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

PD : Hi! My name is Pranati Dani, and I am a rising senior at Redmond High School in Redmond, Washington. I have always been a dedicated student, and that dedication is what brought me towards STEM and other hobbies I pursue today. For example, I am heavily interested in badminton, dance, and teaching, and have always figured out how to weave my STEM interests into these in some way. In general, I live life with positivity and all my hobbies and STEM interests have contributed to that. I lived in India for the early years of my life, moved to the United States in third grade, and have been here ever since. Therefore, a competitive nature has always been part of my life, and the positivity and dedication I hold help me succeed in it.

When and how did you get into technology? 

PD : I have always been a STEM kid – ever since I saw my first animated catwalk across the screen with Scratch as a third grader. Since that moment, the idea of computers doing tasks that we wish has always been intriguing to me. When I wanted to know how computers learned, I immediately got into self-learning Python and Java. When I wanted to know how computers process information, I immediately got into self-learning Machine Learning. Today, my curiosity has driven me to a more knowledgeable and dedicated person in STEM fields. With a lack of resources presented to me through school, I have been able to persevere to find opportunities for my self, whether that is online classes, extracurriculars, or websites. After learning many programming languages for around five years of my life, I began to get into projects and games a few years ago. Although my journey in STEM has been very male-dominated, I have always pushed myself through and am here today as a bright and excited STEM student.

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?

PD : I am extremely proud of the way I teach STEM subjects. I recently became the director for STEMTeen Seattle, and we have been holding workshops in order to bring in students into this field. In addition, I teach through multiple other organizations such as Girls Rock in Math and Science and even have started my own at-home teaching seminars. Being able to bring other students into STEM fields is most important to me, as I know that, especially as a girl, encouragement is necessary. Teaching allows me to give that while allowing them to have immense fun with the subjects as well. In addition, I recently have started a research project with Machine Learning. Through this, I have been monitoring the efficiencies of multiple ML models in order to predict Liver Cancer. Although I am still working on this project with my team, we placed at IYRS, the International Youth Research Summit this month!

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

PD : Mystery to Uncover.

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

PD : As many girls in STEM, one of the main challenges I have encountered is being a woman in this field. Even as a high schooler, I have faced enough people with the prejudice that girls do not belong in STEM. For essence, I was once attempting to join the Programming Club at school and was immediately told that ‘I would feel out of place and should not join’. Although such statements hurt for a while, it drives us to make a change as well. For me, it led me to create the Girls Who Code club at my school, and I am incredibly proud I did so. Now, I can not only have a safe environment for myself, but also for other girls who wish to pursue STEM.

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

PD :  I have learned that it is extremely vital to celebrate every achievement. Always carry a simple goal in mind – a goal that pertains to the next step. Although knowing what you want in ten years is vital, it is necessary to take happiness in the small steps you make in order to reach that goal. With this, you can reach satisfaction every week rather than waiting ten years. That bit of satisfaction and happiness will turn out to be very important for your own mental well-being.

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

PD : Only you determine your path.

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

NH : I am a first-generation college student who grew up in a smaller farming town in Ohio called Trenton! My background is incredibly devoid of STEM in general – I loved math and science but didn’t have too many chances to exercise that love. In high school, I participated in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) which gave me the confidence and skills to be able to do whatever I want in life. I wouldn’t be very far without that organization. It’s a great example of how you don’t have to have a STEM organization to help you develop the skills to make your way through the STEM industry.

When and how did you get into technology? 

NH:I always grew up loving science and math, especially things that flew and outer space. However, my schools did not focus on STEM. But my passion and love for science and technology persisted throughout the years. When I began thinking of careers, I considered a military path. I come from a military family, with a deep history of Army servicemen. Unfortunately, my heath would not allow it. I kept looking up possible careers, now focusing on science and math. Years later, I decided to investigate engineering. My perceptions about the field were wrong, and it was so much more than I could have imagined! Then I found aerospace engineering. It was the space, flight, and even the military aspect altogether in one field! I was hooked. Unable to visit the schools I applied to or take a class/extracurricular to see if I liked aerospace engineering, I jumped in headfirst and didn’t turn back. I’m living proof that you can make it as an engineering student in school and in the industry without a mentor or experience, even though you shouldn’t have to be.

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?

NH : One of the most exciting experiences I have had is the time I spent with Rockwell Collins. Approximately three months into the project the scope suddenly changed with minimal warning. Our team had to begin working on creating Crew Alerting System (CAS) messages utilizing Python and a language unique to the company. Although I was just a co-op, the team entrusted me with the position of CAS message lead, allowing me to lead a team of engineers in the United States, France, and India to ensure the completion of various program sprints. To be placed in such a position so early into my first co-op was an honor, although slightly overwhelming. Prior to that experience, I had never worked with Python before and only had minimal experience working with programming languages. This led to learning the language through trial and error and online supplemental material. The speed in which I had to learn, implement, and troubleshoot was fast; however, it gave me a great appreciation of the language. Additionally, working with a team of international colleagues was a new experience as well. This project was the first time I had to work around time zone differences, as well as having to learn cultural differences. I’m thankful I had team members who were willing to help me navigate these challenges and allow me to gain new skills in both communication and diversity and inclusion. I am currently working at Spirit AeroSystems in their Advanced Product Development (ADP) group where I help create and innovate solutions for the future of aviation and aerospace.

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

NH : Ever-changing, Exciting, and Innovative

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

NH : I’ve faced a lot of challenges: concern that I wasn’t good enough, that I didn’t know enough, sexism, phobias from other people about my sexuality and disabilities, all sorts of things. There are a few simple steps to overcoming these obstacles: communication, perseverance, and honesty. You should always communicate, regardless of the situation. Talk to the people who are presenting challenges to you, people who can help you navigate the situation, and people to help you gain perspective. Remember to persevere! You’ll be able to get through whatever is thrown your way anything is possible to overcome, no matter how horrible it may be. Finally, be honest – not only about what the situation is but with you and those around you who are helping you through the challenge. It will make the obstacle seem smaller and easier if you’re honest.

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

NH :  Don’t give up and ensure that you discuss what you’re going through with other people.

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

NH : Keep your head up and your eyes forward.

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

MH : I have lived in Diamond Bar, CA (a small town about an hour away from LA) for most of my life. Throughout high school, I was interested in a variety of subject areas, including computer science. Interning for my local Assemblyman and being chosen for my school district superintendent’s student council allowed me to give feedback on current and new initiatives within my school and community. During the summer prior to my senior year, I participated in the internship program with Dr. Maja Mataric’s robotics research lab. The field of socially assistive robotics, pioneered by Dr. Maja Mataric, focuses on developing robots to assist vulnerable populations, including children with an autism spectrum disorder, through social rather than physical interaction. As an intern, I worked alongside my Ph.D. mentor on the mobile robot named Kuri to create ‘curious and kinesthetic’ behaviors or robot actions that would spark curiosity in middle school students through movement and augmented reality. Over this summer, I am working as a Software Engineer Intern for a startup. Some of my other activities and interests include classical Indian dance, coding projects, web development, and baking.

When and how did you get into technology? 

MH:Much of my middle school years were spent independently learning HTML and CSS. By initially designing a page on a Pokemon gaming site using these tools, I was hooked. Programming was a way for me to create exciting designs and programs. Upon entering high school, I supplemented my knowledge by adding JavaScript, Python, C++ and Java. Through Project Lead the Way (PLTW) curriculum, I became adept in Autodesk Inventor, 3D printing software, LoggerPro, RobotC, and Multisim, among other technical skills. As I came up with new side project ideas, such as making a chrome extension, I acquired the skills necessary to complete the task. Currently, I hope to continue my Computer Science knowledge and supplement it with a background in Business or Economics. I am interested in a variety of career options, from Software Engineer to Product Manager, and hope to expand my horizons even further in the future.

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

MH : Never gets boring.

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

MH :  It is perfectly fine to have diverse interests. At first, I was convinced that since I would most likely be applying to college as a computer science major, all of my activities had to be related to computer science. However, this was not the case, and many of my activities gave me invaluable insight into issues within my community and allowed me to build a skill set outside of programming. This proved to be extremely helpful to me throughout high school. It is also perfectly fine to not know exactly which field you want to pursue a career in and to explore a variety of areas.

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

MH : Never stop learning AND/OR Meet new people

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

EM : I remember being the only girl in my high school electricity class with 18 guys. One day one of her classmates asked why I was taking the class and even said “You’re not good at this.” That turned me off STEM so fast, and even though I was really strong in math and science, I swore off engineering because of that comment. Obviously, that didn’t work out because I’m an engineer now, but that is why it is so important to connect with and empower women. I was born in Dallas, Texas, and grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. FIRST Robotics is why I decided to try engineering – I was on a FIRST team throughout high school, though I originally joined to do the business and outreach aspects of the program.

When and how did you get into technology? 

EM:I tend to do things because people tell me I can’t: I had enough people tell me I couldn’t be an engineer for one reason or another so I decided I was going to prove them wrong. I’ve always loved problem-solving and figuring out how something works, whether that’s a pen or a large group of people making decisions. I also participated in FIRST in high school and I loved the whole engineering process of brainstorm-try-prototype-fail-retry-fail-retry-success! It was a really hard lesson to learn for me that everything I do is probably not going to work on the first try – I’m a little bit of a perfectionist so learning how to fail was really hard but I am SO glad I’ve become comfortable with it.

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?

EM : I spoke at Girl Day on the Hill in February 2020 in support of engaging more young women in STEM on behalf of DiscoverE. Never ever ever did I expect to be able to speak to those who lead our nation about my passions and my dedication to educating and inspiring the next generation. Now that I’ve done that, I’ve been spurred on to keep going – continuing my efforts in STEM education and promotion. Every day is different for me. As an industrial engineer, my focus is on improving processes and helping people. This could be anything from crawling around the floor installing a vacuum system so my people don’t have to worry about debris and dust getting into the product they’re building, to working on the design and manufacturing of the next commercial synthetic vision system, helping pilots combine what their visible eye can see, what cameras can see, and what sensors and other applications can see to help pilots navigate safely and successfully. Really, my job is asking “what if”. Finding a problem and coming up with new ways to solve it or make something faster or better.

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

EM : Inspiration, Teamwork, Learning

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

EM :Being wrong/making mistakes. I’m a perfectionist so I want things done right on the first try. There are some things I try to implement on the floor that my people don’t think are good ideas or that they aren’t on board with, and so it doesn’t happen. or there was that one time I deleted all of the information out of our material tracking system on accident. I’ve had to learn to own up to my mistakes a lot more – being wrong is okay, it’s what you do after it that matters. I’m always disappointed if something doesn’t go my way or isn’t implemented the way I think it should be, but I’m learning really quickly it’s better to own up to it and move on than to sulk about it or hide the error. My team is AWESOME in that we all support each other so failing or mistakes or anything else that happens and we figure out what went wrong and fix it for next time.

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

EM :  Getting everyone on board to make a change! Everything I’ve implemented has been something my people are on board with. I get their input and their feedback before I put anything out on the floor so I know that there’s a higher chance of it being adopted readily vs. being shoved off into a corner and never used. I did a floor relayout in Richardson and because I got so much initial input from my people on what they would want the floor to look like or what improvements they could see, I was able to go to them with a drafted design and the only things they asked for were an additional table and a couple more panels. Keeping everyone in the loop and making their lives easier is so rewarding to me.

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

EM : Show your passion.

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

CL : I am a total space geek, avid Netflix binger, and French fry lover. My Twitter tag line reads ‘Rocket Scientist by day, Editor in Chief by night’ as I do exactly that. Having graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering in 2018, I now work full-time as a Mission Analyst for L3Harris Technologies where I support their small satellite programs. Once the workday is over, I come home and work on Reinvented Magazine. As Founder and President of this 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, I work to empower young girls to pursue STEM fields through the creation of the nation’s first-ever print magazine written for girls in STEM. Outside of work and running a profit, I am continuing to advance my education by pursuing  M.S. in Space Systems Engineering part-time at Johns Hopkins University online. On a less professional level, I spend most of my free time running distances most people call crazy, knitting, and going on long walks on the beach with her dogs.

When and how did you get into technology? 

CL: I grew up wanting to be a fashion designer. But, if you saw my fashion sense in elementary school, you’d know that wasn’t meant to be. So in sixth grade, my mom dragged me to a FIRST Robotics meeting at my local Girl Scout council. I immediately fell in love with robots and knew at that moment that STEM needed to be some part of my life. Once I got to high school, I was given the opportunity to do some basic research on the Mars rover, and that’s where my passion for space first sparked. I thought it was crazy that there was this great unknown out there that everyone was so eager to learn more about, and I wanted to be a part of that adventure. I decided to go to college at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to earn my degree in Aerospace Engineering. It wasn’t until I started my Attitude, Determination, and Control (ADCS) courses that I realized that I LOVED satellites and small spacecrafts. Now, I work full-time as a Mission Analyst at L3Harris Technologies, where I get to work on designing the mission for many of our small satellites, i.e. figuring out the orbits, determining how much fuel we need, etc.

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?

CL : Outside of the projects I complete at work, I think the thing I am most proud of is starting Reinvented Magazine. Reinvented is the nation’s first-ever print magazine written for girls in STEM by girls in STEM, and has reached thousands of readers all over the world. But, why am I so proud of this? I’ve struggled a lot with my mental health over the last five to six years. College definitely wasn’t the easiest for me, and imposter syndrome hit me hard more than once. I failed classes, I dropped out for a semester to focus on my mental health, but I always came back ready to fight for my passion for space and my place in the field. There have been so many times in my life where I felt like I didn’t belong where I was, or that I only became successful because I’m a girl. Since the day I decided I wanted to pursue STEM, I faced pushback every direction I turned. It really wasn’t until recently that I felt like my story was worth telling. But here I am, still standing. And while I’m definitely not saying that I don’t feel that imposter syndrome creep back in pretty often, I’ve figured out how to fight it, and I took it to the next level. I started this magazine to help make sure that the next generation of young women in STEM don’t look around their classrooms and feel singled out being the only girl in the room. So, now I’m not only telling my story, but I’ve created a platform for more womxn in STEM to do the same.

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

CL : The endless possibilities.

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

CL : All the time. And some days the challenges are bigger than others. I’ve already mentioned my mental health, overcoming imposter syndrome, and just dealing with people trying to push you down. I think the key to overcoming them is to not be shy. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for an incredible support system. There are a LOT of women in STEM out there, and we are all here to fight for you. But, first, you have to do a little fighting for yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Find your local SWE chapter or Girls Who Code club, join online communities, and slack channels for girls in STEM. And when you’re having a rough day, tell us about it. We will be there to support you and lift you back up.

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

CL :  Celebrate the little things. I’d be incredibly naive to tell you that it is going to be easy. And as if the classes weren’t tough enough, you also get those over-confident boys constantly trying to push you down. But you can’t let them. Some days will be harder than others, but you have to remind yourself that this is what you’re passionate about and that nothing is going to stand in your way from getting there. For me, doing that meant celebrating the little things. Some days it was just getting a barely passing grade on a test, because hey a 70 isn’t great, but I passed! Other days it was something bigger like landing an internship. But, if you aren’t celebrating every seemingly small accomplishment, you can get lost in hardship.

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

CL : Be unapologetically yourself.