Since I mastered the art of crawling, I have been an explorer. My life is full with exploring great books, the intricacies of computer programming, and how to create an eighth day in order to discover the undiscovered. I choose to engage in a breadth of activities that inspire me, aid in my personal and intellectual development, and allow me to become a more connected citizen locally and globally. My current interests do not fit into a particular mold, but they are an essential part of who I am now as well as who I aspire to become. Professionally, I intend to pursue a career in software development. I want to create technology for all people, and from this, my interest in accessibility-focused design and development was born. Additionally, since academic reform is one of my passions, I plan on weaving these two focuses to revolutionize the way technology is used in the classroom, creating technology that empowers learners of all abilities and from all walks of life. I am passionate about gender equality and play an active role in initiatives dedicated to ensuring every girl has an opportunity to learn about computer science. After taking my first formal programming class I knew this was a career I wanted to pursue, and I desire for more girls to have an opportunity to experience that “aha moment.” Ultimately, my goal is to play an influential role in mentoring the next generation of female leaders, serving as a positive role model, and breaking down barriers.

Majors:

African and African Diaspora Studies (Departmental Honors Program); Computer Science

Honors Program:

Turing Scholars Honors Program

Extracurricular Activities:

Since my freshman year, I’ve served in a variety of roles: Association of Black Computer Scientists - Co-Founder, Undergraduate Advisor, and Past President; Women in Computer Science - Past Nell Dale Program Mentor; National Center for Women in Technology - Change Leader Scholar; Aspire IT Grant Proposal Reviewer; Changing Expectations – Technical Mentor; President’s Student Advisory Committee - Appointee; Texas Orange Jackets - Active Member and Past Director of Scholarship and Service; Friar Society - Active Member; Freshman Research Initiative: Autonomous Intelligent Robotics - Undergraduate Researcher; UGS 302: Surveillance and Introduction - Past Signature Course Undergraduate Assistant; Senate of College Councils - Past Co-Chair of Academic Enrichment Committee and Past Member At-Large; First Bytes – Past Residential Assistant and Technical Mentor; Code Cadets - Past 6th and 7th Grade Coding Instructor; 3 Completed Internships with Microsoft at their Corporate Headquarters in Redmond, Washington

Other Academic Interests:

I am passionate about leveraging technology for social good and creating technology that is empowering for people of all backgrounds and abilities; as such, I completed a minor in human computer interaction with a focus on user research and user experience. Additionally, I am currently working on my undergraduate thesis, which aims to analyze the ways that technology has maintained social inequity for members of the African Diaspora, as well as how it can be used to disrupt and create a more equitable future.

What drew you to the Forty Acres Scholars Program (FASP)?

“Forty Acres is more than a scholarship, it’s a program.” This simple sentence uttered during my finalist weekend alerted me to the fact that what Texas Exes had to offer was unlike any of the other programs vying for my acceptance. Forty Acres emphasizes creating a community among scholars, giving us a home away from home. We forge lasting friendships with scholars across cohort lines, and we find advisors and mentors in the program staff. The opportunities and programming are unparalleled, and I have been pushed to grow both academically and personally.

Favorite FASP Memory

My favorite memory is one of my earliest: our freshman retreat. It was a few weeks before school started, and this was the first time we would be reunited since finalist weekend. We swam, laughed, talked, participated in magic tricks (thanks, Giancarlo!), developed dozens of inside jokes, and got to know each other. It was over these few days that I first realized that I would make friends for life, and I’m glad I have had the chance to grow and learn with such amazing people as my support system.