Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, your background, and where you grew up?

AS : My name is Arouney Sithtaphone but I go by Allie. I am a 15 year old high school student from Woonsocket, Rhode Island. I am a first-generation Southeast Asian-American and have lots of pride in my multicultural upbringing (Laos + American).

When and how did you get into technology? 

AS : I’ve always had a deep love and appreciation of STEM. When I was little, I wanted to work in healthcare and from there it has sky-rocketed. In the fifth grade, I took part in a local STEM club called SMILE (Science Math Investigative Learning Experiences) funded by the University of Rhode Island. Ever since then, I have taken any opportunity to learn more and be a part of the STEM Community. I am currently a SkillsUSA competitor, NCWIT inductee, Griptape Learning Challenger, P-TECH student, amongst other things.

I now have my own AspireIT program with NCWIT called Civics Code and we focus on teaching high school students web development.

I’m now interested in changing the world as a biomedical engineer and paving the path for other girls in STEM, especially those of color, to create an environment that is suitable for all the disparities that we have between one another.

Can you share an example or two of the things you have done in or with tech that you are particularly proud of? What some of the solutions that you are working on now?

AS : At my local museum, the Museum of Work and Culture in Woonsocket, RI, I 3D printed a touchmap to promote accessibility to those with low vision or blindness. I think it’s important that community resources, such as museums and public spaces, are accommodating to all of their visitors.

I recently started a website called Diaspora Documented and it showcases POC and their stories. It also connects viewers to community resources in RI/MA if they need support. You can find the website at diasporadocumented.com

I’ve recently started my own AspireIT program with NCWIT called Civics Code where I’m teaching high school students web development/design and social justice. Students will be creating websites based on social topics of their choosing.

What do you like best about your job/technology? Share in 3 words.

AS : I’m always learning.

Have you encountered any challenges along the way – and, if so, how did you overcome them?

AS : A big issue along the way has been imposter syndrome. There are a lot of great women in tech and it can feel intimidating to even start but I constantly overcome it. I always have to remind myself that these women are doing AMAZING things and that they aren’t my competition!! Society likes to pin women against one another and we need to fight that together! I always tell myself that even if my contributions help only one person, at the end of the day I have completed my goal. That has helped me the most.

What’s a lesson that you learned along the way that you’d like to share?

AS : One step for one girl in STEM is a step for all of us.

Share your advice for young girls who want to change the world with computer science (in 3-5 words)?

AS : You can start anywhere.