I am totally psyched to be here in Austin, Texas, for South by Southwest Education (SXSWedu), a spinoff of the world-famous SXSW festivals of music, interactive, and film. I’m excited not only because it’s a chance to hear some great music and eat some unbelievable food. What really has me excited is the opportunity to promote computer science and information technology as a career option for young women. SXSWedu will screen Big Dream, an inspiring film that tells the intimate stories of … [Read more...]
Celebrating International Women’s Day and the importance of diversity to drive innovation – Microsoft on the Issues
Despite all the efforts, wide gender imbalance still exists in innovation worldwide, with number of women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields decreasing from secondary school to university, laboratories to teaching, and policy making to decision making. At the same time, most developed countries are forecasting an alarming shortfall in the number of skilled people to fill these jobs. The International Telecommunications Union predicts that 90 percent of future … [Read more...]
‘Big Dream’ brings big inspiration to Computer Science Education Week | News Center
“There’s no greater pleasure in life than doing something people say you can’t do.” That’s the mantra of Cassidy Williams, one of the stars of “Big Dream,” a documentary about young women breaking barriers to pursue their passions in science and technology. The film is showing tomorrow in Washington, D.C., as part of Computer Science Education Week, which takes place Dec. 8-14. “I think a lot of people still have that stereotype in their minds that people who work in computer science work … [Read more...]
Computer Science Gender Gap
EdTech: Focus on K-12 published an article highlighting the gender gap in technology fields, and how tech companies and groups like Big Dream Movement are making a difference: Rane Johnson-Stempson, the principal research director at Microsoft Research, helped organize the Microsoft International Women's Hackathon in May. The worldwide event, anchored in Washington, D.C., drew more than 2,000 participants from nearly 50 universities and 11 countries. In an interview with EdTech, … [Read more...]
Inviting Girls To Dream Big
On March 8, we celebrated International Women's Day. Every year on this date, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate their achievements. Women's equality has made positive gains, but plenty of inequality still exists. International Women's Day commemorates the social, political, and economic achievements of women, while focusing world attention on areas requiring further action. “Inspiring Change” was the theme of the 2014 celebration, and the goal … [Read more...]