In early November, members of Molloy’s IT Department, including Janice Bonczek, Vicky Higuera, and Nancy Cantalino gave an after-school presentation on the Experiences & Careers of Women in the Technology Field. Members of Molloy’s G.E.R.L.L. Club (Girls Empowerment for Real Life Leadership) and the Girls Who Code Club attended the event. Of Molloy’s five-person IT staff, three are women – a ratio that is not common in the tech field. The presentation included a brief history of women in technology (including info about trailblazers like Ada Lovelace and Grace Hopper), an overview of Janice’s, Vicky’s, and Nancy’s professional backgrounds, a discussion about opportunities and obstacles for women in technology, and how the future for women pursuing careers in computer science is currently trending. Janice, Vicky, and Nancy ended by noting that today companies are doing a better job of giving women fair opportunities to pursue careers in technology. Click the following links for additional resources: | Women In Computer Science | Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Programs | girldevelopit.com
Earlier this year, Molloy was recognized by The College Board with the AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for attaining female student representation in AP Computer Science Principles for 2018. Among the more than 18,000 secondary schools worldwide that offer AP courses, Molloy is one of just 685 schools that has achieved this important milestone. The College Board recognizes the importance of diversity in computer science and has commended Molloy’s leadership in computer science and commitment to preparing its young women for the in-demand tech jobs of the future.