“My dream is to use my technical and people skills as a design engineer to build products that can make a positive impact for our country in the defense industry,” says Sarah F., one of our New Face of Tech winners and an electrical engineering student at The College of New Jersey. She wants to encourage the next generation in STEAM, too, by participating in outreach programs like the ones that helped her get involved in engineering. She believes that “great leadership and programs from caring organizations that are investing in women will create a better future for all.”

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

It’s proof of me realizing my current goals and a reminder of all the support that I have been given in pursuing my dreams. I would not be where I am today without the outreach and support from organizations like the 1,000 Dreams Fund and HARMAN.

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

I think the most important way to combat this is to provide early exposure and education to students and support outreach programs. I also think it is important to encourage confidence in young women’s abilities, so that when they are challenged academically they do not feel that it is because they don’t belong in science, mathematics, and technology courses.

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

I always felt a lot of pressure to understand everything right away and would worry I was not in the right field when met with a challenging academic experience. It took me a while to realize that I am not the only student being challenged and that asking for help will only make me a better engineer.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

I stay motivated and focused on my goals by remaining confident in my abilities and working hard. Every time that I am presented with a challenging project or assignment, I remain positive and remind myself that it is an opportunity to grow!

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

It will assist with college tuition, so that I can focus on searching for job opportunities and put my energy into learning everything I can to be successful in the tech industry post-graduation.