Harlem, NY native Seneca Meeks('20) may not be literally kicking bad guys butts left and right like Denzel Washington but she is overcoming all obstacles in her path as a black woman in tech. Ask her how her love for tech started out and she'll be honest about what she calls "the great equalizer". 

"I first started CS as a freshman in high school. I always loved math and solving puzzles so CS seemed like a logical next step where I could actually apply my love of puzzles and problem-solving in a practical way. Computer science/tech offers a new way to address problems-- be it systemic, social, or physical-- and tears down obstacles so that everyone has access to all opportunities. It is the great equalizer." 

What's impressive about this current Google intern is her boldness to speak up about changing the path not only for herself but also those who will follow her!

"Ever since high school I have been one the only black people in my computer science classes. It’s always discouraging going into a room and seeing no one like you.

When I got to Brown and continued to pursue CS, being a part of a POC community in the CS department was crucial to me. I wanted to make sure that no other person of color had to go through what I did alone. I pushed hard to make CS an accessible subject for all people. CS is hard and without a support system it can feel almost impossible. Finding Mosaic+ has been one of the best parts about my college career. I am completely humbled to be co-leading Mosaic+ this year, and hope that the students feel that they get the support that they need from it and the community.”

indeed officially over 
#SweaterWeather

A native of Dhaka, Bangladesh Ali Mir('19) will be honest about his journey at Brown which has been difficult at times..

"Within computer science (and I'm sure this is true for a lot of other fields of study), "impostor syndrome", or the feelings of inadequacy and self doubt is something that a lot of students deal with. I personally did (and still do to this day!), and there were a lot of times during my sophomore year that I questioned whether or not I belonged in CS."

What's impressive about Ali is not only his maturity to identify those feelings but also his intentionality to always encourage himself. 

"I love being surrounded by intelligent, motivated students, but at the same time that environment sometimes caused me to question my own self-worth. I have to remind myself all the time that I deserve to be here, and I can succeed no matter what.”

Young leaders like Ali are truly wise beyond their years. This is especially evident when you understand how Ali allows his pain to fuel a purpose far greater than himself. 

"I've fallen in love with computer science and I'm continuously searching for the right mix of computer science and social good. Having lived in Bangladesh, I grew up seeing the harrowing reality of issues such as poverty, malnutrition, and a lack of education almost daily. As a result, I hope to one day be able to use my computer science knowledge to help tackle social issues!"