“Winning the New Face of Tech award is very encouraging,” says Jayden Brown, a senior at Anderson University in Indiana who is pursuing a dual major in Cybersecurity and Computer Science. “It allows me to continue to attain my dreams of becoming a cyber-solution analyst for a large tech company — hopefully one that is very inclusive of women, especially women of color.”

What does being the New Face of Tech mean to you?

I want to encourage and lead other women of color to join a career in STEAM. I hope that young girls are less intimidated to join the field, and I hope my story inspires them.

Women are underrepresented in STEAM. How can we change this?

We can change the underrepresentation by encouraging other women to join an open and welcoming community. Building clubs and advocating for women in tech can encourage other women to join and shift people’s perspectives.

What are some of the challenges you have faced along the way?

It has been challenging to find female mentors in fields I am interested in and to stay motivated to achieve my goals. As a colored woman, it can be difficult to continue to push through adversity whether it be social, financial, etc. It has also been difficult to find other women in the field to connect with.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

I’ve joined clubs like Women in Cyber and Girls Code so I can connect with likeminded people who may be encountering the same struggles. I also make sure that I keep my priorities and projects straight by keeping everything in my notes and calendar. Staying organized in the world of tech is very important as multiple projects develop!

How will funding from the 1,000 Dreams Fund and HARMAN help you reach your goals?

The funding will allow me to further my education without the financial burden. I am now able to pursue multiple technical certifications, which will make me more marketable for a career after graduation. I will also be able to attend cybersecurity conferences, enroll in hacking competitions, and enroll in coding boot camps. I would not have been able to pursue any of this without the funding!