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Spotlight: Ann Lewis
Each month we spotlight a woman or girl in tech who inspires us. This month we are highlighting Ann Lewis. Ann is the Director of Engineering at a local software startup called Pedago. She is also the organizer of the Central Virginia chapter of Girl Develop It with a mission to teach women how to code.
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How do you work with technology today?
I spend my days working with the Pedago team on our educational content publishing platform. We are building tools that let teachers and experts quickly create interactive and engaging lessons that can be packaged together into courses for anyone to learn. I write code, work with other engineers on their code, work with business owners to figure out what kinds of software features they want the engineers to build, and learn about new software languages, frameworks, and tools.
Why is it important to get more girls and women interested in technology?
We live in a world where most people are consumers of technology, but only a few people are actually involved in building this technology. I think everyone who is interested should get the chance to also be a creator of technology. Anyone with a great idea should have the resources and encouragement they need to make their idea a reality.
Read more
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Get Involved!
Are you ready to become a mentor or sponsor a Tech-Girl workshop? Can you help us get the word out or cater an event? However you would like to get involved, we need you!
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Activities & Events
Live & Local
- February 6 - Natalie Jeremijenko: Exhibition Opening at The Bridge from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Natalie is a nationally renowned artist and was named one of the most influential women in technology in 2011. This event is free & open to the public. More info.
- February 7 - Girls' Geek Day. Yancey Elementary School (9am to noon). This event is open to all ages, but if you are a 3rd grader or younger, please plan on bringing one of your parents too. Registration required.
- February 11 - Make It @ the Library at 4:30pm. Kickstart your creativity in this Pop-up MakerSpace that meets on the second Wednesday of the month. February features animation, cartooning & book trailers. Grades 6-12. This is a drop in event - more info.
- February 24 - Why So Few: Closing the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Gender Gap. Join Women United at 8:30am at the Omni Hotel for a panel discussion about steps the community can take to expose girls to STEM fields. This event is free & open to the public. Registration requested.
- February 25 (deadline) - Virginia Council on Women STEM Essay Contest. The Council will award one $5,000 scholarship to a female junior or senior who will be pursuing a STEM career at an institution of higher education. More info.
- February 27-28 - CAPWIC 2015: “Computing Connects Us†at JMU. This regional Celebration of Women in Computing is a great opportunity for high school students to connect with local women in tech. Registration required, scholarships available.
- February 28 - FIRST Tech Challenge Virginia State Championship. Check out and cheer on these great robotics teams as they compete to represent VA in the World Championship. More info.
- March 13-15 - Virginia Scholastic & Collegiate Chess Championship. Monticello High School. More info.
- Ongoing - Girl Develop It Central VA. What better way to inspire your daughter, grand-daughter or niece to learn to code than to learn yourself. Girl Develop It Central VA offers beginner classes in Charlottesville and Harrisonburg for adults.
- Ongoing - Tinkersmiths Makerspace hosts a wide range of workshops that are open to a variety of ages and experience levels. Check out their latest meetups.
Virtual & Global
- September 1 - February 15 - ProjectCSGIRLS, the nation’s biggest computer science competition for middle school girls. Build something with tech that can help solve an imminent social problem.
- February 12 (deadline) - Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program application process. This 7-week program is open to current 10th and 11th grade high school girls. More info.
- February 25 (deadline) - National STEM Video Game Challenge. A game design competition for middle & high school students.
- February 15 - April 23 - Technovation Challenge. A global technology entrepreneurship program for young women everywhere ages 10 to 18. Registration deadline is Feb 15 and submission deadline is April 23.
- Ongoing - Made with Code for classes & workshops geared toward girls.
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