MEET OUR WITTY WOMEN: SUHAIMA
This past academic year, we worked with 12 female-identifying students to develop a technical solution for the non-profit organizations Urban Institute and Child Care Aware of America. We are so proud of our fellows and all the work they accomplished, and for the next few weeks, we’ll be featuring these amazing students here on our blog.
This week we are featuring Suhaima Islam. Suhaima is a 3rd-year student at Macaulay Honors College at CUNY City College majoring in Computer Science and Minoring in Public Policy.
Why did you join the wit project?
I was new to the tech field when I applied to the WIT Project. I had just switched into the computer science major and I was eager to learn as much as possible. Not only did I want to expand my technical skills, I also wanted to gain professional skills and experience with a social-work project. The WIT Project was a unique experience to combine my technical and social-good interests. Also, it was amazing to see an empowering, female-driven opportunity. The STEM field is lacking in women, and I looked forward to working in an atmosphere that motivates me to continue for success.
What has been your favorite part about the volunteership experience? What have you learned from the wit project?
I don't even know where to begin. Like I mentioned before, I was pretty new to the tech field when I started at WIT, so I learned a lot! The bootcamp was one of my favorite parts of the program because we covered so much material and tried out so many different projects. It was also when I got to hang out with everyone in the program, including all the fellows and cohort leads.
This community helped me to break out of my shell, ask questions, and be resourceful. During the second part of the program, I learned a lot about Javascript and PHP when working on the Wordpress site for CCAoA. It was a lot of scripting and front-end that we worked on, and these skills were very helpful when I continued into a summer internship!
Why is it important to have more women working in tech?
Women bring different experiences and needs to the drawing board. When a tech company needs to create a solution for the people, they have to acknowledge the stories and experiences of all groups of people. Women help to complete those needs by contributing ideas that lead to innovation. They are powerful, motive-driven people who can lead a group to success. If companies do not have more women working in tech, they are disregarding so many needs, opinions, and ideas that could move the company forward.
What are your goals for the next year? Where do you want to be in 5 years?
In the next year, I hope to explore various fields within tech, specifically with AI and data science. I have mainly worked in front-end in my past internships, and I would like to try more back-end development. I also hope to become more comfortable with myself in my classes and internships. I find that I find myself feeling like an imposter among so many talented people. However, I have gotten better at reminding myself that we are all on our own journey of learning and growth. I know I have gained a lot of experience and I had a desire to learn more, so the goal is to continue that process of being comfortable in my skills and myself. In the next 5 years, a lot can happen. My main goal is that I am not bored in whatever position or job I am working in. I want a job that challenges me to try new things and learn new skills.
Who’s a #badass technologist you look up to?
I watched a movie called Hidden Figures, and the portrayal of Katherine Johnson was amazing. Not only as a women, but as a POC, she overcome the scrutiny of so many people and continued to becoming the best in her field. I hope to have that same resilience in any setting that I am placed in. Also, Reshma Saujani, the founder of Girls Who Code, is another amazing POC women who has helped create many opportunities for girls everywhere. Girls Who Code is a major resource that I know lots of young females look to now as a way to break into the field. Her desire to help this under-represented group in tech is something I admire, and I would also like to follow a path of helping others with tech!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
Percy Jackson and the Olympians was my favorite series growing up! Every time I think about the movie adaptation, I cringe. Disney+ is currently adapting it into a new series, so I have high expectations and I cannot wait!