AnitaB Pass It On Award: Supporting Women in Computing 🌟

In 2022, I was honored to receive the Pass It On (PIO) Award for my initiative focused on improving resources and opportunities for women and other marginalized communities in technology.

What is the Pass It On Award? 🏆

The Systers Pass It On Awards Program, established by AnitaB.org, is a vital initiative that:

• Supports women technologists in building community
• Promotes the advancement of women in computing
• Provides funding through cash prizes
• Creates a network of mutual support

The program’s unique “pass it on” philosophy encourages recipients to share their knowledge and benefits, creating a ripple effect of support throughout the computing community.

Selection Criteria ✅

The award is open to women who meet the following criteria:

• Age 18 or older
• Currently in or aspiring to join the computing field

Supported Project Types

The program supports various initiatives, including:

• Assistance with life transitions and studies
• Projects benefiting girls and women in tech
• Initiatives to inspire women to pursue computing
• Support for educational expenses
• Mentoring and community support programs

Building our Women in Computer Science community through events and workshops

My Project: Women in Computer Science Initiative 👩‍💻

My awarded project focused on developing the Women in Computer Science initiative at my university. Key accomplishments included:

1. Establishing the Women in CS Council
2. Hosting Targeted Events:
   • Technical interview preparation
   • Behavioral interview workshops
   • Career development sessions
3. Creating Safe Spaces for community questions and support

Application Process 📝

The application journey involved:

1. Detailed written submission
2. Professor reference
3. Review period
4. Notification in late summer/fall

Impact and Outcomes 🎯

Through this initiative, we’ve been able to:

• Create a supportive community
• Provide practical career preparation
• Establish lasting support structures
• Foster meaningful connections

Get Involved! 🤝

Interested in our community and events?

• Follow our journey: linktr.ee/uwowics
• Attend our events
• Join our support network

Acknowledgment 💝

I am deeply grateful to AnitaB.org for their support in making this initiative possible. Their commitment to advancing women in technology continues to create meaningful change in our community.

Have questions about the Pass It On Award or our initiatives? Feel free to join the systers community on discord or in the anitab forum!