In 2023, I was a Data Science Scholar, where I began to build my confidence in tech as I joined this awesome community I didn't believe existed. In 2024, I also participated in the Estée Lauder Virtual Challenge, where I was selected as a finalist. Through these experiences, I deepened my skills in Python and data visualization, and explored how tech can drive social impact. One of my favorite parts of KWK has been meeting other girls who are just as passionate about coding—I'm still in touch with friends I met in my cohort! Fun fact: I now lead a nonprofit chapter focused on digital literacy for girls, inspired by the confidence I built through KWK.

Since participating in KWK, I’ve grown so much—not just as a coder, but as a leader. I’ve gone on to lead my school's Girls Who Code chapter, placed second at my state’s FBLA conference for mobile app development, and this summer, I’ll be competing at nationals! I also won the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing for my technical achievements, and published a podcast and article for GirlUp USA on women's history month! I’m also incredibly excited to be interning at Cisco through their high school STEM program. Being part of KWK helped me realize that tech isn't just a skill—it's a tool I can use to make real change, and that’s shaped the path I’m on today.