Mentoring the Future Women of Tech

As part of our commitment to supporting the future of the tech and public safety industries, many of our employees volunteer and support non-profit organizations working towards a similar goal. Today, in honor of International Girls in ICT Day, Mark43 Vice President of Product Design and Research Araxie Miller shares her experience working with organizations who support and encourage girls and women interested in information, communication, and technology (ICT) careers.

As a woman in tech, I love every opportunity I have to encourage the interest of young people in computers, coding, information technology, and more.

I’ve always loved art, science, and computers. But as a child, my access to computers was limited, and it wasn’t until college that I discovered I could combine my love of art, science, and technology into a career I love.

While in college, I discovered Girls Who Code and fell in love with the mission. I started volunteering as a tutor and gradually realized these organizations’ impact on youths entering the technology world. I believe technology should be available for everyone to use and discover. Unfortunately, there is a division between children learning in some demographics versus others.

The disparity in ICT learning opportunities is why I value working with organizations like those Girls Who Code. ICT education is essential, especially for girls and young women who don’t have the chance to study computers, coding, information technology, and more when they’re in school.

Today is International Girls in ICT Day. It’s a day close to my heart because it highlights the need for more educational opportunities, tools, and mentors for girls and women interested in tech.

Increasing interest in ICT

Girls become interested in ICT and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers around age 11 but lose interest around age 15. There are several reasons girls lose interest in STEM, including:

• Peer pressure
• Lack of role models
• Misunderstanding of how STEM looks in the real world

It’s important we offer support and encouragement to girls who are interested in ICT careers before outside influences cause them to lose interest.

I know firsthand how important this influence is. Today I’m the Vice President of Product Design and Research at Mark43. But as a child, I didn’t know a career in software design, development, and research was possible. Thankfully, the desire to impart a sense of community and betterment to future generations kept me focused on my work.

Organizations supporting girls in ICT

If you’re looking for organizations to volunteer with, here are five great international organizations to consider:

• Girls Who Code works to close the gender gap in tech through online resources, campaigns, books, in-person programming, and advocacy work.
• Black Girl Code builds educational and career pathways for women of color in computer programming and technology.
• Women Who Code supports women pursuing careers in ICT and women who are already working in ICT
• Hexagon UX drives the conversation around diversity and inclusion through community, events, and mentorship in the field of user experience.
• Women Techmakers is a Google program that provides visibility, community, and resources for women in technology.

You can learn more about International Girls in ICT Day from the United Nations International Telecommunication Union.
To learn more about an ICT career with Mark43, visit our careers page.