Most Admired
Microsoft DigiGirlz: Pivoting to a Different Reality by Lango Deen
ldeen@ccgmag.com
icrosoft’s DigiGirlz Technology Program has given hope to thousands of young women. Over the last decade, more than 13,700 have benefited from Di- giGirlz camps and one-day events around the world. In 2010 alone, the decade-old program reached roughly 6,900 girls in more than fifty global locations.
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Logan Olson of Spokane, Washington is just one of many suc- cess stories. A 2006 DigiGirlz participant, Logan developed a magazine for girls with disabilities using Microsoft accessibility technology. In 2005, a visually-impaired college student job shadowed a visually-impaired Microsoft intern and got first- hand experience in the development of accessible technology. This led to the DigiGirl pursuing her new found interest as a Microsoft college intern working in the company’s Accessible Technology Group.
According to a 2008 DigiGirlz study conducted by The Puget Sound Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology, the most significant impact of the DigiGirlz Technology Program is raising awareness of the benefits of hitech career choices. Other areas of impact for students include better understand- ing of computers, more post-high school planning, and a heightened interest in technology-related fields.
DigiGirlz’s highly organized, innovative and educational pro- 30 HISPANIC ENGINEER & Information Technology | 2011
grams give young women the opportunity to participate in hands-on courses that help introduce them to the benefits of technology-related careers. shadow employees, view prod- uct demonstrations, and interact with senior level Microsoft employees.
Mentors are perhaps the most important asset Microsoft offers. Take these 3 executives: Senior Manager of Develop- ment and Outreach Keami Lewis, training consultant, Detra Newhouse, and Leslie Gray, a director in infrastructure and database management, serve as sources of professional aspira- tion. They work with DigiGirlz to help improve their STEM educational experiences, teach effective use of technology, and mentor young women as they pursue their career goals.
“The truth is technology is a vital, fast growing field that’s not just for the boys,” said Keami Lewis. “[I]nnovation is for every- one. Microsoft’s DigiGirlz programs strive to provide young women with the expertise and direction to succeed in a world becoming more dependent on the latest technologies.”
“We’re here to break down stereotypes and help a young per-
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