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“Words to the Wise” by Adriane Bradberry

By June 26, 2020June 22nd, 2021No Comments

On behalf of the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), I want to congratulate you on the tech aspirations and achievements that have earned you the 2020 NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC). You were selected from more than 4,700 amazing, talented young applicants.

We have become increasingly aware of how much technology affects our daily lives. Yet, while girls and women are avid users of tech, they are underrepresented in its creation. In 2018, women held 57 percent of all professional occupations in the U.S. workforce; however, women only held 26 percent of all computing occupations. To close this gap, we need you.

Your fresh ideas, innovative mindsets, and technical skills contribute to the technological foundation of our society. You are in a prime position to not only ensure innovation that is as broad as the population it serves, but to also take advantage of some of the most rewarding, highest-paying careers.

As a non-profit dedicated to increasing girls’ and women’s meaningful participation in computing, NCWIT is here to support your plans for the future, wherever it may take you. Our network of nearly 1,240 member organizations and more than 16,000 AiC Community members are ready to provide job opportunities, technical projects, mentoring, advice, encouragement, and more.

As a recipient of the 2020 NCWIT Award for AiC, you have automatically been inducted into the AiC Community. Now, it is up to you to take full advantage of its benefits:

JOIN THE SECRET FACEBOOK GROUP:
“NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Community.” This is where real conversations happen! (Email aiccommunity@ncwit.org to request access.)

GET ACQUAINTED WITH PROFESSORS AND TECHNICAL PROFESSIONALS.
NCWIT member representatives are ready to advise you on learning opportunities, professional development, and more. Learn about NCWIT members at ncwit.org/alliances, and contact aiccommunity@ncwit.org for introductions.

INSPIRE OTHER YOUNG WOMEN.
Consider leading an NCWIT AspireIT program to teach younger girls computing fundamentals in fun, creative environments. Learn more at aspirations.org/aspireit.

We are here to support you—regardless of where you are in the U.S., or where you are in your educational or professional journey. Make connections, network, seek advice, share yourwisdom, find opportunities, and be your authentic self. We hope this Award will always remind you of the powerful and innovative things that you can do with technology. You are truly an inspiration to us all.

Sincerely,
Adriane Bradberry
Communications Director, NCWIT

As the NCWIT Communications Director, Adriane oversees all publicity; including social media, e-newsletters, and traditional press coverage; graphic design for renowned resources and marketing materials; and cohesive messaging about the importance of the NCWIT mission in various print and online formats and channels. Prior to joining NCWIT in 2007, Adriane received her M.A. in journalism at the Newhouse School of Syracuse University in New York and B.A. in communications at Elon University in North Carolina. She has held several editorial positions with online and print publications since her freshman year at Elon. While a southern woman at heart, Adriane enjoys everything the Rockies has to offer.