Young women are interested in science and the arts, or STEAM, fields but cost is often an issue. Nicholette Milhoan is a winner of 1,000 Dreams Fund and HARMAN’s 2018 New Face of Tech challenge, which helps fund the next generation of STEAM dreams. An Interdisciplinary Art and Design major at the University of Georgia, Nicholette hopes to become a digital media artist and to use her $2,000 in funding to buy textbooks plus have an amazing art show.

What is your professional dream?

My professional dream is to be a digital media artist.

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

I feel that women are not represented enough in technology. This win means a lot to me because it means I can help represent them.

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

We can change this by promoting women to go into fields of STEAM, by allowing them the same career opportunities as men in these fields and by accurately representing women in these fields. 

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

My challenges usually consist of trying to focus on one thing at a time. I tend to surround myself with many projects at once. Because of this, I tend to overthink things.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

I stay motivated by digging into topics I really love and want to know more about. My long-term goals are defined by my short-term goals. I keep in mind that long-term goals can change, and this freedom of endless possibilities keeps me focused on what is in front of me.

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

Coming from a low-income family, graduating from a university is a huge dream I didn’t think was possible. This fund allows me to finish my educational dream by helping me pay for my last two semesters here at UGA. I will be able to purchase textbooks as well as have an amazing, exiting art show.