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

SS : I am a rising senior in the East Bay Area, and I’ve lived here all of my life.

When and how did you get into technology? 

SS : Since elementary school, I had used technology to play games, call my family, and entertain myself. One of my first educational experiences with tech was in 6th grade when my dad signed me up for an introductory Python course. Though I didn’t expect to love it, I realized how solving programming problems were so similar to solving math problems, an activity I’d enjoyed for a long time. Since then, I’ve taken more programming classes, like a UC Berkeley course and AP Computer Science, and this summer I am attending AI4ALL and Kode with Klossy.

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?

SS : I am the Lead Director of Superposition (@superpositionfc), a 501(c)(3) bridging the gender gap in STEM through creating empowering communities and educational opportunities, like hackathons, workshops, and more. As of mid-June 2020, our events and social media content have reached 12,500+ individuals in 37 countries. My solution to the gender gap is bringing more girls into STEM and I’m happy to report that through our hackathons and workshops, we’ve been able to do exactly that. It’s always so rewarding to be able to share my love of STEM with others, and potentially inspire a passion within them.

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

SS : Changing the world.

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

SS : I used to struggle with impostor syndrome when I was promoted to Lead Director. I felt unqualified, undeserving, and lacked confidence. My best advice to anyone experiencing impostor syndrome is to not just ignore it but to question WHY you’re feeling that way. Perhaps it’s due to external factors, or internal conflict. Addressing the root causes of your impostor syndrome can be an effective tool in overcoming it.

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

SS : Just start, tomorrow can’t wait.