“I would love to analyze data for the rest of my life!” That may sound like the opposite of dreamy to some, but for Stephanie Camino, it is THE dream. This New Face of Tech winner wants to be a statistician, so she’s currently double-majoring in Statistics and Mathematics with a Computer Science minor at the University of Wyoming. Ultimately, she would also love to serve as a role model and offer support for young statisticians.

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

Being a New Face of Tech means the world to me. This award has given me reassurance for the educational path I’m taking and it shows that women in tech are not only needed, but sought after. I’m thankful for the support that 1,000 Dreams Fund and HARMAN have given me in chasing my dreams.

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

Growing up, I wasn’t exposed to the abundance of educational topics and career opportunities that exist in STEAM. I didn’t even know what statistics was until my first statistics class in college! If we could educate young women on the endless options they could have in STEAM, it would show them that there is a place for everyone in the STEAM community.

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

The biggest challenge for me has been lack of encouragement and lack of acknowledgment of my passion for statistics by my peers and adults. My choice of career has been questioned — even to the point of me being told to change my majors. I believe this stems from a lack of education and understanding of statistics and its applications. I would love to use New Face of Tech to help inform and promote the importance of statistics and how it’s interwoven into so many careers.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

My love of learning and my passion for statistics has kept me focused on my goal of attaining my master’s and doctorate degrees. And, I also look forward to a career that I will enjoy to doing every day.

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

Not only am I a full-time student working on a double major with a minor, I work part-time as well. Funding from the 1,000 Dreams Fund and HARMAN will help me focus on and fund my degree so I may reach my education and career goals. Besides the financial support, this award encourages me and confirms that my choice of statistics is a sound decision — and one that looks toward the future.