Natalie Pan’s Post

What comes to your mind when you hear "STREET-to-TECH"? Well, you might think it's just another community initiative, but there's much more to it. Have you ever wondered why so many youths' potential remains untapped? It's often because they haven't discovered their inherent abilities or lack a platform to explore them. In today's tech world, numerous opportunities lie dormant, waiting to be utilized. STREET-to-TECH is a strategic, planned, and sustainable effort to lift many youths from the streets and meaningfully engage them in the tech space. It is an initiative of the DVK Academy, sponsored by the Office of Community Communications, aimed at empowering and equipping youths with essential tech skills. This program not only equips youths with requisite tech skills but also provides ongoing mentorship. Importantly, STREET-to-TECH is offered at no cost, ensuring every interested youth can explore the tech space without limitations. The first cohort of the program has begun their two-month training, with enrollment for the second cohort starting soon. Acquiring academic certificates isn't enough. As a youth, invest in yourself by acquiring relevant tech skills. This will give you an edge over your peers, both now and in the future. Hear what Joseph Samuel has to say about his experience in the ongoing training in this attached video.😊

What comes to your mind when you hear "STREET-to-TECH"? Well, you might think it's just another community initiative, but there's much more to it. Have you ever wondered why so many youths' potential remains untapped? It's often because they haven't discovered their inherent abilities or lack a platform to explore them. In today's tech world, numerous opportunities lie dormant, waiting to be utilized. STREET-to-TECH is a strategic, planned, and sustainable effort to lift many youths from the streets and meaningfully engage them in the tech space. It is an initiative of the DVK Academy, sponsored by the Office of Community Communications, aimed at empowering and equipping youths with essential tech skills. This program not only equips youths with requisite tech skills but also provides ongoing mentorship. Importantly, STREET-to-TECH is offered at no cost, ensuring every interested youth can explore the tech space without limitations. The first cohort of the program has begun their two-month training, with enrollment for the second cohort starting soon. Acquiring academic certificates isn't enough. As a youth, invest in yourself by acquiring relevant tech skills. This will give you an edge over your peers, both now and in the future. Hear what Joseph Samuel has to say about his experience in the ongoing training in this attached video.😊

Such exciting news from Her Tech Circle with new opportunities for women in tech evolving out of the rebrand. I am excited about upcoming events, contributing to brand building, and embarking on the team's journey. 😊 Let's get started! 🙌 #hertechcircle #womenintech #communityempowerment #newbeginnings #techcareers

I have always loved the idea of embracing tech and being a woman in tech, but with a background in Arts and Humanities, I had a million and one excuses on why it could be "Mission Impossible." I had also bought the lies that it's not really for "my kind of woman." I had also bought the stereotyped lie that tech is for men. Thank God for Oladiwura (Diwura) Oladepo who is helping break that lie through the Tech4Dev, Women Techsters Bootcamp and fellowship programs. Sometime in February/ March or so, I was on the phone with a sis, who told me she picked up a master form in UNILAG and was also planning to undertake training as a caregiver in case JAPA plans click first. I told her I don't think my brain can carry any reading at the moment, so going back to school is not part of my plans for the new year. For JAPA(ing), I have never been a fan, but if I must upskill for JAPA purposes, it must be as a woman in tech and not as a nurse or caregiver because blood scares the sh*t out of me. We both laugh it off, but it got me thinking. My step toward a possible transition into tech began by attending one women's Techster Open Day in February 2021. After the Open Day, I applied for a slot in the fellowship in the same year, but I wasn’t selected. The rejection mail, however, came with a piece of advice: it encouraged me to apply and attend the Bootcamp, which will help prepare me for a chance to get into the Fellowship program next year. I did apply for the boot camp, but I wasn’t selected, two rejections in a row, so I abandoned everything; after I got off that phone call, I knew it was time to try again. The rest they say is history The intensity of the fellowship is something else (sitting down for 4 hours daily (sometimes more). Some days for the whole 4 hours, I haven’t understood anything taught.😂 Because the class is online, the data consumption is something else, sometimes, I do 50 Gigs weekly; with the way our network is here, I do two network providers and one internet provider. That still isn’t enough because some days, I spend more time outside the class than I do inside due to poor network. What about days my laptop will hang until the class ends? 🤣I don’t blame the poor system; it is carrying more than required and needs a replacement 😂 Well, we have done 9 weeks(now on break), and I am grateful I took a chance on this life-transforming opportunity. I have done things I never thought I could do in my wildest dreams, all because I drowned my fears, excuses, and the voices that said I couldn’t, and l took a chance on myself. So, when I say Tech4Dev is one of my blessings of 2023, I know what I am saying. Being on the platform has given me the audacity of faith to dream even bigger. Draw the lessons you will from this story, but as you go into 2024, quit the excuses, drown your fears, take a chance on yourself, and take your destiny into your own hands. Compliments of the seasons Happy Holidays🥰❤️

Next week I get to speak to a group of 5th-8th grade girls about working in tech. What would you share to inspire this group to consider all this field has to offer them? #girlsintech #tech #utahtech

A new feature is coming to the Tech Vanguard Blog

What's Your Goal as a Tech Champ? Hello, Tech Enthusiasts! As we journey towards becoming expert developers and tech champions, it's essential to reflect on our goals and aspirations. I’d love to hear from you: What is your goal after mastering your technical skills? Here’s mine, and what I aspire to achieve: My Goal: - Create My Own Startup: Build an innovative company that leverages cutting-edge technology. - Empower Youth: Equip the next generation with valuable skills to thrive in the tech industry. -Foster Innovation: Encourage creative solutions and forward-thinking ideas to solve real-world problems. - Build a Community: Create a supportive environment where young tech enthusiasts can learn, grow, and succeed. - Make a Positive Impact: Use technology to make a meaningful difference in society. Now, I invite you to share your goals. What do you aim to achieve once you become a tech expert? comment below! P.S: Your dreams and aspirations matter—let’s build a better future together!

So much talk about “Fachkräftemangel” and lack of diversity in the tech sector - and yet, now both “Girls in Tech” and “Women Who Code” are forced to close. The bad news is, I am not surprised at all! Finding grants to support minorities get in to tech and to upskill people to help close the digital gap have gotten A LOT harder the past two years. In Spring 2024 ReDI School of Digital Integration Berlin had to close our digital literacy program for NEETs (young adults “not in employment, education or training”) due to lack of funding. We had a high performance team in place and an oversubscribed waiting list. But two key funders changed their CSR strategy at the same time and in 8 months of fundraising we could not replace them. Ironically, in parallel to this, we are winning European awards for our tech inclusion work, but they unfortunately don’t come with funding. They do open doors, but time is running… My honest prediction for 2025? We will see many more nonprofit tech programs and schools closing, unless something is done. Is this a call for help? Yes it is!

Working together is the solution to closing the gender gap in Computing Science.

Happy International Day of the Girl Child💗 Today, we celebrate the incredible potential and brilliance of our girls. Let's remember that empowering our girls with tech skills is not just an option but an essential investment in our future. In a rapidly changing world, tech skills are the powers that unlock endless possibilities. By equipping our girls with tech skills, we're preparing them to be leaders, innovators and creators of tomorrow. The tech world is a canvas for their imagination. Let's nurture their curiosity, encourage their dreams, and provide the tools they need to thrive. It is time to create a future where every girl has the confidence and skills to shape the digital landscape. Empower, educate and inspire our tech-savvy girls today by staying connected with Tech Kiddies. Check out our YouTube - https://lnkd.in/dB78dgUT Empower, educate and inspire tech-savvy girls today for a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow. #techkiddies #EmpowerGirls #GirlsInTech