Udoka N. is not only passionate about computer science and information science — her fields of study at the University of Michigan — she also wants to help equip other women with the knowledge and resources to break into STEAM-related fields. Here’s what else this Paliwal Club of 100 STEAM Scholar shared with us.

What is your professional dream?

I want to be a UX designer.

What does being in the Paliwal Club of 100 mean to you? 

It means being part of a community of women who are striving to be high-achievers in their respective fields.

Women are underrepresented in the S.T.E.A.M. (science, tech, arts or math) fields and music industry. How can we change this? 

We can change this by using our platforms to promote the need for women to join STEAM fields. Additionally, I think it’s important for women to mentor other women who are breaking into similar fields. For me, I try to do resume and application reviews for women (especially women of color) who are applying into coding-based majors at my university.

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

Being the only Black student in most of my coding classes; feeling imposter syndrome in my major program; and having to advocate for myself in spaces where people aren’t looking out for me.

How will this grant from the 1,000 Dreams Fund help you reach your goals?

This grant will help alleviate the financial stress that comes with attending a major university as an out-of-state student. Furthermore, it will help me be able to afford to go to the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Annual Convention in March, where I’ll be able to network with companies and learn more about how to break into big tech as a young Black professional.