If 2023 has taught us anything, it is that the world of AI and technology is rapidly expanding and evolving. The same can be said about the role of women in the field of advanced technological developments. However, some women are getting an early start by making their mark in technology before even starting a career.
Zareenah Ahmed, a Walton High School senior from Marietta, was recently honored with Women in Technology’s (WIT) Girl of the Year Award for her achievements in technology. The prestigious award was presented at the 2023 Women of the Year in S.T.E.A.M.
Awards Gala at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 23rd. Since first becoming involved with WIT in her fresh man year, Zareenah dreamed of winning this award before graduation.
“My sister first introduced me to WIT as she works at a large firm that is involved heavily with them, and she was able to show me the value they provided,” Zareenah said. “Right off the bat, I fell in love with WIT…With each event, I could feel the difference, and it helped build my knowledge, confidence, and interest in technology. This was my most coveted dream throughout high school and I literally dreamt of winning this award. As they say one has to put their heart and soul into what you want to achieve, and it happened.”
Since 1992, WIT has educated girls and women around the globe about opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). The non-profit organization currently has over 25,000 members in Georgia with a total of 48,000 members world wide. They focus on preparing young women to success fully make the transition from the classroom to the professional world while armed with a sense of confidence and empowerment. Providing women with the tools and experience necessary to succeed, WIT helps students find their passion and approach it head-on.
“WIT is such an incredible organization,” Zareenah stated. “With every WIT event, yet another girl is empowered and feels confident that they can succeed in the technology world and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the men.”
Being the WIT girl of the year means maintaining good academic standing, bringing STEM to your community, and having a genuine passion for increasing women’s participation in STEM fields while supporting and uplifting each other.
Zareenah has received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback and praise from her family, friends, and teachers. Convinced anything is possible through perseverance, she is humbled that her hard work paid off with one of the “happiest moments of her life”. While she remains thankful for the support of everyone that helped make this long-awaited dream become a reality, it is the guidance and support of her father that resonates with her the most upon receiving the award.
“He has consistently stood by me, being my rock and the reason I have so much belief in myself,” she admit ted. “I aim to emulate his morals and work ethic, hoping to become even a little bit like him. He’s always been my biggest supporter…I have a lot of role models and people I look up to in my life but if I could grow up to be like anyone, it would be my dad.”
Zareenah is eager to further her education beyond high school studying Computer Science or Computer Engineering. Along with the award, she received a $5,000 scholarship for any college of her choice. With a flourishing career in technology well ahead of her, she has certainly made her start running at full speed.
Written by Adam Darby
