Not only would Karalyn Walter like to continue her passion for being a writer and concert and portrait photographer, she would love to be able to bring together, inspire, and educate other creators. As such, the New Face of Tech winner is all about the “A” in S.T.E.A.M.; she currently attends the State University of New York (SUNY) at Fredonia as a Music Industry major and a Visual Arts and New Media minor.

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

Being the New Face of Tech makes me more confident in myself and ideas. Before being the New Face of Tech, part of me wanted to give up on certain dreams. Not only am I hoping that girls will be more confident in themselves, I am hoping that they will not give up and that they will continue their love for science, technology, and more.

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

I think one of the big steps to changing how women are represented in STEAM is to change the way schools teach and present information to students. In elementary school and in high school, I remember there being a heavy focus on the men in STEAM history — even though there were and are women in those fields. With introducing the history of more women in classrooms, not only will students be more educated, some may even discover a new role model or inspiration.

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

One of the biggest challenges I have faced is not being taken seriously and professionally in the music industry because of my age and gender.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

I am usually a very motivated and focused person. Sometimes, it can be difficult when I have a million things running through my head. One of the most important things I have learned is to work on things one step at a time. Not only does that help me look at tasks individually, it helps me take my time. When I take my time, I can complete tasks in the best and most efficient way possible.

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

The funding from the 1,000 Dreams Fund and HARMAN will support and help me grow my idea of creating an interactive platform to connect and inspire musicians and artists from around the world.