Why did you start volunteering with WIT?
After moving to Atlanta in February of 2019 and starting a new job at a technology startup (ReluTech, and now also NerdRabbit, ReluTech’s sister company), I continually heard my peers praise WIT for their outstanding work within the Atlanta and Georgia communities. I started attending various WIT events throughout the year and even became a leader for an internal women’s organization at my office. However, it was truly after attending WIT Connect in 2019 and learning more about WIT Campus that instilled nostalgia for my own childhood, where I was fortunate to have adults who encouraged me to pursue my interests in STEAM. I would not be where I am today without the guidance these mentors provided me or without the support I was given through scholarships that enabled me to pursue these passions. Once I met Rachel Bagnell, Senior Director at WIT Campus, and learned about ways to become involved as a volunteer, I knew it was my opportunity to pay it forward to the many young women who may be looking for the same opportunities I also looked for at their ages.
What do you find most rewarding about volunteering with WIT?
If you’ve ever watched any WIT Campus students speak to how the organization has helped them in their career, whether through attaining their dream internship or job opportunity through WIT Campus connections, you will know how uplifting it is to watch their hard work ethic, determination, and passion pay off. Knowing that I possibly helped at all is what I find the most rewarding.
What is your favorite program / event within WIT?
While I’ve only been once, WIT Connect is an event that wouldn’t happen without a full years’ worth of hard work – from students studying hard in class and learning at internships, faculty advisors and campus managers working after hours to make campus programs run smoothly, the WIT staff, and the WIT Campus leadership team meeting regularly to keep engagement levels high on all counts, and many more, WIT Connect is a celebration of all work efforts coming together through the success of our students.
What about you…What would you like to share that people may not know?
Something many people might not know about me is that I have traveled to 24 countries! I am so fortunate that I have found a passion in traveling. I have learned to have an open mind through experiencing other cultures and am very excited for when we will be able to travel safely again.
What 3 traits define you?
Hard Work Ethic, Compassion, Goofiness
What is the best place you have traveled to?
It is extremely hard to choose, but I have to credit studying abroad in northern Italy for my love of travel and would love to go back to continue exploring the rest of the country.
What is your favorite place to eat?
I’m a vegetarian and have found many delicious vegetarian friendly spots around Atlanta (especially for takeout during quarantine)! One place I find myself ordering from over and over again is Tabla Atlanta.
