“I feel empowered!” says Rose Arasa, a computer science major at Bryn Mawr College with a dream to work in software development with a focus on accessible technology. “I am glad that someone believes in me and this investment means the world to me,” says the New Face of Tech winner who is originally from Kijauri, Kenya. “I am so grateful for this opportunity and the doors it will open for me to pursue.”

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

For me, it’s a call to be even more focused on refining my skills to build accessible. assistive technology.

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

Investment in early career and academic development opportunities and resources can also help lift the burden — especially for individuals who have little to no support from family and immediate communities. I also think mentorship and creating communities where women can be supported and support each other — despite age and career level — is also important.

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

Financial challenges and access to a laptop for my projects during my freshman and sophomore year really almost killed all my hopes of majoring in computer science.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

A few ways…

• Having a role model who has gone through an almost similar path has really helped me deal with challenges I face as I make my way in this field.
• Speaking openly to my close friends about my goals and current hurdles always helps me get fresh perspective on things, too.
• To-do lists and striving to be very organized has helped me work through some of the hardest problems and challenges that I have.
• Stepping away from my work and indulging in my hobbies has had some surprising positive effects on my motivation and drive.
• And the most controversial way has been quitting social media!

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

This will help lift a financial burden that has always limited me from pursuing my interests in computer science research.