Computer Science Students Inspired by Women’s Tech Conference

Students Made Connections, Interviewed at Grace Hopper Celebration

MEDIA CONTACT: Jonathan Saxon, [email protected], 301-860-3607

(BOWIE, Md.) - A group of 27 female Bowie State University computer science students networked with hundreds of women at all levels in the tech industry at the Philadelphia Grace Hopper Celebration, the largest gathering of women and nonbinary technologists in the country.

"It's a huge feeling. I'm looking in each direction, and I'm seeing all women," said Ashanti Boone, a senior computer science major. "It is a male-dominated industry. Whenever I go to internships, I'm in the minority in a lot of aspects. Being able to see that many women in the field reminds you that, while we are the minority, it is a field for us, and we're able to thrive in it."

Since 2021, the number of women in the Bowie State computer science bachelor's program has grown from 58 to 96 or 65.5%. Women represent 26% of all computer science majors for fall 2024.

Dr. Darsana Josyula, a Bowie State computer science professor, noted that the conference was in some ways a game-changer for the students to be able to see so many women technologists gathering with the intent to connect and support each other. She said it is incredibly powerful for students to hear from female scientists and entrepreneurs about how to succeed.

Comments from Brenda Wilkerson, CEO of AnitaB.org, which hosts the Grace Hopper Celebration, also reminded Dr. Josyula of her experience, in that she did not see women in positions of influence or authority while she was a student.

"When CEO Brenda Wilkerson mentioned that she had never had a female faculty member for her computer science courses in college, it suddenly dawned on me that all the courses I took during my graduate journey were also taught by male faculty," said Dr. Josyula. "What surprised me was that I hadn't realized it until that moment!"

Junior computer science major Melanie Nziengui felt that conferences like the Grace Hopper Celebration are very necessary, especially for helping students and young professionals combat any doubts or anxiety they face trying to maneuver their way through the career field.

"It made us feel validated to be in a space with women just like me," said Nziengui. "We had the opportunity to showcase our skills without feeling pressure or persecution. It's necessary for us to have safe space."

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.

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