and Ethics of Data and Artificial Intelligence” program. Angie currently intends to pursue a Computer Science degree after she graduates high school.

Emma Maertz, Nicolet High School National Honorable Mention & Wisconsin Winner, she/her

Emma is a junior at Nicolet High School, and has been pursuing her passion for STEM since 3rd grade. Her love for programming led her to join UW-Milwaukee’s Girls Who Code program, where she has participated for 7 years now, first as a student, then as a teaching assistant in 2021. Emma has taken several programming classes in school including AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A. She is the programming student lead for FIRST Team 4786 Nicolet FEAR, and loves getting a completed robot to program. She also tutors students in 5th-10th grade in math. Emma plans on pursuing a degree in electrical or robotics engineering and hopes to double major or minor in Computer Science.

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NATIONAL HONORABLE MENTION & WI WINNERS Grace Vanden Heuvel, Hortonville High School National Honorable Mention & Wisconsin Winner, she/her

Grace is a senior at Hortonville High School, and has had the wonderful opportunity to have three IT internships, one through her school, another through a local organization called NEW Digital Alliance, and a third as part of a Youth Apprenticeship program at SECURA Insurance. She was on her school’s FIRST Robotics FTC team for two years and took AP Computer Science as a freshman. She is part of a Computer Science Advisory Board to bring Computer Science further into her school district. She also mentors her community’s Girls Who Code Club and Computer Science clubs at her district’s middle schools.

Taylor Wilmot, Indian Trail Academy National Honorable Mention & Wisconsin Winner, she/her

Taylor is a senior at Indian Trail High School, enjoys playing tenor saxophone in her school’s Wind Ensemble and jazz band, and is enrolled in all honors and AP classes.

Taylor throws varsity discus and shot-put, and she plays on the varsity tennis team. In her free time, she loves spending time with friends and family. She values giving back to her community, and has served over 100 hours of community service. Her IT internship at Colbert Packaging in Kenosha, Wisconsin has been a blessing as she gets to work with technology, learn new skills, and experience an IT work environment every day. Taylor dreams of going to college to study Computer Science and Cybersecurity, and to use her degree to have a positive impact on the world around her.

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WISCONSIN AFFILIATE WINNERS Julianna Bauknecht, Antigo High School She/her

Eleanor Certalic , New Berlin West High School She/her

Julianna, a junior at Antigo, is truly passionate about technology. She will be graduating in the 2022 Spring semester from Northcentral Technical College with an Associate degree as a Computer Support Specialist. She has completed courses such as Computer Fundamentals 1 and 2, Troubleshooting, Data Concepts A-C, and Introduction to Computer Support with a 4.0 GPA. She is on track to earn her degree before the start of her senior year of high school.

Eleanor Certalic is a junior in high school and has a great passion for Computer Science. Eleanor wants to use her Computer Science skills in the real world and would like to attain an IT-related college degree, ultimately pursuing a profession in the Computer Science field. Eleanor’s passion for Computer Science started when she was young and continues to grow in every class she is eligible to take. She hopes that one day she can strengthen cybersecurity and fix problems in the IT field with her skills, hard work, and dedication.

Nora Betry, New Berlin West High School

Hannah Chung, Oshkosh West High School

She/her

She/her

Nora is a sophomore at New Berlin West High School.

She has been interested in Computer Programming for a few years, and last year she took AP Computer Science Principles and learned the programming language Python. She got a 4 on the final exam and finished the school year with a GPA of 4.3. The experience taught her a lot and reinforced her goal of studying Computer Science. This year she took Computer Programming, and learned the language Java. Next year she plans to take AP Computer Science A. Nora hopes to go to college for computer science because she loves problem solving and challenging herself.

Hannah is a junior at Oshkosh West High School.

She first found her passion for STEM at age nine by joining a FIRST Lego League (FLL) team. She continues to learn more about coding by taking Stanford MOOCs and participating in Girls Who Code. Today, Hannah leads Wave Robotics as a co-team leader and serves The Green Alarm, an environmental education organization, as the co-founder and co-president. She shares her love for computing with others by encouraging young girls to explore STEM by organizing FLL Jr. Explore Expos and partnering with local Girl Scout troops. In the future, Hannah aspires to become an influential person who will revolutionize the world by creating new and innovative green technologies.

Lila Branchaw, Waukakee High School

Jayda Collins, Cedarburg High School

She/her

She/her

A Senior at Waunakee Community High School and Student Leader of her Community’s Middle School Creative Coders Club, Lila is always inspired to learn and improve her skills all the while encouraging others to do the same. In the future, she hopes to apply Computer Science concepts to chemical engineering in order to help negate the negative effects of global warming and make the world a healthier place.

Jayda is a senior at Cedarburg High School and loves anything creative. She is a part of her high school’s Art Club and tennis team, as well as an active member of the Environmental Science Club Leadership team. She plans on attending the Savannah College of Art and Design for a degree in Game Development.

Her goal is to create thought-provoking games that serve as vehicles to address real-world issues like climate change and mental health. She also hopes her creations will inspire others like her to do what they love while also making a difference in the world.

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WISCONSIN AFFILIATE WINNERS Libby Cox, University School of Milwaukee

Jovita D’Souza, Bay Port High School

Libby is a Junior at the University School of Milwaukee in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She developed a love for Computer Science and Engineering through her passion for crafts, and desire to make something out of nothing. She aims to help develop a more equitable STEM community through education and hands-on experiences for local middle school girls. She currently teaches Girls Who Code Classes at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee and founded a club for young girls to develop upon their interests in relation to ComputerScience and/or Engineering. In her free time, she plays field hockey and lacrosse and looks for any opportunity to spend time with her family.

Jovita is a junior in high school with a particular interest in Computer Science and Engineering. Her interest began in elementary school after attending technology and designfocused programs through a local technical college. Her interest furthered in high school as she began taking more Computer Science courses, and she is currently learning how to use C to program sensors. After completing a Quantum Computing course through IBM and MIT, Jovita developed a new interest in cybersecurity, and hopes to apply this to research in a quantum computing context. In the future, she hopes to study computer engineering and/ or computer science, alongside a possible track in physics.

Jovita hopes to find more opportunities for research to help aid in the exploration of this new computing field.

Nina Daruwala, University School of Milwaukee

Emily Doucette, Whitefish Bay High School

She/her

She/her

She/her

Nina is a senior at the University School of Milwaukee where she is the senior captain of the high school robotics team and a founder of the Women in STEM club, which she leads throughout the school year. She has taught summer classes at her school for middle schoolers to learn Python, robotics, and 3D printing.

Nina’s interest in technology started when she was a kid and took summer coding classes at Northwestern University. Throughout high school she has continued to take many STEM-related courses, like AP Computer Science Principles and Advanced Robotics. Nina plans on attending college in the upcoming fall semester to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET).

Emily, a sophomore, has a strong interest in computer science and is currently taking AP Computer Science Principles. Her favorite subjects are Computer Science and Chemistry, and she hopes to continue exploring Computer Science in high school by taking AP Java.

She is interested in pursuing a degree and career in Computer Science or medicine. Emily is specifically interested in cybersecurity as well as technology in medicine. Her interest in Computer Science was first sparked when she attended a two-week summer course in seventh grade about coding with Java.

Emily participates in the Girls Who Code club at her school, is enrolled in a classical ballet academy, and plays the piano.

Madison Engebose, Cedarburg High School

Madeline Frank, Homestead High School

She/her Madison is a sophomore at Cedarburg High School in Cedarburg, WI. Throughout her high school career, she has taken classes such as AP/PLTW Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science, and Physical Computing. She is also part of her school’s coding club, where she teaches younger kids more about coding. In addition, she actively competes on her school’s math team, as well as the golf team, where she qualified for the state meet in 2021. She plans to continue increasing her knowledge with computer science and math courses throughout her high school career, and to take advantage of more opportunities during the summer. She is planning to pursue a career that combines her love of math and Computer Science.

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She/her

She/her

Madeline is a sophomore at Homestead High School.

She has been interested in computer science and engineering for as long as she can remember, but her passion for technology based STEM principles truly began after entering sixth grade, where she was introduced to computer science and Project Lead the Way (PLTW) classes. Since then she has been involved with computer science and engineering as much as possible. She has taken multiple computer science classes, including AP Computer Science and multiple Engineering classes. She also participates in her school’s programming club and is on the board for the Girls Exploring Math and Science (GEMS) club. Madeline plans to continue this passion for technology in the future, including majoring in a technology or engineering field.

WISCONSIN AFFILIATE WINNERS Eleanor Franke, Janesville Parker High School

Yana Fuhrman, Whitefish Bay High School

She/her

She/her

Eleanor has been interested in computer science since she was in 5th grade, where she was on her school’s FIRST LEGO League team. She is currently taking AP Computer Science Principles and has taken AP Computer Science Java AB. Eleanor is also an active member of her school’s FIRST Robotics team. She plans to continue school by attending UW Madison, studying how programming can improve the health and safety of others. She hopes that programming will be a major part of her career one day.

Yana is an inspiring computing professional who has completed AP CS Principles, and is now taking AP CS A. She has been a part of her school’s Math team and took part in MathCounts, AMC, and MAA contests. She has competed in the Marquette University Programming Competition, where she earned second place. She was also part of the first place team at MSOE Programming Competition. Yana is part of many CS outreach initiatives; she led “Exploring AI” sessions for middle and elementary school students, and she is representing her school on Code.org’s student advisory board, where she is providing feedback regarding a new AP CSA curriculum. Yana is interested in pursuing a PhD degree in Data Science, CS and/or Actuarial Science and hopes to become a college professor.

Shubh Goyal, Shorewood High School

Caitlyn Grant, Menomonee Falls High School

She/her

She/her

Shubh is a junior at Shorewood High School and loves computer programming. She has taken AP Computer Science A test and college courses in Java, calculus, discrete mathematics, data structures and algorithms. She qualified for the state level MathCounts contests in 6th, 7th and 8th grades.

During 8th grade, she achieved a top ten finish in the state level MathCounts. Shubh has participated in the Young Scholars Program, a math summer camp at the University of Chicago, and the MathILy-Er summer camp. In 2020, she received the Maryam Mirzakhani Award as one of the top 5 female scorers in Wisconsin for the AMC 10 math contest. Shubh is also a volunteer teacher at the Girls Who Code club at UW Milwaukee.

Caitlyn is a junior at Menomonee Falls High School, and has always had an innate curiosity for software development. She fully unlocked her passion while on the Java code team for her school’s FIRST Robotics Competition club. She enjoys nurturing incoming students into professionals capable of coding a robot to complete different challenges. She spends her summers working full time as a Software Engineering Intern for Direct Supply. Grateful for the amazing opportunity, she continues to expand her knowledge by coding a Web application; it will manage equipment IT Client Support uses to meet the needs of employees. Caitlyn will major in Computer Engineering to lead her to a career in software development.

Caroline Gruber,

Bianca Grunbaum, Whitefish BayHigh School

Whitefish Bay High School Caroline is a Senior at Whitefish Bay High School and is an AP Scholar, Co-Captain of the Science Club, founder of the Junior Robotics team, and serves on the Principal’s Advisory Committee. Caroline has worked as a Teacher’s Assistant for a Cybersecurity Course at Marquette University, and was selected as an intern for The Commons and MKE Tech. She has high aspirations to continue her college studies in the areas of Biology and Computer Science. Caroline has earned the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award for serving her community and dedicating her time to helping disadvantaged youth.

Outside of STEM, she is a US Figure Skating Triple Gold Medalist and on an international synchronized skating team competing as TEAM USA in Salzburg, Austria.

She/her Bianca is a sophomore at Whitefish Bay High School. She became involved with coding as a middle schooler through UW-Milwaukee’s Girls Who Code Chapter, where she learned HTML and Python. Bianca is currently taking AP Computer Science Principles and looks forward to expanding her knowledge with more computing classes, such as AP Computer Science Java. Beyond computer science, Bianca is a member of the Mock Trial team where she applies critical thinking skills as a courtroom lawyer, and is also an active member of the Girls Golf Team. Bianca is passionate about behavioral science and would love to have a career that merges both Computer Science and Psychology to make a positive impact on the world.

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WISCONSIN AFFILIATE WINNERS Kelsey Gunderson,

Janesville Parker High School

She/her

She/her

Kelsey is a sophomore at Janesville Parker. She has always been interested in technology and video games, but did not discover computer science until a few years ago. Kelsey has enjoyed and excelled in math for years, which led to her decision in taking Parker’s programming class this year. She plans on taking more computer science classes throughout her high school career and carrying that into her college education. Kelsey hopes to pursue a career in computer science or another form of technology.

Paige, a senior, is involved in Cross Country, Track, Robotics, Forensics, Drama, Girl Scouts, and is a member of the National Honor Society. Engineering, science, and math have been her primary interests since middle school science. She continues to take engineering and CAD courses to expand upon her knowledge of engineering and technology, and participates in BotsIQ and Roboriot Team 3418 as part of the CAD sub-team.

Paige has learned programs such as AutoCad and SolidWorks, and has earned her CSWA certification. Paige attended ProCSI 2019 at UW-Madison, Advanced Space Academy 2021 at the NASA Space and Rocket Center, and has earned her Girl Scout Gold Award. She plans to attend the University of Wisconsin Platteville in the fall and major in Mechanical Engineering.

Jannatul Hakim,

Anna Harris, Whitefish Bay High School

New Berlin West Middle/High School

She/her Jannatul is a senior at New Berlin West High School. Upon entering high school, Jannatul took several Computer Science classes such as Computer Programming, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science A, Web Development, and Game Design. Exploring Computer Science was fun for Jannatul. Learning about different aspects of Computer Science made Jannatul more passionate about it. In the beginning, her experience was foreign but familiar, challenging but fascinating. With hard work, dedication, and refusing to give up, programming became Jannatul’s favorite thing to do. When she programs, she becomes complete. Programming showed her that she can have an impact and change the world. Jannatul hopes to use her skills to have a positive impact on the world.

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Paige Guttmann, Sheboygan Falls High School

She/they Anna is a senior at Whitefish Bay High School. They were introduced to computer science in elementary school with simple programming apps that could make games and animations. In Middle School they took the maximum 4 years of Girls Who Code, learning HTML, Java, and some CSS. This also introduced them to a variety of different applications of computer science, with everything from elevators, to music, to virtual reality. This interest has persisted into high school, where they have taken several engineering courses, as well as an independent study to explore JavaScript more in depth. They are planning to pursue computer science and its application to accessibility and environmentalism at Case Western Reserve University

Lily Kriegel, Whitefish Bay High School

Madison Krohn,

She/her

She/her

Lily is a 10th grader with a desire to explore the medical field and develop innovative diagnostic tools and treatment processes. She is currently taking AP Computer Science Principles, is a HOSA chapter officer at her school, and volunteers on weekends at St. Luke’s Medical Center as a laboratory runner. She is also a competitive distance runner for her school’s cross country and track team. Lily plans to attend a science-focused university and then apply to an MD/PhD program while gaining additional engineering and coding skills to go along with her medical training. Lily believes this training will allow her to blend her interests in art/design, coding, and science to make innovations in medical imaging.

Madison is a senior at Franklin High School, and is planning on pursuing a career in information technology.

She will be attending college this fall pursuing a degree in the technology field. Madison is interested in Data Analytics, Cyber Security, and general Information Technology. She is especially proud of her participation in the Girls Who Code program, and in her summer technology internship at Northwestern Mutual. Madison is the co-president of her school’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) team which qualified to compete at the state competition.

Franklin High School

WISCONSIN AFFILIATE WINNERS Sydney Kuhnz,

New Berlin Eisenhower Middle/High School

She/her Sydney, a sophomore at New Berlin Eisenhower, has high aspirations to continue her computing career.

The involvement of technology throughout her life is what inspired her to take the Elective Wheel. It was in this course that Sydney found her passion for code and the computing world. Now, Sydney busies herself with multiple computer science courses including Web Development, Game Design, AP Computer Science principles, and recently AP Computer Science A. Sydney would like to dedicate her time into making the computing world better, even if it’s only a tiny amount.

Closing the digital divide, adding diversity to the field, and spreading her love of coding is what she aspires to continue accomplishin

Genevieve Mallin, Waunakee High School

Alex Lange, Mukwonago High School She/her

Alex is a junior in high school who likes to make a positive difference. She enjoys computer programming, dance, and volunteering. Alex has been part of several clubs and sports including Student Government, Varsity Dance, IT Academy, Global Certificate, SAVE, National Honors Society, Key Club, and International Club. She took Intro to Computer Programming as a freshman which focused on Python. Last year she took Graphic Design I and is taking Web Design I this year. Alex plans to continue computer classes through the IT Academy.

She hopes to become an app/website designer or a computer programmer and plans on attending college. Alex is someone who people go to for advice on technology. She is willing to help and loves to solve problems. Her favorite computer projects include coding, designing, and debugging/solving problems.

Claire Martino,

She/her

New Berlin Eisenhower Middle/High School

Genevieve, a junior, first explored computing and technology in her middle school’s coding club. She has taken classes in computational thinking, game design, and programming in Java. Genevieve intends to take an IT class and AP Computer Science A her senior year. She aspires to pursue a career in music technology. Outside of school, Genevieve enjoys learning to use music composition software, digital audio workstations, and recording technology. After she graduates high school, Genevieve plans to attend college and enter a field of study that combines her passion for technology with her love of music.

Claire is currently a Senior at New Berlin Eisenhower. She is the Senior Co-President of her school’s Student Union and the Vice President of the DECA chapter. She is also a member of her school’s National Honors Society. Claire’s greatest technical achievement has been this past summer when she was part of the MKE Tech Talent Accelerator Program. Here she was able to explore data and artificial intelligence at real companies in the Milwaukee area. She plans to major in Mathematics and/or Statistics in college next year, with a focus on Actuarial Sciences.

In her free time, Claire enjoys spending time baking and hanging out with friends.

Jenny Moua,

Einthiri Mudili, University School of Milwaukee

Hmong American Peace Academy

She/her Jenny is a diligent and hardworking scholar. She has a passion for coding and uses her skills to program simple applications. She discovered this passion when she took AP Computer Science Principles and experimented with blockcoding to program different apps. Hoping to develop her knowledge and skills further, Jenny is currently taking AP Computer Science A. Here, she is learning how to code in Java and has learned about the different methods, classes, and objects she can utilize to create different programs.

After high school, Jenny intends to attend a university to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. With this degree, she will pursue a career in software development.

She/her Einthiri, a Junior at University School of Milwaukee, explored entrepreneurship and recognized the essentiality of technology in the field. To expand her coding ability, she took classes with a Northwestern Mutual software engineer and is currently enrolled in AP Computer Science A. She spends her free time developing technological product ideas for entrepreneurship competitions, including a touch sensor installed on the power button of a car to measure Blood Alcohol Content, and a micro-patch that aids those suffering from heat strokes. For her freshman year science fair project, she used computer software to model the obstruction of the proteins involved in Alzheimer’s disease. Einthiri hopes to continue using technology to create a positive influence in the business and medical fields.

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WISCONSIN AFFILIATE WINNERS Juliana Napoleon, Cedarburg High School

Vera Obrknez, Oak Creek High School

She/her

She/her

Juliana is a senior at Cedarburg High School. She plays on the Varsity Volleyball Team and is on the school Math Team.

She has always been interested in STEAM related courses, but was just introduced to computer science last year when taking AP Computer Science Principles. Juliana immediately loved the challenge and endless possibilities that computer science brings. She decided to take App Development the first semester of senior year and is currently taking Game Design. Her long-term computer science goals include trying out new, useful coding techniques along with experience in different platforms. She is planning on double majoring in computer science and art next year in the university setting.

Vera is a junior at Oak Creek High School. She has little computer accomplishments, but is indubitably proud of her Microsoft Office Specialist certifications in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and hopes to become a certified expert. She also hopes to achieve certified expert in Access and Outlook next semester. Vera runs her school store’s website independently, and is IT Manager for the school based enterprise. Vera is enrolled in AP Computer Science Principles, and enjoys learning the back-end side of everyday actions you would otherwise forget about. She aspires to take AP Computer Science A next year. Vera hopes to attend the University of Toronto to study Computer Science. She is an ambitious learner, ready to learn CSS, Python, and Java and envisions herself working as a full stack developer.

Divya Pandey,

University School of Milwaukee

Keerthi Peddinti, Middleton High School

Divya, a senior at the University School of Milwaukee, has played chess her entire life and represented the US Chess Team. Whenever she reviewed her games with her chess coaches, she was deeply fascinated by the complexity of the chess engines. The coding behind the engine captivated Divya. In 6th grade, Divya had her first exposure to coding through Mindstorm bots. Divya took AP Computer Science as a sophomore, and took CSP her junior year. Now she is taking AP Physics C. As Divya furthered her knowledge in Computer Science, she founded a club for girls in STEM and coded a game for her science fair project. In the future, Divya plans on pursuing genetic engineering, combining her passions of technology and biology.

Keerthi, a junior, is really curious about the wonders and advancements the future holds. She is planning to major in Biomedical Engineering and wants to bring a change in society regarding technology and health sciences. Keerthi also is part of CODE-CS, where she helps minors from grades 5-8 code using Python. Talking to the students also helped her gain more knowledge about STEM and how it connects to the different aspects of professional development. She is also planning on learning another Python coding language.

Keerthi is passionate about making a difference with technology in the healthcare industry creating an effective solution to future conflicts.

MacKenzie Petersen,

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She/her

University School of Milwaukee

Carly Plate,

She/her

She/her

Mackenzie is a student at University School of Milwaukee who has an immense interest in STEM. She has participated on her school’s FTC and FRC team for over 5 years. She was nominated to junior captain of her FRC team last year, and became captain of her FRC team this year. To help curb negative influences within society and encourage girls to become interested in STEM, she helped start a Women in STEM club at her school. Mackenzie is head of the outreach subgroup on her team, where she works with organizations like Operation Dream to bring STEM to kids who otherwise might not have access.

Additionally, in an effort to become a more well-rounded member of her robotics team and increase her knowledge of computing, she took AP Computer Science Principles.

Carly, Junior at Brookfield Central High School, has always been interested in technology. She was introduced to robotics and coding as early as elementary school, by her father and her school. Later, Carly taught herself how to code in Python, JavaScript, Java and a small amount of C++. Recently, she has taken various classes to expand her horizons in technology and computing such as AP Computer Science A. She is taking a class called LAUNCH Engineering Foundations, that teaches about various forms of engineering and computing, and helps students build their professional skill sets. Carly enjoys different forms of mechanical and electrical engineering but is most interested in computer science. She hopes to use technology to automate dangerous or time-consuming tasks and wants to continue studying electrical engineering and computer science.

Brookfield Central High School

WISCONSIN AFFILIATE WINNERS Kayla Sanders,

Nithila Sivapunniyam,

New Berlin Eisenhower Middle/High School

New Berlin Eisenhower Middle/High School

She/her

She/her

Kayla is a senior attending New Berlin Eisenhower High School. Kayla has always had a great passion for math and science, and she first became interested in computer science when she took the “PLTW Wheel” course, which combined computer programming, engineering, and graphic design. Last summer, she taught herself Java so that she could take AP Computer Science A this school year, which she greatly enjoys. Kayla has a passion for music, being drum major and playing clarinet in her school band. She is also a member of HOSA and NHS and was recently named a National Merit Scholar Finalist. Kayla plans on studying Computer Science and Mathematics in college and would love to have a career applying her computer science skills to healthcare innovations.

Nithila is currently a senior at New Berlin Eisenhower. She places great emphasis on STEM in her life, seen in her avid participation in computer science courses at her school.

Additionally, Nithila was a student mentor for middle schoolers at Eisenhower in Future City. Computing is a big part of her STEM focus. Currently, Nithila is taking computing and modeling classes at UW-Milwaukee. Next year, she is planning to go to UW-Madison, majoring in data science with the hope of going into NLP research in the future.

Avanthika Senthil Kumar, Menomonee Falls High School

She/her

Avanthika is a junior at Menomonee Falls High School.

She discovered her passion for computer science in middle school when she took an introductory computer science course. Since then, she has furthered her knowledge through taking computing classes and attending summer camps. Recently, Avanthika started working as an intern at the Social and Ethical Computing Lab at Marquette University, creating algorithms for web - scraping online forums for research on women postpartum health. She also has a job as a coding instructor, where she teaches coding skills to kids.

Avanthika plans to major in a computer science related field in college.

Charlotte Simmons,

Janesville Parker High School

She/her Charlotte (Charlie) Simmons is a sophomore at Janesville Parker. She loves to collaborate and problemsolve with her peers to learn and grow. Charlie loves school, but her favorite courses are math, science, and computer science. Outside of school, she played varsity soccer, varsity basketball, junior varsity, and club volleyball. This year Charlie has participated as an SLC (Student Leadership Council) member, a Deca member, and participated in her school’s AP Computer Science course. This year and last she has won the Wisconsin Regional Affiliate. As a sophomore, she looks forward to learning new ways to serve the Viking Community.

Mary Stroebel,

Cedarburg High School

She/her Mary is a Sophomore attending Cedarburg High School.

Mary was introduced to STEM at a very young age, due to her multiple older siblings pursuing careers in STEM fields.

She currently takes AP Computer Science Principles. Mary is a Sophomore class representative on CHS’s Student Council, and is a member of the varsity basketball team and varsity soccer team. She is also a member of Math Team, serves as vice president of Spanish Club, and volunteers weekly with Coding Club at the local middle school to help middle school students learn how to code. Mary is interested in pursuing a STEM degree while also being a collegiate student athlete.

Kayla Suhr,

Cedarburg High School

They/them Kayla would like to acknowledge her involvement in FRC 3197 - Cedarburg High School’s robotics team - for her passion in STEM and computer science. The FIRST Robotics Competition inspired her to pick a career path related to STEM. Through her involvement, Kayla stepped out of her comfort zone, found interests in coding and design, developed skills as a leader and role model, and discovered her love for public speaking.

Kayla is most proud of her wildlife organization, cleverly titled Urchin for Change, which she founded in early 2019.

The organization’s goal is to educate communities on the significance of garbage in the ocean. Kayla hopes to grow the organization with a website and online store later this year, where she will donate the majority of proceeds to a variety of marine protection organizations. In the future, Kayla looks forward to attending a four-year university with a major in either mechanical or robotics engineering, and a minor in computer science.

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WISCONSIN AFFILIATE WINNERS Emily Thao,

Hmong American Peace Academy

She/her

Emily, a senior at Hmong American Peace Academy (HAPA), is studying AP Computer Science A at HAPA and Calculus II at Mount Mary University. She is interning for an actuarial internship where she is advancing her skills in Microsoft Excel and learning the programming language, R. She plans to double major in computer science and mathematics because she enjoys the challenge of CS and complexity of calculus. Emily’s greatest accomplishments involve her community, advocating for the environment and tutoring peers during her free periods. She hopes to expand her involvement through education, providing opportunities for minority groups in the STEM/STEAM field.

Susan Thao,

Hmong American Peace Academy

She/her Susan attends the Hmong American Peace Academy (HAPA). She has taken all of the computer programming courses available at HAPA and has expanded her involvement in technology with Girls Who Code. She was employed as a technology intern at Northwestern Mutual, where she gained additional skills in JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Susan is passionate about community service, regularly volunteering at public libraries and within her school. Though undecided for college, she seeks to blend her interests in computer science and advocacy to positively impact society.

Altoona High School

She/her

Alyssa, a senior at Altoona High School, will be attending Michigan Technological University this fall. Her plans include earning a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity with hopes of a career in ethical hacking. In addition to strong aspirations in computer science, she is a talented musician with 12 years of experience playing piano. Alyssa looks forward to using her talents and academic skills to serve others and God.

Augustina Voith,

Ronald Reagan High School

She/her Tina, a creative artist, won first place for a political commentary short comic and was an AiC honorable mention in 2020. She can code in Python, Java, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and attended Girls Who Code events.

Her experimentation with many art mediums evolved to include coding. Tina enjoys analyzing games to discover how the story, characters, and setting interact to create an immersive experience. She hopes these interests will lead to a career in games design or software engineering. Tina studied college-level art and plans to attend the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and Marquette. She is excited for new opportunities to expand her understanding of computer science and art.

Madison Elle Tongco,

Kendall Witt,

She/her

She/her

Lakeview Technology Academy

Madi, a sophomore at Lakeview Technology, belongs to the math and environmental clubs. She started a women empowerment club to create a safe and inclusive environment at her school. She enjoys running and playing the piano, and is a huge sports fan. Madi hopes to attend a four-year college and earn a graduate degree in a STEM field, later doing research at a university. She would like to use computer science and artificial intelligence to help doctors diagnose and treat patients. Her favorite math theorem is the Chicken McNugget Theorem.

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Alyssa van Gorkom,

New Berlin Eisenhower Middle/High School Kendall, a junior at New Berlin Eisenhower Middle High School, started her computer science journey in seventh grade and has since taken numerous classes, including Computer Programming and AP Computer Science A. She is a multi-sport varsity athlete heavily involved in school activities, such as DECA and National Honor Society. Kendall is considering pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering along with a minor in Spanish. She looks forward to using computer science in the future and encouraging more girls to pursue careers in the STEM field.

WISCONSIN AFFILIATE WINNERS Aubrey Woodrow, Kimberly High School

She/her Aubrey, a sophomore at Kimberly, has loved computer science since elementary school and has participated in a wide variety of computer science activities. Her coursework has included AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A and classes on game design, Lego Robotics, and Adafruit circuit boards. She is proficient in both Java and JavaScript and she plans to learn about additional programming languages. Aubrey enjoys computer science for its integration of problem solving, creativity, and critical thinking. She plans to attend a four year university majoring in computer science or biology and wants to pursue a career in a field with intersections of the two.

Amelia Worden,

Waukesha North High School

She/her

Amelia, a junior at Waukesha North, completed several computer science classes, including Programming for the Web 1, App Development 1, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science A, and Web Development 2. She was invited to lead and present for a group of educators on coding principles. Amelia enjoys all forms of technology including virtual reality and 3D printing & design.

She plans to attend a 4-year university to study computer science and application development.

Cara Wreen,

Bay Port High School

She/her

Cara enjoys computer science, specifically mobile app and software development. She especially enjoys learning more about computer science through classes, summer camps, hackathons, and self-directed learning opportunities. Cara wants to attend college to study software design. She’s interested in software applications that help students of all ages access the resources they need, as well as a planner system that reminds students to complete their school work.

Hannah Zietlow,

Cedarburg High School

She/her Hannah, a junior at Cedarburg, was encouraged by her math teacher to explore coding and computer science classes. She has taken text-based coding courses, AP Computer Science Principles, and AP Computer Science A. She has experience in Java and JavaScript and plans to take a game design class and learn to code with Python. She is involved in her school’s coding club, marching band, and jazz ensemble.

Her goals include learning more about AI, additional computer languages, and game design. She is interested in a career in computer science.

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HONORABLE MENTION Brooke Bazeley,

Tori Bogenschutz,

She/her

She/her

Brooke is a junior at Whitewater. Her love for computers began in 8th grade while learning Scratch. Her current classes include Programming 1, Programming 2, and Web Design. Next year, she is planning to take AP Computer Science and continue learning Java. Brooke is a programmer on the Whitewater Robotics team 6574. After high school, she plans to earn a computer science degree and become a software developer. She is captain of the Whitewater swim team, a leader in the school Kindness Club, and enjoys competitive water skiing, .

Tori, a junior at Cedarburg, became interested in computer science when she took AP Computer Science Principles during her sophomore year. She is a member of the Student Council, as well as the Student Athlete Leadership Club. Tori competes in the varsity swim and dive team and the ski team. She plans to attend a four-year college but she has not yet decided on a major. She is currently thinking about a career in the medical field, but her plans might change as she progresses through high school and experiences new classes.

Abena Benewaah,

Tess Bruett,

She/her

She/her

Abena, a freshman at New Berlin West, has been interested in computer science for three years. She took a computer programming class this year and plans to take AP Computer Science A next year. She is very passionate about attending college and having a career in computer science. She will be the first woman in her family to study computer science and is determined to work hard to become a role model and make her family and teachers proud.

She is involved with the Student Ambassador Leadership Union at her school.

Tess is a junior at Whitefish Bay High School and is involved in Girls Who Code, Mock Trial, Model UN, Varsity Swimming, and Spanish Club. Tess is also a part of Camp Minikani’s leadership training program for aspiring summer camp counselors. Tess didn’t discover her passion for computer science until her sophomore year when she took AP Computer Science Principles. She was a part of her school’s mock trial team that competed at the state level this year. Tess would like to combine her interest in computers and mock trial, and double major in computer science and public policy. Outside of school, Tess plays piano, tutors, and works at Mathnasium.

Whitewater High School

New Berlin West Middle/High School

Cedarburg High School

Whitefish Bay High School

Evelyn Cady, Sheba Bentum-Mensah, Homestead High School

She/her

Sheba is a sophomore at Homestead. She is extremely hard working and has a 4.4 GPA. She discovered her interest in the media and technology during a Multimedia 1 class. In the future, Sheba hopes that she can spread positivity and awareness of world problems in order to help make the world a better place. .

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New Berlin Eisenhower Middle/High School

She/her

Evelyn fell in love with computer science during a computer programming course in her freshman year.

She took classes on artificial intelligence and big data during the summer through Milwaukee Tech Talent. Currently, she is taking AP Computer Science A. Evelyn is proud of her accomplishment to create a program to score dive meets to replace the inefficient process of recording scores by hand used previously for school meets. She hopes to double major in computer science and psychology because the ability to model human thinking and behaviors with a computer fascinates her.

HONORABLE MENTION Siena Carli,

Viannys Colon,

She/they

She/her

Cedarburg High School

Siena is a freshman at Cedarburg. Her interest in coding started in 3rd grade while making a character jump using a block-based coding program. In middle school, Siena attended Girls Who Code events and took various Project Lead The Way and robotics classes. Siena is currently exploring JavaScript in AP Computer Science Principles and is planning for classes in physical computing, app development, and cybersecurity in anticipation of majoring in computer science in college. Siena is a member of Bridge Builders and Girl Scouts of America and aspires to make coding more inclusive. When not coding, Siena is an accomplished pianist, member of the Milwaukee Rowing Club, and active in Stage/Run Crew for her school theater.

Aurora Carlson,

Janesville Craig High School

She/her

Aurora was a member of a young women’s team that won a regional middle school STEM Forward Rube Goldberg competition. Her other accomplishments include success in a Wordmasters competition and placing second in the Modern Woodmen School Speech Contest at the district level. In college she plans to focus on mental health or art and incorporate programming and other technologies to advance her education. Aurora would like to discover how programming, drawing, and other more unusual forms of processing information can affect mental abilities.

Abigail Chen,

Cedarburg High School

She/her

Abigail, a sophomore at Cedarburg, has participated in the FIRST Robotics program since 6th grade and competes on the First Robotics Competition team, the Hexhounds. She is currently taking AP Computer Science A and is applying to take Data Structures COSC 2100 at Marquette University next year. Abigail loves to play music, participating in the CHS jazz band as the pianist. She enjoys her coding classes and hopes to achieve and learn more in the future.

Ronald Reagan High School

Viannys’ passion for computer science started as a child when she played video games and used websites. She would always wonder how the action of the game was possible. Or how the website followed her every order or guessed her favorite color? In school, she took a Project Lead The Way class and loved that she could use computer science and her creativity to shape her builds. She used MIT App inventor and discovered that with computer science she doesn’t need to be an artist to create something she could be proud of.

Vivian Dinh,

New Berlin West Middle/High School

She/her Vivian, a freshman at New Berlin West, is a passionate computer science student. She is currently taking AP Computer Science Principles and plans to take all of the computer science courses her school offers, including AP Computer Science Applications. She enjoys HTML/CSS, Python, and Java, and has taken dual-credit Python classes at Waukesha County Technical College. Vivian competes on the Academic Decathlon team and attended the DECA International Career Development Conference. She participates in student government, Yearbook Club, Math Honors’ Society, International Club, and Art Club. She looks forward to contributing to the advancement of technology in her future.

Rossi Doyle,

Whitefish Bay High School

She/her Rossi, a senior at Whitefish Bay, will be majoring in computer science at MSOE this fall. She participated in many coding camps as a younger child and loved making her own games. She took AP Computer Science Principles and AP Java in high school and volunteered to help a middle school with Hour of Code Day activities. Rossi participated in Next Gen Robotics and enjoyed building a robot from scratch. Rossi loves problem solving and working with others, especially helping kids who are new to coding.

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HONORABLE MENTION Julia Gergens,

Elizabeth Haynes,

She/her

They/them

Julia’s greatest accomplishments include academic excellence throughout all of her educational career. Her greatest technical accomplishment was creating apps in AP Computer Science Principles. She created interactive apps including an app about finding the perfect cat for you, and an app giving Olympic games information to a user based on their input. Her app helped her achieve a five on the AP Computer Science Principles exam. In the future, she will be attending college and studying either nursing or criminal sciences. In nursing, she hopes to use computer science to provide efficient healthcare treatment. Computer science will also aid her in providing pediatric patients with age appropriate programs to help them understand their health complications.

Liz, a junior at Parker High School, discovered a passion for computer science after a career day in 8th grade. They learned how to code JavaScript after taking AP Computer Science Java in their sophomore year of high school.

They passed the AP computer science exam with a 3 in 2020. They are currently taking AP Computer Science Java AB through their school’s PIE program and looking to learn how to better code with JavaScript through Data Structures. They are a member of their school’s computer club and have participated in a few competitions, both as a competitor and a volunteer time-keeper. They plan to go to college to major in computer science, and minor in their other passions, art and music, to learn how to fix world issues through coding.

Shreya Gupta,

Gracie Hilker,

She/her

She/her

Cedarburg High School

Menomonee Falls High School

Shreya, a senior at Menomonee Falls HS, started to take interest in computing during her first computer science class in high school. She really enjoyed the process of coding and getting her projects to work, so she continued taking computer science classes.

Last year she made a local website from scratch using Java and HTML. Currently, she and her friend are developing a mobile app from scratch using Java and React Native. Both of these projects made her realize that she wants to make this passion into a career. As seen during the pandemic, virtual communication and protecting big data has become more important.

She wants to increase her skills so she can improve ways of communication and/or protect big data.

Hannah Havel,

Kimberly High School

She/her

Hannah has always had a passion and infatuation with technology. Since she has entered high school, she planned to obtain a career in computer science. She is currently a senior at Kimberly High School. She has taken Robotics and will be taking AP Computer Science Principles next semester. She is also certified in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, and Excel, making her a Microsoft Office Specialist.Her dream is to attend UW Madison or Northern Illinois for college to study software development or engineering. She hopes to seize research opportunities wherever she decides to go and take part in extracurriculars to further her involvement in the community of computer science.

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Janesville Parker High School

Janesville Parker High School Gracie is a Junior at Parker high school. She is taking her second computer programming class but also enjoys many art classes. She hopes to find some way of integrating both interests into her career in the future. She was inspired to get involved in STEM when she was on her elementary school’s first Lego robotics team and began learning basic coding principles with Code.org. This interest dwindled for a few years but she recently got back into coding when she was inspired again by seeing people both real and fictional that did amazing things with technology.

Abigail Horwitz,

Homestead High School

She/her Abigail is a junior at Homestead HS. She is heavily involved in her community and spends most of her time advocating for climate and reproductive-related reforms. Activism is highly important to her and she wishes to create change by utilizing technology. Being a young female so fascinated by STEM, she feels a responsibility to spread her love to other girls who deserve the same opportunities she has received.

In college, she hopes to study engineering with a focus on genetics and the ethics surrounding it. After college, she plans on attending law school and hopes to become a politician advocating for social justice.

Her plan is to use computing and technology to revolutionize the way we think about our planet.

HONORABLE MENTION Poetry Howell, Port Washington High School

Kiana Jahnke, Merrill High School

They/Them

She/Her

Poetry, a sophomore at Port Washington High School, has been in love with computer science since their very first programming class in summer school. From there, they’ve completed several classes learning JavaScript and Python, as well as a brief semester using HTML. They hope to continue taking classes on Computer Science to learn more concepts from different coding languages to cybersecurity.

In the future, they hope to go to college to study more about the different aspects of computer science, and then get a job working in the field of technology.

Kiana is a Senior at Merrill High School in Merrill, WI. Kiana has a natural talent for art across many mediums, and she is passionate about ways to incorporate her art into coding technology. Programs offered at her high school have given her the opportunity to learn about numerous STEM fields that she can pursue in the future as she moves forward beyond High School. Kiana has dreams of creating video games and apps that allow her to intertwine her artistic and technological passions.

Yanna Keohane Middleton High School

Monisha Khosla, Brookfield Academy

She/Her

She/Her

Yanna is a Junior in high school who has a passionate interest in technology. She has taken various computer classes at her high school such as AP Computer Programming, AP Computer Science Principles, and many more. She is currently doing an IT Apprenticeship through her high school where she works at their school’s Helpdesk fixing students’ broken computers. Yanna is also the President of a school club called CODE CS. CODE CS is a club designed to help diversify and spread awareness about minorities in STEM and teach Middle School students without the opportunity to learn how to code. In the future, she wants to attend a 4-year college majoring in something Computer Science-related.

Monisha(Mona) is a Junior in high school at Brookfield Academy. Mona undertook research on AI and Ethics in her Freshman year and was fascinated by the debate around the data and AI field. In her sophomore year, she formed and led a team to a first-place win at a regional level pitch competition. She showcased how you can use technology to make healthcare more accessible to the elderly population.

This project also took second place at the State Young Entrepreneurial Society annual competition. This experience awarded her an internship at a Fortune 100 company and this whole experience sealed her passion for Business and Technology. Mona enjoys Volleyball, Mock Trial, and Latin club at her school.

Lauren Knudsen, Oconomowoc High School

Olivia Kurth,

She/Her

New Berlin Eisenhower Middle/High School

Lauren, a Junior at Oconomowoc High School, has been a computer science student for 2 years. She first discovered her love for coding in a Coding Club she was a part of during elementary school. Lauren is taking AP Computer Science A and is a Tech Intern at Oconomowoc. She is working on earning her IT Specialist Certification and plans on pursuing a career in either Cyber Security or Software Engineering. In the future, Lauren would like to help increase the number of women in STEM fields by encouraging others to pursue their interests in all STEM related areas.

Olivia is a Junior at New Berlin Eisenhower. She became interested in code after taking several coding programs through GEMS and Girls Who Code. Olivia became especially invested after taking the Computer Programming section of the Elective Wheel in 7th grade.

She enjoys being able to create programs that you can interact with and the feeling you get when you finally finish debugging a program. Olivia plans on further pursuing this field in college.

She/Her

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HONORABLE MENTION Margaret Lehman,

Wauwatosa West High School

She/Her

Margaret is a computer science student at Wauwatosa West High School. She decided to take her first computer course as a freshman because coding was something that always seemed like a cool skill. Since then, she has learned and loved the problem-solving, teamwork, and logical thinking that is required when coding. She is currently enrolled in AP Computer Science Principles and is the only girl in her class. In the future, she would love to see more women not only in this field, but all STEM fields. She is interested in learning and seeing advancements in technology that are centered around advancing healthcare and more specifically, women’s health.

Anna Levy, Cedarburg High School She/Her

Anna, a sophomore at Cedarburg High School, was encouraged to get involved in computer science by her sister in college. Anna quickly developed a strong passion for it with her block based and text based programming classes. Next year she plans to take AP Computer Science Principles and continue enhancing her coding skills. Each week Anna volunteers at the elementary schools in her district to share her computer enthusiasm and skills by helping young students learn about computer science. Anna plans to attend a 4 year college where she would like to major in the health field, while incorporating computer science in her studies. Anna’s goals in coding are to expand her creativity and logical thinking, and improve her problem solving skills.

Grace Machata,

Cedarburg High School Grace is a freshman in high school who just took her first coding class, A.P. Computer Principles. She is also involved in the FRC Robotics team, 3197. She loves to be involved because it gives her the opportunity to problem solve while having fun. Other hobbies of hers include playing the piano (10 years), baking, and softball. She hopes to become a mechanical engineer, or run a business to help the world become a better place.

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Avery Leigh, Sauk Prairie High School She/Her Avery, a senior at Sauk Prairie, has always had a passion for STEM fields. She has taken a variety of science classes, but found one missing from her schedule: computer science.

She decided to take AP Computer Science Principles to remediate this gap and is currently enrolled in the class.

She has excelled in the class, despite being the only girl.

Avery has enjoyed the creative aspects of computer science, as well as the opportunity to expand her problem solving skills. Currently, Avery plans to continue her education in the STEM fields and will definitely be taking another computer science class in college.

Claire Lodermeier,

New Berlin Eisenhower Middle/High School

She/Her

Claire is a motivated and hard-working student, athlete, and member of her community. In high school, she takes pride in her ability to maintain impressive academic performance while continuing to pursue hobbies like sports, art, and cooking. She takes an interest in computer science at school and hopes to pursue this as a career.

Ultimately, she envisions herself working in the San Francisco bay area after graduating from college with a CS degree. As the movement for women in the tech industry grows, she aspires to stand out as a leader by doing innovative and valuable work, and to inspire others to follow.

Mahika Mahapatra,

Wauwatosa West High School

She/Her Mahika is a freshman at Wauwatosa West High School.

She is currently in a Computer Science class where she enjoys learning and tinkering with different types of code.

She plans to enroll in more coding and computer science classes next year. In the future, Mahika wants to work with technology.

HONORABLE MENTION Azara Mason, University School of Milwaukee

Manita Mahapatra,

Wauwatosa West High School

She/Her

She/Her

Azara Mason is a sophomore at the University School of Milwaukee.

Many of her high school activities have centered around sports. In addition to service activities related to sports, Azara has pursued research related to gender differences in sport performance. In doing so, she has learned the value of being very skilled at creating and using big databases to learn more about any given topic. In addition, she has learned how predictive analytics can be used to help better understand sports performance. Azara’s strong belief that exercise benefits the mental health of children has led her to pursue this passion in the future. She hopes to combine her interest in computer sciences with her interest in expanding access to sports to less-resourced communities.

Manita is a freshman at Wauwatosa West High School.

Currently she is taking an Exploring Computer Science class and enjoys the problem solving aspect of it. She looks forward to taking more computer science classes in the future.

Anna Meuler, Cedarburg High School

Cinthia Meza, Ronald Reagan High School

She/Her

She/Her

Anna, a freshman at Cedarburg High School, was presented an honorable mention award by NCWIT. She was first introduced to coding in 5th grade when the high school coding club came to her elementary school to run a coding class. Since then, she has participated in various Hour of Code activities. She also completed AP Computer Science Principles last year and is currently taking AP Computer Science A. Anna is involved in school activities such as the swim and dive team, the drama club, best buddies, and is a member of the student council. One of her goals for the future is to go to college to major in either nursing or computer science.

Cinthia is a first-generation senior at Ronald Reagan International Baccalaureate High School. She has always had an eye for science ever since she was a little girl. During her junior and senior year she decided to take on computer science and immediately fell in love with programming.

Ever since then she has been working hard to expand her knowledge of coding. Cinthia plans on attending University Wisconsin- Milwaukee next year, to achieve a bachelor’s degree in computer science. She has made it her mission to become a great representation of Mexican women while working in the STEM community as a computer scientist and encourage diversity throughout the work field.

Alexandra Mueller,

Brookfield Central High School

She/Her

Alexandra Mueller is an aspiring professional artist and a senior in high school. When Alex was in sixth grade, she started to draw avidly. Little did she know that this passion would take her into her senior year and beyond! Each day, Alex becomes a stronger artist, learning new techniques and skills to make her art even better. She recently completed her college portfolio, and loves participating in competitions. Alex is very passionate about Digital Animation and has decided to major in it in college.

There is nothing more exciting to her than knowing she has the special ability to make her art come to life through movement, pencil, and technology.

Reagan Pahl, Cedarburg High School She/Her

Reagan Pahl is currently a Junior at Cedarburg High School.

She has taken three computer science courses in high school and plans to take one more next year. When not in school, she spends most of my time playing basketball and spending time with my friends and family. She is still undecided on what she will study in college, but would be interested in minoring in computer science.

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HONORABLE MENTION Mya Passler,

Waukesha North High School Mya, a junior at Waukesha North HS, participates in the Ecology Club, Key Club, International Club, and is a member of the varsity tennis team. Mya has been interested in computer science since attending a summer programming camp at a nearby college.

Mya has completed multiple computer science courses including Digital Technologies, App Development, Web Development, and JAVA programming. They are currently in AP Computer Science Principles and plan to take AP Computer Science A and Programming for the Web their senior year. After high school, Mya plans to attend a 4-year university and major in computer science and is looking forward to a career in computer programming or web development.

Hortonville High School

She/Her Kaley is someone who found her love for technology in the seventh grade. She joined Girls Who Code and in high school she continued to be active in that community by helping mentor. She values mentoring because she loves helping others and is always grateful for the experience.

Her greatest technical accomplishment, along with her work in Girls Who Code, is taking the AP Computer Science Principles exam and earning a 4. Kaley plans to go to college after she finishes high school and majoring in medical-related studies or cybersecurity, which requires a lot of work with technology every day.

Holly Raetz

Xirui Ren,

New Berlin West Middle/High School

Waunakee High School

She/Her

She/Her

Holly, a sophomore at New Berlin West High School, has been interested and involved in coding since 4th grade and is looking forward to expanding her knowledge in this field. She is following the career pathway of computing and technology because as seemingly limitless amounts of technology are introduced, it excites her to be a part of that ever-changing horizon, with multiple opportunities of specialization. She has taken multiple computer science classes during middle school and high school with an excellent instructor, who has inspired her greatly. She is looking forward to the class Data Structures next year and joining some related clubs. She also enjoys playing trumpet in Symphonic, Pep, and Marching Band.

Xirui, a senior at Waunakee, wrote her first code when she was a freshman and won third place in the Oklahoma Business Professionals of America C++ programming competition when she was a Junior. She is interested in computing and technology because of her father, a University teacher who teaches computer science. The first programming language she touched was C++, then she learned Python and Java through her junior and senior years. She enjoys solving problems by using code and exploring every new knowledge she learns. Xirui plans to attend a university majoring in computer science and artificial intelligence after high school in pursuit of her goal to be a computer scientist in the future.

Breanna Rollmann,

Eva Schroeder,

She/Her

She/Her

New Berlin West Middle/High School Breanna, a freshman attending New Berlin West, prioritizes her schoolwork and takes pride in her outstanding academic achievement. Her passion resides in computer science and engineering, which she plans to pursue after graduation at a nearby college such as UWMadison or UW-Milwaukee. Computers and technology have always inhabited a special place in her heart; she grew fond of gaming and coding as soon as she could type. In the seventh grade, the availability of computer science-related classes increased, further developing her devotion to the subject. Coding engaging, informative games, something she enjoys doing, operates as an outlet where awareness regarding a troubling subject reaches the audience and formulates a better world through programming.

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Kaley Peterson,

Janesville Parker High School Eva, a sophomore, enjoys participating in a variety of clubs and activities that involve programming, math, and problem-solving skills. Eva was a member of the local FLL team, and shared her enthusiasm for code through a number of related projects. One of her favorite accomplishments was the design and creation of a mobile phone app, which she created while part of a “Girls Who Code” summer program. While enrolled in prerequisite Computer Programming I and II classes last year, Eva discovered the many hidden benefits that result from a solid knowledge of computer programming.

She is currently enrolled in AP Computer Programming, which has allowed her to explore a wide range of critical-thinking strategies and offered her insight into the potential challenges and job responsibilities involved with a STEM-related career.

HONORABLE MENTION Lucia Sistek,

Sauk Prairie High School

Emma Snow,

Cedarburg High School

She/Her

She/Her

Lucia, a senior, plans to pursue a career in civil engineering or computer science. To do this, she is going to college for a BS in civil engineering and a minor in computer science. Her hope is to use these degrees to better herself and hopefully some of the world around her. While her major may be civil engineering, Lucia’s passion has long since been programming. In freshman year she took an AP computer science class - long story short, she’s hooked. Since then, she’s led her school’s computer science club as president and gotten a job in her school’s IT department. Lucia loves surrounding herself with technology and can’t wait to do that for the rest of her life.

Emma Snow started her coding and engineering career her freshman year at Cedarburg High School. She has taken multiple coding classes within her schooling and is part of the Cedarburg High School Robotics Team. She won Rookie of the Year Award as a freshman, which honored her quick learning and leadership on the Robotics Team. She also gained a high school academic letter for her time spent on the team. This competitive season, Emma’s Robotics Team won the Chairman’s Award for their region and will participate in the Worlds event. In the future, Emma would like to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy to further her understanding of aerospace mechanics to hopefully become a future aerospace engineer.

Jennifer Spencer

Katherine Spencer,

Cedarburg High School

Cedarburg High School

She/Her

She/Her

Jennifer found her passion through YouTube. She watched lots of old employees at Google and Facebook on YouTube tell their experience working at well known places in the coding space.

Curiosity made her want to begin to figure out what they were doing. Today she wants to work in the same field since her whole life has been filled with technology and computer science.

The enjoyment and happiness that comes when she codes is indescribable. It is a gateway from the real world she never thought she needed until she found it.

Katherine’s interest in computing and technology sparked when she was around the age of 9. Since then she was always fascinated by the things you can create by using them and how they improve our lives. Katherine loves to use technology in and out of school. Since she loves to help people, she would like to go into a field of study with technology where she can develop games, websites, and apps to help people. Katherine has been coding in her school classes and developing programs in Java.

Technology will definitely be in her future career and she is very excited for the possibilities yet to come.

Ella Steffen,

Mia Tracey,

She/Her

She/Her

Oshkosh West High School Ella, a senior, works to bring her fullest potential into any project she pursues. Her dedication has allowed her to excel both scholastically and recreationally, finishing at the top of her class. As a prospective engineering student.

Throughout her high school career, Ella’s love for creating and building has driven her to not only pursue logistics projects, but also community projects in her home city of Oshkosh. She also represents her community as a volunteer at her church, as a state-recognized violinist, and as an all-conference tennis player. Recently, Ella organized a benefit that raised $3,000 against human trafficking.

She is looking forward to working with technology as she steps into the future in college.

Janesville Parker High School Mia is a sophomore attending Janesville Parker. She discovered her interest in Computer Science, Robotics, and Technology in Janesville Summer School Lego Robotics classes as a third grader and again as a fourth grader. She attended Girls Who Code, also a summer school course, as a fifth grader. She became a member of the FIRST Lego League at St. William Catholic School in Janesville and participated for five years advancing to sectional and state championships. Building and programming the robots was her favorite part of being on the team. In her freshman year, she enrolled in Computer Programming, and is currently enrolled in AP Computer Science. Mia plans to continue in the field of engineering or computer science after graduation.

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HONORABLE MENTION Delaney Vu

New Berlin Eisenhower Middle/High School

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Makayla Washington,

Rufus King International High School

She/Her

She/Her

Delaney is a senior attending New Berlin Eisenhower and is enrolled in her first computing course, AP Computer Science.

Although new to the field, she quickly discovered her passion for it. Apart from her endeavors in computer science, she is a captain of her school’s cross country team, a soloist in the Chamber Orchestra, and studies both French and Spanish. Next year, Delaney hopes to double major in Computer Science and Accounting. Her goal is to find a career in the business world where she can utilize her love for computing and finance.

Makayla Washington is a student at Rufus King High School. She attends Marquette University Upward Bound on Saturdays where she is currently writing her college essay and working to get her IT license. Makayla has had an aspiration to work with computers since she was 5 years old. She started taking coding classes when she was just 11 years old. She then continued her learning and is currently taking computer science and hopes to continue her learning with computers. Her aspiration is what keeps her from giving up when times are tough and helps her overcome and triumph. She hopes to inspire others to find what they really want to do in life and accomplish them.

Ruby Yeager,

Katina Zimmerschied,

Whitewater High School

Cedarburg High School

She/Her

She/Her

Guinevere, a senior attending Whitewater, is looking forward to attending UW-Milwaukee in the fall. She has always had an interest in technology and computer science, and will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering. She wants to make a difference in the world of computer technology, and is looking forward to doing so. In her studies, she has taken an interest in STEM, by taking a few courses on programming in Java. Guinevere is currently taking Game Design and Digital Electronics. She is very grateful for this award, and looks forward to working with other women in her field.

Katina, a freshman attending Cedarburg, was recognized this year as an Honorable Mention by NCWIT. In 5th grade, she elected to participate in a course created by the local high school coding teacher. This was her portal into the world of computer science. As she entered her freshman year in high school, Katina seized the opportunity to learn more about computer science. She enjoyed her block based programming class and found that she has an aptitude for it. She is looking forward to more coding and programming classes. Katina plans on following a career in engineering or computer science.

RISING STARS Emmalynn Ashbrook,

Lila Biksacky,

Portage High School

Sun Prarie High School

She/Her

She/Her

Emmalynn is a junior attending Portage High school. She plans to go to college to study business/finance, healthcare, or technical skills/computing. What got her into technology was all sorts of new devices coming out, animation and movies. This year in quarter one her GPA was above 3.8. She hopes to have a 4.0 or above in the oncoming quarters this year. In the next couple of months, Emmalynn will start applying for colleges. In time, she has to choose which college would best suit her. During college or even after college she would also like to have her own house up north in the wilderness.

Lila is in the graduating class of 2023 at Sun Prairie High School in Sun Prairie, WI. She swims for the high school swim team, having done so since freshman year, and is planning on swimming her senior year as well. Currently, Lila is working as a lifeguard at her high school pool. She has always loved video games and is a big fan of stories of any kind. Lila desires a career in the video game industry.

She aspires to become a game designer or programmer.

Lila does not know yet where she wants to attend college.

Erin Bogenschutz,

Hannah Bolly,

Cedarburg High School

Janesville Parker High School

She/Her

She/Her

Erin is a Junior attending Cedarburg High School. She is involved in school activities such as Cross Country and Student Athlete Leadership. Math and science have been her primary interests since middle school. She continues to take math, science, and technology classes. This year she completed an AP Computer Science class and continues to learn more and more about technology. After graduating high school Erin plans to attend a college, and study something related to science.

Hannah is a junior attending Janesville Parker High School in Janesville, Wisconsin. She is a very determined, passionate student who works hard in the classroom to keep her grades up. Hannah became interested in computer science at the beginning of her junior year because she knew it would help with an Engineering major and she’s enjoyed the subject ever since. Outside of school, Hannah plays travel softball all year round, along with varsity softball for Janesville Parker High School.

Mia Chen,

Taylor Decker,

She/Her

She/Her

Oak Creek High School Mia is a senior attending Oak Creek High School and took her first computer science class, AP CSP, this year. The immense joy and satisfaction of a code that finally works after many failed trials is what sparked her enthusiasm in the field. Mia plans to major in computer science at a four year college and is hoping to go into software engineering.

Cedarburg High School Taylor is a junior attending Cedarburg High School. Taylor participates in Cedarburg High School basketball, FBLA/ DECA, Coding Club, Best Buddies, and Math Team. Taylor was very interested in her Project Lead the Way classes at a young age, which led her to discover her passion for computing and STEM. She helps youth after school learn how to code and encourages them to compete in coding competitions. She currently is taking AP Computer Science Principles along with being in the Coding Club.

Taylor hopes to do much more involving computing.

Her plans for the future are to get a degree in STEM and pursue her dream of being an interventional cardiologist.

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RISING STARS Taryn Gielow,

Audubon High School

New Berlin West Middle/High School

She/Her

She/Her

Taryn first found her love for technology at the age of 9, through video games, thus ultimately sparking her desire to want to learn how things are coded, along with how they work and run. The first technology class she took was in her junior year, which led to her being more interactive with coding and blossoming her already active mind in technology. Taryn has had few experiences with STEM projects and classes where she drifted towards the technology side of things, because of the creativity that she found STEM gives her.

Elizabeth is a Senior at New Berlin West High School. She has always done well in STEM classes throughout high school. She also has loved gaming her entire life but didn’t realize how much until she took a game design class her junior year. She fell in love with every element of game design and took her interest further by taking a programming class and a cybersecurity class. Elizabeth will be attending MATC for Computer Simulation and Gaming in hopes of entering the game design/development field.

She would love to work for some of her favorite game developers or create games on her own. She thanks her family, friends, and teachers for their support.

Alena Her,

Acacia Jensen,

Menomonee Falls High School

North Crawford High School

She/Her

She/Her

Alena, a sophomore, has been interested in computer science and engineering since 6th grade. Her first STEM-related class was scratch. Since then, she has participated in a number of computer science classes and programs. She has also been involved with SheHacks, Lego Robotics, Girls Who Code (GWC), Arduino, and Unity. She has created several websites and games, and is a certified Microsoft office specialist. Alena plans to continue her journey with computer science and continuing to gain more skills along the way. She would love to attend the University of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to pursue a career in biomedical engineering and programming.

Acacia is currently a junior. Last year she took an AP computer science class and loved it. This year she’s taking Intro to JAVA. She plans to continue studying computer science after high school. Acacia has been an important part of the 2021-2022 North Crawford Drone Team which is planning to compete at the Fiserv Forum in April 2022.

Acacia grew up by Adams Friendship and has moved many times before coming to North Crawford. Math and Computer Science are her favorite subjects. When she is not doing school work, she likes to listen to music and play basketball. Acacia also works at McDonalds.

Serena Kielley,

Mary Grace King,

She/Her

She/Her

Ronald Reagan High School Serena is a straight-A sophomore at Ronald Reagan Highschool. She is active on the Student Council and is the President of a Dungeon and Dragons club. One of her biggest technical accomplishments was becoming the VP of the Coding Club. She hopes to attend UW Madison to pursue a career in civil engineering. Though computer sciences are her passion, Serena is an extrovert and social butterfly. She hopes to be able to use her technical skills and her communication skills to help her community grow. Above all else, Serena is an artist. She hopes to combine her eye for beauty, skills in communication, and knowledge for technology to create a brighter future in the world of computers.

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Elizabeth Hamann,

Cedarburg High School

Mary Grace is a lively, accomplished student. She is proud of her various academic achievements, such as this NCWIT Rising Star Award. She strives for excellence and is planning to attend a four-year university in the future. She would like to study in the science field, and is hoping to develop more computer science skills as well.

RISING STARS JoLee Klingeisen,

Autumn Martin,

Pulaski High School

New London High School

She/Her

She/Her

JoLee is currently a senior at Pulaski, where she is enrolled in a Project Lead The Way class, Engineering and Design and quickly developed a liking for computing. Her passion in STEM grew after attending Space Camp in Huntsville. JoLee has taken many advanced STEM classes, including Calculus, while maintaining an over 4.0 GPA. She is also involved in the STEM Club, DECA Club, Mu Alpha Beta Math Club, Leo Club, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, and Global Scholars Society. She hopes to attend college and attain a job that is science and technology related, with the goals of progressing space exploration.

Autumn’s interest in computers began as soon as she got her hands on one. Since the age of 10 she has beat the game Hacknet many times, which teaches about computer science concepts and hacking. She has also had many technical accomplishments in her computer classes like creating games and other programs using block code, python, and java. She wants to go to a four year university and major in computer science or computer programming.

With the use of computers continuing to rise, her goal is to use her computer skills to help others, by developing technological advancements and creating a safer cyber society.

Lucianna Litwin,

Jasmin Kraus,

Kimberly High School

Cedarberg High School

She/Her

Other

Lucy is a sophomore at Kimberly whose STEM interest started in math class. In the past year her interests in the sciences grew after being involved in biology and computer science classes. She loves that the purpose of science is to figure out the how and why, and particularly in computer science she is interested in the problem solving aspect. For the future she plans on carrying out problem solving into her everyday bumps in the road. She also wants to be able to have a STEM focused major in college and is excited to see where she can go with her new found computer science knowledge.

Jasmin is a sophomore at Cedarburg Highschool who likes coding and art. They are looking into game design, and 2d and 3d animation. They’re goal is to go to MIAD for college to study those things further.

Elsie McCook,

Grace Mossberg,

She/Her

She/Her

Waunakee High School

Cedarburg High School

Elsie is a sophomore in high school who dreams of becoming a game developer. She has tried every sport from soccer to basketball but nothing has called to her as much as computer science. She will strive to continue her dreams and continue to take every opportunity she can to learn.

Grace is a junior at Cedarburg High School and is currently taking AP Computer Science Principles. Her greatest technical achievement so far is being part of the winning team for the Congressional App challenge.

Grace is planning on attending a four year college and focusing on both studies in general mathematics as well as continuing her passion for music.

39

RISING STARS Erin Poggemann

Natalie Rodriguez

she/her

she/her

Erin Poggemann, a senior at Kimberly High School, has been around technology her entire life and enjoys problem solving. Recently, she started becoming more involved in the field. Erin plans to attend college and major in Information Systems and Business Management. In school, she is taking computer science classes and working to become more well rounded with the skill of programming. In her future career, she would like to be a project manager or business analyst in a technology position. Through her positive attitude and hard work, she hopes to exceed the expectations of women in the world of technology and be an inspiration to all.

Natalie, a sophomore who plans on going Full IB, decided to take ‘Intro to TEALS’ this year, thinking it would just earn herself an extra credit for school, but it resulted in a whole new door being opened.

This class, surrounding SNAP! and Python, has sparked her interest in computing and technology more than she thought it would. Natalie has always loved math and working to her fullest, but with this technology, she’s been able to elevate her thinking skills to a higher level, allowing herself to make small programs and solve problems. She’s always wanted a career that works with others, increases her skills, and deals with technology. Natalie will continue making programs, connections, and learning every day with trial and error.

Kimberly High School

Madalyn Rooyakkers Kimberly High School

she/her Madalyn took AP Computer Science Principles as a freshman and fell in love with the computer science field. She really enjoys using computer science to problem solve and to learn new techniques and tricks. Madalyn plans on taking AP Computer Science A next year and hopes to take more related courses in the future. By finding this interest, she has been able to apply her knowledge in many different areas in her life, as this field has taught her many valuable concepts and lessons about problem-solving and thinking outside of the box. Madalyn intends to earn a minor in computer science at a 4-year university and further develop her skills in the field.

Ronald Reagan High School

Tessa Strebel

Waunakee High School

they/them

Tessa Strebel, (she/they) is a high school senior at Waunakee. She’s always had a fun time exploring computers since she was very little and was always interested in how they work and what you could do with them. She tends to type out a lot of stories and make fan edits as well as look at different coding.

Computing and technology will continue to affect Tessa’s life as she will be going to Florida for college where she’ll work to be a vfx/cgi artist.

Qingxin Tan

Waukesha North High School

she/her

Lucia Rosenberg

Cedarburg High School

she/her Lucia is a senior at Cedarburg high school where she plays softball and is in swim. In college she plans on majoring in computer science and swimming at a D3 school. She currently works at a local coffee shop as a barista and is also a summer camp counselor.

40

During one summer a few years ago, Abby (Qingxin) attended a summer school program. Her stepfather accidentally enrolled her in a program called “Crack the Code”, expecting to be some sort of mystery cracking session. It turned out to be basic block coding and Abby found she enjoyed it. Since then, she started to take programming class from year to year, learning Java, Python, Swift, HTML and CSS. She would love to improve and learn more and maybe even spark someone else’s interest in this.

RISING STARS Isabella Vecellio

Gabrielle Willbrandt

Ronald Reagan High School

Cedarburg High School

she/her

she/her

Isabella’s earliest experience with technology and design was in the 7th grade experimenting with programs like Tinkercad and Scratch, eventually evolving her design abilities into coding ones. Now as a senior at Ronald Reagan HS, she loves her multimedia and design class as she works with python and css programs and create super fun and pretty elaborate websites for her enjoyment. In the future she is looking forward to continuing to use her knack for creating and designing and finding ways to apply it in the technology field.

Gabrielle is a junior at Cedarburg High School. She plans on attending a 4 year college and grad school, majoring in the science and math fields. Gabrielle values academic success and leadership within her community. This is demonstrated through her acceptance into The National Honors Society, involvement in Student Athlete Leadership Club and acquiring the role of team captain of her volleyball teams.

Amber Winter Merrill High School

she/her

Cecilia Wenzler

Homestead High School

she/her Cecilia, 17, has been taking computing classes for the past few years and has grown heavily interested in the computer science world. She is planning to go to college and graduate with a major in Computer Science, and create programs that advance companies. She first became interested in the creation of computer science when she realized the potential it has for so many things. She thinks that it should be encouraged and taught to many more students, as she thinks it would be more heavily appreciated if people were open to the idea of what it can do. She idealizes the fact that, with computer programming, just about anything can be made to help and advance many companies and people around the world.

Amber is an eleventh grader at Merrill High School, and in her free time Amber participates in Merrill swim, track and field and figure skating. Outside of school she enjoys going camping, water skiing, hiking and working out. During the school day Amber takes computer discovery classes, code cafe, and is involved with DECA. Amber first discovered her love for technology when her mom introduced it to her in the ninth grade. The following year she took her first class in computer discovery and from there she continued taking more AP computer science classes and joined DECA. Amber hopes to attend a four year college where she can swim, and wishes to study computer science and STEM.

Alyona Zabel

Kimberly High School

she/her Alyona is a high school sophomore that is planning on a career connected to Computer Science.

Freshman year, she took AP Computer Science Principles and really enjoyed it. Next year, she will be taking AP Computer Science A to further her understanding and prepare herself for her career. At the moment, she plans on attending UW Madison for something STEM-related.

41

ACADEMIC PARTNERS NCWIT Wisconsin relies on the academic community to support our mission, vision and values.

Mission – Recognize, encourage, & tap into the potential of young women who are interested in Computer Science & Technology while supporting their teachers and others who inspire them. Provide positive role models and examples of women in technology careers.

Vision – Present a more inclusive view of women in technology, and sustain our annual awards event with ongoing inspiration, outreach opportunities, and by connecting resources with support for women and girls in underrepresented groups.

Values – Technical knowledge, Inclusiveness, Diversity, Innovation, and Hard work.

Goal – Promote academic and career opportunities to inspire more women to become technology professionals.

Academic Alliance - Collegiate Level

The following are registered members of the NCWIT Academic Alliance in Wisconsin. As members, they are committed to providing an inclusive culture for women in computing and related disciplines on campus and through their K12 STEM Outreach programs.

Alverno College Carthage College Gateway Technical College Marquette University Milwaukee Area Technical College Milwaukee School of Engineering UW-Madison

UW-Milwaukee UW-Platteville UW-Stout UW-Superior UW-Whitewater Waukesha County Technical College

THANK YOU! We want to thank the following Academic Alliance members for their added level of support to the girls honored by NCWIT Wisconsin this year! While not necessarily an official member of the NCWIT K12 Alliance program, the following districts and high schools are to be commended for providing an inclusive learning environment for the girls honored by the NCWIT – Wisconsin Award for Aspirations in Computing program this year.

42

District

School Name

pg

Altoona School District

Altoona High School

26

Antigo Unified School District

Antigo High School

19

Milwaukee Public School District

Audubon High School

38

ACADEMIC PARTNERS Howard-Suamico School District

Bay Port High School

20,27

Brookfield Academy

Brookfield Academy

31

Elmbrook School District

Brookfield Central High School

24, 33

Cedarburg School District

Cedarburg High School

19, 20, 24, 25, 25, 27, 28, 29, 29, 30, 32, 32, 33, 33, 35, 35, 35, 36, 37, 37, 38, 39, 39, 40, 41

Franklin Public School District

Franklin High School

22

Milwaukee Public School District

Hmong American Peace Academy

23, 26, 26

Mequon-Thiensville School District

Homestead High School

20, 28, 30, 41

Hortonville Area School District

Hortonville High School

18, 34

Kenosha School District

Indian Trail Academy

18

Janesville School District

Janesville Craig High School

29

Janesville School District

Janesville Parker High School

21, 22, 25, 30, 30, 34, 35, 37

Kimberly Area School District

Kimberly High School

27, 30, 39, 40, 40, 41

Kenosha School District

Lakeview Technology Academy

26

Menomonee Falls School District

Menomonee Falls High School

21, 25, 30, 38

Merrill Area School District

Merrill High School

31, 41

Middleton-Cross Plains School District

Middleton High School

17,24,31

Mukwonago School District

Mukwonago High School

23

New Berlin School District

New Berlin Eisenhower Middle/High School

23, 23, 25, 25, 26, 28, 31, 32, 36

New Berlin School District

New Berlin West Middle/High School

19, 19, 22, 28, 29, 34, 34, 38

43

ACADEMIC PARTNERS

44

New London School District

New London High School

39

Nicolet UHS

Nicolet High School

17

North Crawford School District

North Crawford High School

38

Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District

Oak Creek High School

24, 37

Oconomowoc Area School District

Oconomowoc High School

31

Oshkosh Area School District

Oshkosh West High School

19,35

Port Washington-Saukville School District

Port Washington High

31

Portage Community School District

Portage High School

37

Pulaski Community School District

Pulaski High School

39

Milwaukee Public School District

Ronald Reagan High School

17, 26, 29, 33, 38, 40, 41

Milwaukee Public School District

Rufus King International High School

36

Sauk Prairie School District

Sauk Prairie High School

32,35

Sheboygan Falls School District

Sheboygan Falls High School

22

Shorewood School District

Shorewood High School

21

Sun Prairie Area School District

Sun Prairie High School

37

University School of Milwaukee

University School of Milwaukee

20, 20, 23, 24, 24, 33

Waukesha School District

Waukesha North High School

27, 34, 40

Waunakee Community School District

Waunakee High School

19, 23, 34, 39, 40

Wauwatosa School District

Wauwatosa West High School

32

ACADEMIC PARTNERS Wauwatosa School District

Wauwatosa West High School

32

Wauwatosa School District

Wauwatosa West High School

33

Whitefish Bay School District

Whitefish Bay High School

20, 21, 21, 21, 22, 22, 28, 29

Whitewater Unified School District

Whitewater High School

28, 36

Here is a list of honorees by school name and the page containing her photo and bio statement Cedarburg High School Julia

Gergens

30

Cedarburg High School Mary Grace

King

38

Cedarburg High School Jasmin

Kraus

39

Cedarburg High School Anna

Levy

32

Cedarburg High School Grace

Machata

32

Cedarburg High School Anna

Meuler

33

Cedarburg High School Grace

Mossberg

39

Cedarburg High School Juliana

Napoleon

24

Cedarburg High School Reagan

Pahl

33

Cedarburg High School Lucia

Rosenberg

40

24

Cedarburg High School Emma

Snow

35

Bogenschutz

37

Cedarburg High School Jennifer

Spencer

35

Cedarburg High School Tori

Bogenschutz

28

Cedarburg High School Katherine

Spencer

35

Cedarburg High School Siena

Carli

29

Cedarburg High School Mary

Stroebel

25

Cedarburg High School Abigail

Chen

29

Cedarburg High School Kayla

Suhr

25

Cedarburg High School Jayda

Collins

19

Cedarburg High School Gabrielle

Willbrandt

41

Cedarburg High School Taylor

Decker

37

Cedarburg High School Hannah

Zietlow

27

Cedarburg High School Madison

Engebose

20

Cedarburg High School Katina

Zimmerschied

36

School Name Honoree First Name

Honoree pg Last Name

Altoona High School

Alyssa

van Gorkom

26

Antigo High School

Julianna

Bauknecht

19

Audubon High School

Taryn

Gielow

38

Bay Port High School

Jovita

D'Souza

20

Bay Port High School

Cara

Wreen

27

Brookfield Academy

Monisha

Khosla

31

Brookfield Central High School

Alexandra

Mueller

33

Brookfield Central High School

Carly

Plate

Cedarburg High School Erin

45

ACADEMIC PARTNERS

46

Franklin High School

Madison

Krohn

22

Kimberly High School

Erin

Poggemann

40

Hmong American Peace Academy

Jenny

Moua

23

Kimberly High School

Madalyn

Rooyakkers

40

Hmong American Peace Academy

Emily

Thao

26

Kimberly High School

Aubrey

Woodrow

27

Hmong American Peace Academy

Susan

Thao

26

Kimberly High School

Alyona

Zabel

41

Madison Elle

Tongco

26

Homestead High School

Sheba

BentumMensah

28

Lakeview Technology Academy

Grant

21

Homestead High School

Madeline

Frank

20

Menomonee Falls High Caitlyn School

Gupta

30

Homestead High School

Abigail

Horwitz

30

Menomonee Falls High Shreya School

Her

38

Homestead High School

Cecilia

Wenzler

41

Menomonee Falls High Alena School

Senthil Kumar 25

Hortonville High School

Kaley

Peterson

34

Menomonee Falls High Avanthika School Merrill High School

Kiana

Jahnke

31

Hortonville High School

Grace

Vanden Heuvel

18

Merrill High School

Amber

Winter

41

Indian Trail Academy

Taylor

Wilmot

18

Middleton High School Shradha

Godishala

17

Janesville Craig High School

Aurora

Carlson

29

Middleton High School Yanna

Keohane

31

Janesville Parker High School

Hannah

Bolly

37

Middleton High School Keerthi

Peddinti

24

Janesville Parker High School

Eleanor

Franke

21

Mukwonago High School

Lange

23

Janesville Parker High School

Kelsey

Gunderson

22

New Berlin Eisenhower Evelyn Middle/High School

Cady

28

Janesville Parker High School

Elizabeth

Haynes

30

New Berlin Eisenhower Sydney Middle/High School

Kuhnz

23

Janesville Parker High School

Gracie

Hilker

30

New Berlin Eisenhower Olivia Middle/High School

Kurth

31

Janesville Parker High School

Eva

Schroeder

34

New Berlin Eisenhower Claire Middle/High School

Lodermeier

32

Janesville Parker High School

Charlotte

Simmons

25

New Berlin Eisenhower Claire Middle/High School

Martino

23

Janesville Parker High School

Mia

Tracey

35

New Berlin Eisenhower Kayla Middle/High School

Sanders

25

Kimberly High School

Hannah

Havel

30

New Berlin Eisenhower Nithila Middle/High School

Sivapunniyam

25

Kimberly High School

Lucianna

Litwin

39

New Berlin Eisenhower Delaney Middle/High School

Vu

36

Alex

ACADEMIC PARTNERS New Berlin Eisenhower Kendall Middle/High School

Witt

26

Ronald Reagan High School

Serena

Kielley

38

New Berlin West Middle/High School

Abena

Benewaah

28

Ronald Reagan High School

Cinthia

Meza

33

New Berlin West Middle/High School

Nora

Betry

19

Ronald Reagan High School

Natalie

Rodriguez

40

New Berlin West Middle/High School

Eleanor

Certalic

19

Ronald Reagan High School

Isabella

Vecellio

41

New Berlin West Middle/High School

Vivian

Dinh

29

Ronald Reagan High School

Augustina

Voith

26

New Berlin West Middle/High School

Jannatul

Hakim

22

Makayla

Washington

36

New Berlin West Middle/High School

Elizabeth

Hamann

38

Rufus King International High School

Avery

Leigh

32

New Berlin West Middle/High School

Holly

Raetz

34

Sauk Prairie High School

Lucia

Sistek

35

New Berlin West Middle/High School

Breanna

Rollmann

34

Sauk Prairie High School

Guttmann

22

Autumn

Martin

39

Sheboygan Falls High School

Paige

New London High School

Shubh

Goyal

21

Nicolet High School

Emma

Maertz

17

Shorewood High School

North Crawford High School

Acacia

Jensen

38

Sun Prairie High School

Lila

Biksacky

37

Oak Creek High School

Mia

Chen

37

University School of Milwaukee

Libby

Cox

20

Oak Creek High School

Vera

Obrknez

24

University School of Milwaukee

Nina

Daruwala

20

Oconomowoc High School

Lauren

Knudsen

31

University School of Milwaukee

Azara

Mason

33

Oshkosh West High School

Hannah

Chung

19

University School of Milwaukee

Einthiri

Mudili

23

Oshkosh West High School

Ella

Steffen

35

University School of Milwaukee

Divya

Pandey

24

Port Washington High

Poetry

Howell

31

Mackenzie

Petersen

24

Portage High School

Emmalynn

Ashbrook

37

University School of Milwaukee

Mya

Passler

34

Pulaski High School

JoLee

Klingeisen

39

Waukesha North High School

Qingxin

Tan

40

Ronald Reagan High School

Viannys

Colon

29

Waukesha North High School

Worden

27

Angela

Gorton

17

Waukesha North High School

Amelia

Ronald Reagan High School

Branchaw

19

Waunakee High School Lila

47

ACADEMIC PARTNERS Waunakee High School Genevieve

Mallin

23

Whitefish Bay High School

Rossi

Doyle

29

Waunakee High School Elsie

McCook

39

Waunakee High School Xirui

Ren

34

Whitefish Bay High School

Yana

Fuhrman

21

Waunakee High School Tessa

Strebel

40

Whitefish Bay High School

Caroline

Gruber

21

Wauwatosa West High School

Margaret

Lehman

32

Whitefish Bay High School

Bianca

Grunbaum

21

Wauwatosa West High School

Mahika

Mahapatra

32

Whitefish Bay High School

Anna

Harris

22

Wauwatosa West High School

Manita

Mahapatra

33

Whitefish Bay High School

Lily

Kriegel

22

Whitefish Bay High School

Tess

Bruett

28

Whitewater High School

Brooke

Bazeley

28

Whitefish Bay High School

Emily

Doucette

20

Whitewater High School

Ruby

Yeager

36

Our Academic Partners – NCWIT Collegiate Award The NCWIT Collegiate Award Program allows members of the NCWIT community to submit information about their research and/or project work for the opportunity to win cash prizes.

The application window occurs in September/October annually. The following members of our NCWIT community in Wisconsin have been recognized through this program.

Our Academic Partners – NCWIT AspireIT & Counselors for Computing AspireIT is creating a new, two-pronged approach and moving away from our former application and funding model: • AspireIT Impact Award: This award will recognize AiC Community members for their incredible efforts to build and creatively offer near-peer, hands-on computing education while ultimately encouraging K-12 girls to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas to future innovations.

• AspireIT Toolkit: This resource will provide formal and informal educators with guidance on how to create and deliver hands-on computing education that incorporates near-peer mentorship.

We have announced these changes to our Community Members and other audiences and will continue to roll out important information to everyone as items are finalized in the coming weeks.

Questions? Email AspireIT@ncwit.org Educators and students alike look to professional school counselors for ways to encourage girls, women, and underrepresented groups to pursue computing. But knowing where to start is hard, even for the most experienced counselors. NCWIT can help counselors remove the barriers so students choose to learn computing, consider pursuing technical career paths, and believe their voices can be heard in the tech industry.

The NCWIT Counselors for Computing (C4C) program provides information and resources that help counselors join the front line of the computing conversation. We bring people and programs together with professional development, knowledge, and resources to give all students access to transformative computing careers. https://ncwit.org/c4c

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NCWIT-WI Thanks Our Local Sponsors & Supporters Gold Sponsors of NCWIT-WI Affiliate Aspirations

Silver Sponsors of NCWIT-WI Affiliate Aspirations

Bronze Sponsors of NCWIT-WI Affiliate Aspirations

Additional NCWIT-WI Supporters CSTA Wisconsin Dairyland Jane Durment Joanne and Spencer Korté UW-Milwaukee Foundation

49

NCWIT-WI Thanks Our Gold Sponsors

LET’S BUILD WHAT MATTERS. Creating better experiences through innovations in technology.

Explore career opportunities at AssociatedBank.com/Careers

Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/D/V. Drug-Free Workplace.

Member FDIC. (3/22) P05945

50

NCWIT-WI Thanks Our Silver Sponsors CREATING NEW ENERGY IS HUMANLY POSSIBLE As the demand for IT skills grow, we have a role to play in helping women see themselves in tech and seizing career opportunities.

At ManpowerGroup ®, we connect the ambitions of business to the potential of people for mutual success. Partner with us to help brighten your company’s outlook at manpowergroup.com

Manpower | Experis | Talent Solutions | Jefferson Wells ®

© 2021 ManpowerGroup. All rights reserved.

TECHNOLOGY FUELED BY

GIRL POWER Award-winning women like you belong in an award-winning university. MSOE is ranked a Top Ten Best University in the Midwest* and known for our next generation technologies that position us at the educational forefront of A.I. MSOE is committed to providing an inclusive environment for women in technology by connecting them to a national network of organizations and supporting them with the resources they need to shatter the glass ceiling. In fact, Woman Engineer Magazine named us a Top 20 University for Fostering Diversity & Inclusion.

Learn more at msoe.edu. *U.S. News & World Report, 2021

51

NCWIT-WI Thanks Our Silver Sponsors

WITH TECH, THERE’S NO LIMIT TO WHAT KIDS CAN ACHIEVE. hi, Tech, Northwestern Mutual’s technology outreach program, introduces students to what’s possible. From education and hands-on programming to events and real-world experiences, participants connect to, explore and transform the world around them.

A bright future starts with, “hi.”

© 2022 Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI, and its subsidiaries.

52

NCWIT-WI Thanks Our Bronze Sponsors

Own Your Impact Bring your unique experience and insights to a 100% employee-owned company. Together, we’re bringing what’s next to senior health.

Apply today!

POWER YOUR FUTURE AT GENERAC

DirectSupply.com/Careers

Join our local team, visit www.generac.com! © 2022 Direct Supply, Inc. All rights reserved.

SHAPE THE FUTURE.

Connect.

Collaborate.

Lead.

Proud to support the next generation of women IT leaders

Your voice matters to Milwaukee's tech scene. Learn more about the #mketech community at choosemketech.org.

>

Celebrating future tech leaders and change makers.

>

The Society For Information Management provides senior IT leaders with: • Networking opportunities across 42+ chapters • Leading-edge research • CIO and practitioner focused events • Career and leadership development

Join Today! https://www.SIMWisconsin.org

53

NCWIT-WI Thanks Our Bronze Sponsors GET THE WHOLE STORY

OUR MISSION AT THE MILWAUKEE BUSINESS JOURNAL IS TO HELP YOU: Grow your business Advance your career R Simplify your professional life R R

Order a subscription for you and your team today: https://bizj.us/1q36ax

YOUR NEWS. YOUR WAY. MILWAUKEEBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM Sign up for our two free daily emails and our breaking news emails at: https://bizj.us/1q36az

2021_MBJ_Subscription_4x5.25_NCWIT.indd 1

54

3/22/21 4:58 PM

NCWIT ASPIRATIONS IN COMPUTING SPONSORS

The entire Aspirations in Computing program platform is supported generously by Apple

Aspirations in Computing also receives support for specific national program elements. The Cognizant U.S. Foundation provides broad support for growing the Aspirations program in strategic regional efforts. The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing is supported by Bank of America; the NCWIT Educator Award is supported by AT&T; the NCWIT Collegiate Award is supported by Qualcomm and Amazon with additional support from Palo Alto Networks; Microsoft and Motorola Solutions Foundation support the Aspirations Affiliate program; and Facebook sponsors the Aspirations in Computing Community. NCWIT AspireIT is supported by Google, Northrop Grumman, Bank of New York Mellon, DoD STEM, Royal Bank of Canada, and Walmart.

55

Academic Alliance - Collegiate Level The following are registered members of the NCWIT Academic Alliance in Wisconsin. As members, they are committed to providing an inclusive culture for women in computing and related disciplines on campus and through their K12 STEM Outreach programs. *Alverno College Carthage College *Gateway Technical College Marquette University Milwaukee Area Technical College *Milwaukee School of Engineering *UW-Madison *UW-Milwaukee (CEAS-CS, SOIS, Data Science Institute) *UW-Platteville UW-Stout UW-Superior *UW-Whitewater *Waukesha County Technical College * indicates a flyer is attached

56

READY FOR WHAT’S NEXT

Alverno College prepares women to lead with confidence and skill.

Whatever your next step is, we’ll get you ready. alverno.edu/ready

57

Think Big

earn Your It deGree

Your big future starts here! Gateway’s Information Technology programs are designed to help you land your dream career. You’ll work hands-on with the latest IT technology, enjoy small classes taught by expert instructors, and graduate ready to enter in-demand IT careers or transfer on to earn your bachelor’s degree.

IT - Cybersecurity Specialist teaches you how to monitor and protect organizations’ computer networks and data through a variety of security mechanisms and intrusion detection systems.

IT - Data Analytics Specialist prepares you to identify, utilize, and interpret data from various sources to resolve business questions and improve operations.

IT - Computer Support Specialist equips you with the communication and critical thinking skills along with specialized knowledge of computer systems to assist clients with troubleshooting technology issues.

IT - Network Specialist gives you the skills to set up, support, secure and maintain computer networks and clouds so that businesses can continue to operate smoothly.

IT - Software Developer prepares you for a career as a programmer/ analyst or application developer, using a variety of computer platforms and languages to design, build and test programs that can help improve business, government and everyday life.

IT - Web Software Developer provides the experience you need

to ensure the day-to-day functions for companies, agencies and other organizations by building and maintaining web architecture as a web developer or application developer.

Get started today!

For more information or to apply, connect with a Gateway New Student Specialist at 1-800-247-7122 or newstudentspecialists@gtc.edu.

gtc.edu/it-cluster

58

Scholars Pathway Prepare for the STEM career of your dreams!

Apply for the SC Johnson STEM Scholars Pathway 4-year college scholarship.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: u Complete your first two years of your STEMrelated program at Gateway Technical College u Then transfer to Carthage College, Concordia University Wisconsin or Milwaukee School of Engineering to complete your bachelor’s degree u Program is geared towards female students, underrepresented students of color and lowincome students u Receive $7,500 per year for your first two years at Gateway. Then, receive $7,500 per year for your final two years plus a matching $7,500 per year scholarship from the 4-year college.

Visit gtc.edu/STEM-scholars today to learn more and apply!

Questions?

Connect with a Gateway New Student Specialist at 1-800-247-7122 or newstudentspecialists@gtc.edu.

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Bachelor of Science in

User Experience

Join the next generation of UX designers to lead digital innovation of the 21st century Committed to designing for people, User Experience (UX) professionals create user-friendly products and services that make the world a better, easier place to live in. Our curriculum empowers you to embrace human-centered design and engineering to create innovative design solutions for existing technologies, (apps, websites, digital dashboards and displays) and disruptive technologies (AR, VR and AI). Core courses include psychology, interface and interaction design, design for voice, design of offline experiences, front-end development, digital storytelling, research, data analysis and professional portfolio. Our courses rely on hands-on activities and project-based learning to help strengthen your ability to work within the fast-paced workplace of today.

8th Best

2019–20 MSOE AVERAGE STARTING SALARY

$65,427 5-YEAR AVERAGE GRADUATE OUTCOMES RATE

University in the Midwest

100%

U.S. News & World Report, 2021

msoe.edu/ux TECHNOLOGY

Learn the latest tools of the trade to design the best digital products and experiences.

DESIGN

Create impactful, eye-popping designs for mobile, web and disruptive technologies.

RESEARCH

Discover how to delight users and get them to engage with your digital product.

CONSIDER UX IF YOU HAVE …

• • • • •

A strong interest in web, mobile and disruptive technologies.

A keen eye for aesthetics and a passion for great design.

A high degree of creativity and curiosity.

Problem-solving skills and an understanding of human behavior.

The ability to grasp complex ideas and translate them into clean, seamless and understandable solutions.

• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Nadya Shalamova, Ph.D. Humanities, Social Science and Communication Department shalamova@msoe.edu

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CAREER PATHS

• • • • •

User Interface Designer Interaction Designer UX Researcher UX Writer UX Manager

• • • •

Product Designer Visual Designer Information Architect Digital Strategist

MILWAUKEE EMPLOYERS

• • • •

Bradley Corp.

FIS Foxconn Johnson Controls

• Milwaukee Electric Tool • Northwestern Mutual • Uline

2622-21

Bachelor of Science in

Computer Science Computer science is one of the fastest growing, highest paying professions with impacts in virtually every corner of society. Graduates of MSOE’s computer science program will be prepared to write cutting-edge software to solve tomorrow’s problems with a special emphasis on machine learning and artificial intelligence. Whether its smartphones, automobiles, security advanced manufacturing, or big data, emerging developments in machine learning and artificial intelligence enable breakthrough innovations for the challenging problems of our time. MSOE computer science students will learn on the leading edge of this technological revolution, developing skills to solve problems using algorithms, applied mathematics, and artificial intelligence in a hands-on environment working on real problems with faculty who have industry experience. msoe.edu/cs DWIGHT AND DIAN DIERCKS COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCE HALL

MSOE computer science students will have the privilege of learning in the Dwight and Dian Diercks Computational Science Hall.

Computer Science students have access to "Rosie," a GPU-powered supercomputer and other hardware from NVIDIA, a global leader in artificial intelligence, supercomputing and visual computing. Purpose built AI, big data visualization, cyber security and human machine interface labs in Diercks Hall facilitate collaborative problem-solving to tackle real-world challenges using big data, algorithms and computing hardware in concert. Corporate and research partnerships between industry and students in dedicated spaces throughout the building advance experiential learning opportunities by enabling students to work on real problems with industry and subject matter experts.

Diercks Hall was made possible through a $34 million gift from MSOE Regent and alumnus Dr. Dwight ’90 and Dian Diercks.

Diercks Hall by the numbers: • 16,500 square-feet of data-rich laboratories • 11,500 square-feet of interactive classrooms • 256-seat auditorium

• 3,500 square-feet of collaboration and event space • NVIDIA GPU-powered AI supercomputer

msoe.edu/diercks-hall MSOE is an Academic Alliance member of the National Center for Women in IT (NCWIT). To learn more about opportunities and initiatives, visit msoe.edu/wit.

CAREERS

Some career choices of MSOE CS graduates include: • Big data engineer • Machine learning engineer • Data architect • Web developer • Data scientist • Software engineer • Information security specialist • Software business analyst

PARTNERS AND POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS

• Astronautics Corporation of America • Direct Supply • Centare • FIS • GE Healthcare • Google

• • • • • • •

Johnson Controls Inc. Kohl's Microsoft Northwestern Mutual NVIDIA Oshkosh Corp.

Rockwell Automation

GRADUATE SCHOOLS PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Derek Riley, Ph.D. Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department riley@msoe.edu

Some MSOE graduates pursue graduate school at universities including: • Carnegie Mellon University • Marquette University • George Washington • Washington State University University 2622-21

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The Department of Computer Sciences at UW–Madison was one of the first computer science departments in the country, which means we’ve been pioneers in the field for a long time. In fact, the first PhD in CS graduated in 1965 from UW-Madison— Mary Kenneth Keller!! We’re well established, highly ranked, and growing. We now have the largest number of majors on the UW-Madison campus, so we can provide more course and research opportunities for our students. And we are firmly rooted in The Wisconsin Idea — that the university has a responsibility to use education for good, benefiting not just the UW-Madison community but also the entire state of Wisconsin, the country, and the world.

The CS Department is part of the College of Letters & Science at UW, so our program is flexible. Almost half of our majors are double majors and combine CS with a wide variety of areas, from Spanish and art to statistics, math, and biology.

We are also one of three departments, with the Department of Statistics and the Information School, in the new School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences (CDIS). With CDIS, we are creating more interdisciplinary research opportunities, expanding course offerings, and leading the computing revolution across the state of Wisconsin and beyond.

UW–Madison Department of Computer Sciences Aspirations Award UW–Madison Computer Sciences majors can apply for the $1000 UW–Madison Department of Computer Sciences Aspirations Award if they are a winner of the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing at the state or national level. This is awarded one time after the student has declared a major in CS. WACM WACM is the women’s chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery. The group provides opportunities and creates community for women in the CS department. WACM holds tech talks, networking events, trainings, and attends the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing every fall. They also pair graduate student mentors with undergraduate students and hold speaker series.

Wisconsin Emerging Scholars–Computer Sciences (WES-CS) WES-CS is a fun, interactive study group — for which you earn credit! WES-CS accompanies the Programming I and II classes (CS 200 and 300). Each group of 8-10 students is peer-led and meets regularly to learn more about programming and career paths.

Rankings #13 in US News and World Report’s rankings of Computer Science programs.

CSrankings.org puts UW-Madison CS in the top ten in these areas: Computer Architecture, Databases, Logic & Verification, Machine Learning & Data Mining, Operating Systems, Programming Languages, and Visualization.

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook: @WisconsinCS Find more info at: cs.wisc.edu

TRANSFORM THE WORLD 62

Computer science for women Interested in STEM? Curious About How Things Work?

Like to Code? Want to Change the World?

The College of Engineering & Applied Science provides an inclusive and empowering environment for women to thrive in tech. We welcome you to explore our computer science opportunties.

Majors

Student Organizations

We’ll help you build a solid foundation in computing, math and engineering and motivate you to find your passion in one of these majors:

• BS in Computer Science • BS in Computer Engineering • BA in Computer Science (new!)

• Applied Math & Computer Science program (AMCS) n aat

Student orgs such as Women in Computing, IEEE-CS Group, Google Developers Group, and Society of Women Engineers provide social and academic networks with other women of similar interests, and connections to professional mentors.

Your future is bright and you’re off to great places!

Career Statistics Our Computer Science and Computer Engineering graduates are prepared for exciting careers in business, medicine, design, fashion, and teaching. 90% of these graduates are employed within three months of graduation in careers at amazing tech organizations including Intel, Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Northwestern Mutual.

The average salary is $71K. Questions? Contact ceas-cs@uwm.edu or visit our website uwm.edu/computerscience

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In one semester at SOIS, I got an internship at ManpowerGroup lasting my final year of school. I participated in The Commons program, and innovated with Kohl's through Destination Innovation. Through all of this, I was able to land a career IT position with Kohl's as an Associate Software Engineer.

Katrina Hightower (BSIST 2017)

Associate System Engineer, Kohl’s Corporation

FUNDING SUPPORT: SOIS Research Day Award & SOIS Diversity Scholarship

B U IL DING

ENVIRONMENTS FOR SUCCESS

T H R O UG H O P P O RT U N I T Y & S U P P O RT SOIS WOMEN IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IST Alumna, Katrina Hightower took full advantage of her education and the opportunities that exist at the School of Information Studies (SOIS). While majoring in Information Science & Technology (IST), Katrina served as an IT ambassador for the IT United Student Technology Career Fair (mentoring high school students). This opportunity lead first to an internship with ManpowerGroup, and then to a full-time job as a software engineer at Kohl’s. Katrina is just one example of the way students can enhance their education through real world experiences.

SOIS provides a vast array of opportunities for students to enhance their education. Through assistantships, internships, student technology tutoring, along with professional and career networking opportunties, SOIS students are positioned to become leaders in the information technology professions.

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THROUGH INTERNSHIPS AND COLLABORATIONS WITH LOCAL COMPANIES, SOIS STRIVES TO CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR FEMALE STUDENTS TO EXPERIENCE INCLUSIVE AND PRODUCTIVE TECHNICAL WORKPLACES. Lauren Trotter (BSIST 2018) IT Application Analyst at SwedishAmerican, A Division of UW Health

MEET OUR SOIS ALUMNAE

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Apply Today!

apply.wisconsin.edu BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (IST) The IST program combines core IT skills like front-end web design, programming, and project management, with electives that you choose. The only degree of its kind LQ WKH 8: 6\VWHP WKH %6Ζ67 GHJUHH ZLOO VHW \RX DSDUW IURP WKH FRPSHWLWLRQ

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Where women prosper At the University of Wisconsin-Platteville we want to make sure that all students feel supported and part of a community.

The Women in STEM Program does this by offering multiple opportunities to get involved and be connected: • Living Learning Communities • Peer Mentor Program • Yearly banquet to celebrate the accomplishments of women in STEM • Professional Mentor Program • Work for Women in STEM Program • Study and meet other STEM majors in the Mentor Center • Society of Women Engineers • Association of Computing Machinery-Women

Did you know that

The Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Program educates and engages students, parents, and all educators on gender diversity in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields in order to create a more diverse, competitive, and balanced workforce.

• About 50 students work for the Women in STEM Program.

• A “growth mindset” improves success in the classroom and life.

• A diverse workforce is a competitive workforce.

• Women leave the STEM majors with higher grades than men.

• Women who make connections with other women in STEM are more likely to persist in STEM. • People in STEM fields can expect to earn 26% more money on average and be less likely to experience job loss.

STEM: Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics The Women in STEM Program hosts several outreach programs at UW-Platteville to get girls excited about STEM. • Women in STEM Career Day (ninth–12th grade) • Pioneering Your Future in STEM (fifth–eighth grade) • Girls Who Code (fifth grade–12th grade) • Society of Women Engineers Girl STEM Day We support and participate in: • UW-Platteville Engineering, Mathematics and Science Expo • John Deere Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day

Did you know that • Our outreach programs reach around 500 second–12th grade girls.

• Girls and boys perform about the same in math and science.

• Young girls who are able to interact and meet STEM role models are more likely to choose STEM. • The way we talk about STEM can affect how young girls feel about STEM. • STEM fields are creative, hands-on, helpful to society, and fun.

• STEM is important because it teaches critical thinking skills and instills a passion for innovation.

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WOMEN IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS PROGRAM The Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Program at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville educates and engages students, parents, and all educators on gender diversity in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields in order to create a more diverse, competitive, and balanced workforce. Our mission is to create a supportive community where women prosper. The WiSTEM Program has events and programs for pre-college and college students.

PRE-COLLEGE

PIONEERING YOUR FUTURE IN STEM

Pioneering Your Future in STEM is a one-day program for fifth–eighth grade girls to explore STEM careers. Participants explore careers that involve critical thinking, experimenting, learning the design process, and using problem solving skills. The day offers hands-on sessions led by UW-Platteville students and faculty. This program is held twice a year, in February and March.

WOMEN IN STEM CAREER DAY

Women in STEM Career Day is a one-day program for young women in grades nine–12 to learn about careers that require creative problem solving, encourage forward thinking, make a difference in society, and share the future of our world. The program participants are able to choose four interactive, hands-on activities, led by students and faculty from various STEM programs offered at UW-Platteville. This program is held yearly in October.

GIRLS WHO CODE

The Girls Who Code Club is for girls in grades fifth–12. Participants learn how to use computer science to impact the community as well as connect with supportive role models in computer science, cybersecurity, and software engineering. The program uses real-world problems to introduce participants to robotics, app, and web-development programming.

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COLLEGE

WOMEN IN STEM LIVING LEARNING COMMUNITY

The Women in STEM Living Learning Community is an interactive and engaging living and learning environment where women build strong personal and academic connections through networking, professional development, and social events. Members live together in the community and have shared classes and therefore can easily form study groups. The WiSTEM LLC provides an academic and personal support network for women studying in fields where they are traditionally underrepresented.

WOMEN IN STEM MENTOR PROGRAMS

Freshmen, sophomores, and transfer students in the Women in STEM Mentor Program gain knowledge and experience from junior and senior students while providing mentors the opportunity to develop their time management and leadership abilities. This mentoring relationship fosters academic, social, and professional connections.

The Professional Mentor Program provides junior and senior college women students in STEM majors post-graduate life skills to create a smooth transition between college and the workplace. They learn how to succeed in their desired industry and participate in career planning.

WOMEN IN STEM MENTOR CENTER

The Women in STEM Mentor Center is an inclusive space where women can come together to network, study, and socialize. Features like a kitchenette, dual-monitor computers, collaboration station, and daytime staffing create a supportive and friendly environment for all students. The center is open to all gender identities and expressions.

WOMEN IN STEM BANQUET

The Women in STEM Banquet celebrates the achievements of women in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. The event provides opportunities for students to network and make professional connections with industry sponsors. It includes dinner and speeches from graduating seniors. The graduates are recognized by the lead sponsor of the banquet. This event is held in April.

SOCIETY OF WOMEN ENGINEERS

The Society of Women Engineers is a student-run organization that promotes women in the engineering workplace through professional development, connections with industry, and social activities.

ASSOCIATION FOR COMPUTING MACHINERY-WOMEN

The Association for Computing Machinery-Women is a student organization that offers connections with other women in the computing fields and industry women. This organization focuses on both social and educational activities.

SCHOLARSHIPS

A variety of scholarships are available for women. Scholarships are for new and continuing students. The UW-Platteville Foundation and the Women in STEM Program encourages and accepts donations from alumni, individuals, families, and corporations to increase scholarships that will enhance opportunities for women pursuing STEM majors.

For more information on the Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Program, email wistemprogram@uwplatt.edu or scan the QR code.

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WAUKESHA COUNTY TECHNICAL COLLEGE

DISCOVER

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Get started in the ever-changing world of Information Technology with a degree from Waukesha County Technical College!

Projected to continue to be one of the fastest growing sectors of the world economy, the IT industry employs over six million individuals in manufacturing, banking, retail, finance, transportation, healthcare and education.

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COMPUTER SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Computer support specialists install equipment, assist users with technology or software issues, troubleshoot when problems arise and serve as a resource for end users. Gain skills in problem solving, team building, service management and interpersonal communication. Become proficient at installing and updating computer operating systems and working with hardware and networks. Those working in IT support roles are tech-savvy problem solvers.

SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGIES LEARNED: ITSM, ITIL, WINDOWS 10, MS SERVER, SCRUM, TRAIN THE TRAINER.

WEB AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

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Creating interactive, inviting and functional web applications requires the skills of a web and software developer. Learn to develop software solutions using multiple programming languages, tools and frameworks. Apply design patterns, object oriented analysis and SOLID principles to create robust and scalable applications. Explore web server administration and mobile application development. Prepare for jobs such as application software developer, application programmer, and software analyst or software engineer.

SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGIES LEARNED: JAVA, SPRING, C#, ENTITY FRAMEWORK, MVC, JQUERY, MOBILE, IIS, REST, SQL, SCRUM.

DATA SPECIALIST

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In the Database Specialist program, learn how to support the data needs of small to medium businesses. Gain skills to plan, develop and maintain new and existing databases. Become proficient in SQL development, reporting and data visualization, and database design/data modeling. Gain an introduction to tabular models, data analysis, data analytics and big data. Prepare for jobs such as database administrator, database analyst, and BI Developer and Report Analyst.

SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGIES LEARNED: SQL, DATA MODELING, TABLEAU/POWER BI, TABULAR MODELS, DATA VISUALIZATION.

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WCTC’s Dual Enrollment Academy provides area high school students with the opportunity to earn college credits while exploring in-demand fields like IT. Learn more at wctc.edu/dual-enroll Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer/Educator

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NETWORK SPECIALIST

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Network specialists secure networks, explore cloud computing, create and maintain computer systems essential for day-today business operations, ensuring network security and connectivity. Install and troubleshoot network and client operating systems, configure routers and switches, and manage remote clients and devices. Explore cloud security, cost and core services, and understand and implement virtualization in an enterprise.

SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGIES LEARNED: CISCO, WINDOWS 10, MS SERVER, LINUX, SECURITY, VIRTUALIZATION, CLOUD, WIRELESS.

CYBERSECURITY SPECIALIST

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Cybersecurity specialists implement, maintain and audit the security of an organization’s computer networks and systems. Learn to protect data confidentiality, integrity and availability by implementing current real-world technology, processes and procedures. Emphasis is placed on vigilant security awareness, identifying security threats and implementing appropriate incident responses. Students will participate in lab work and content that dives deep into current and trending topics in information security.

SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGIES LEARNED: ETHICAL HACKING, DIGITAL FORENSICS, FIREWALLS, CRYPTOGRAPHY, INCIDENT RESPONSE.

FRONT END WEB DEVELOPMENT

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Prepare for an exciting career designing and developing websites. Front-end web developers are responsible for creating the visual and interactive elements that users engage with in a web application. HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, user interface design, responsive web design, project management and content management systems are just a few of the topics covered in this program. Our curriculum blends creative design with programming to help you create attractive and functional web applications that ensure a great user experience.

SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGIES LEARNED: PHP, WEB PAGE DESIGN, JAVASCRIPT, USER INTERFACE DESIGN, INTEGRATED WEB DEVELOPMENT

TAKE YOUR DEGREE FARTHER Interested in continuing your education at a four-year college or university? WCTC’s transfer agreements allow you to transfer credits into bachelor’s degree programs at our partner schools, often at junior-level standing. Learn more at wctc.edu/transfer

WCTC offers several dual degree programs that allow you to earn two in-demand associate degrees in just three years. These programs maximize synergies between programs by sharing resources like faculty expertise, facilities and community programs – saving you both time and money.

Dual degrees available in IT include: IT - Network Specialist and IT - Cybersecurity Specialist IT – Web and Software Developer and IT – Data Specialist IT – Computer Support Specialist and IT – Network Specialist Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer/Educator 9100/21

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GET THE DATA ON UWM’S DATA SCIENCE CERTIFICATE! NEW!

COLLEGE FOR KIDS & TEENS DATA SCIENCE CERTIFICATE TRACK – IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL DATA SCIENCE INSTITUTE Elective courses • Adventures in Statistics • Algebra Camp • Algebra I • Algebra II • Build Your Own Business • Discrete Mathematics and Combinatorics • Introduction to Programming I • Introduction to Programming II

As part of a newly developed partnership with the Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute, UWM’s College for Kids & Teens (CFK&T) is now offering a Data Science Certificate Track designed for high school students interested in the study of data science.

THE NEW CERTIFICATE INCLUDES: • Three core classes and two elective courses from a selection of College for Kids & Teens offerings.

• All core courses are for grades 9-12 and can be completed within a three-year window.

Core courses • Introduction to Data Science • Probability and Statistics • Entrepreneurial Data Science

• Pre-Calculus • Programming Primer • Python Programming • Roll the Dice • Sportistics • Survey of Calculus • What’s the Chance?

To learn more about this exciting new certificate designed specifically for high school students, visit uwm.edu/sce/kids FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ben LaDuke – Director Gloria T. Lane – Assistant Director cfkids@uwm.edu • 414-227-3360

Visit UWM.EDU/SCE/KIDS

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COMPUTER SCIENCE AND

SOFTWARE ENGINEERING With dynamic programs in computer science, cybersecurity, and software engineering, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is a regional leader in the rapidly evolving technology industry. A “hidden gem” of the Midwest, the university offers well-ranked programs including the Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering program, ranked among the top-six in the United States. By pursuing your degree with us, you’ll develop the technical skills you need for a promising career, with the personal support and involvement opportunities that can help you succeed today.

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APPLY AT MATC.EDU

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Graphic Design Support

Milwaukee Area Technical College, Creative Arts, Design and Media Pathway Graphic Design Department Aspirations in Computing Recognition Booklet Cover – Rachel Trampe