Bloomington, IN – October 3, 2024 – The Center of Excellence for Women & Technology is proud to announce IU senior Ashley Steitz as the recipient of the Maureen Biggers Leadership Scholarship for Equity & Tech for the 2024 academic year. This new award, established in spring 2023 to honor Maureen Biggers’ 15 years of visionary leadership, recognizes students who demonstrate an enduring commitment to advancing technology skills and competency in service of academic and professional excellence.
Steitz is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a specialization in Software Engineering and minors in Data Science, Informatics, and Spanish and has distinguished herself through her passion for expanding access to technology education.
Over the last three summers, Steitz has interned with Microsoft in Seattle, WA, where she worked to bring technology to underrepresented youth and communities. Her dedication to diversity in tech is evident through her involvement in initiatives like Microsoft TEALS, part of Microsoft Philanthropies, which builds sustainable computer science programs in high schools, focusing on students excluded from learning CS due to race, gender, or geography.
Steitz participated as an instructor in the TEALS program, co-teaching AP Computer Science at a small Wisconsin school, preparing lessons, leading discussions, and helping students explore various technology paths like UX design and cybersecurity. Through this initiative, she helped students discover their passions in tech and laid a foundation for the school’s future computer science offerings. The experience sparked her passion for teaching and continues to influence her work in tech education.
Steitz was also an active participant in the Laurie Burns McRobbie Serve IT Clinic, where she participated in both the Serve-IT and Teach-IT programs.
In addition to her community work, Steitz has been an active leader within the Indiana University Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. She has served as a graphic designer on the executive board of Women in Computing (WIC) for four years, worked as a Teaching Assistant for five semesters, and provided academic support as a Luddy tutor. Her efforts have not only furthered technology access for underrepresented groups but also enriched the university community through her leadership and mentorship.
The Maureen Biggers Leadership Scholarship for Equity & Tech, funded through an endowed gift, awards $1,000 annually to a junior or senior student who embodies the values of equity and technology advancement. Special consideration is given to female-identifying and minority students. The scholarship aims to continue Maureen Biggers’ legacy by supporting future leaders who will drive diversity and inclusion in the technology sector.
Steitz’s commitment to technology and equity aligns perfectly with the vision of this scholarship. As she prepares to graduate this spring, we are excited to see the continued impact she will make in both her professional career and the broader tech industry.
About the Maureen Biggers Leadership Scholarship for Equity & Tech:
The Maureen Biggers Leadership Scholarship for Equity & Tech was established in 2023 to honor the lasting impact of Maureen Biggers, founder and longtime director of the Center of Excellence for Women & Technology. The scholarship supports junior or senior undergraduate students who have demonstrated a commitment to technology skills and competency in service of academic and professional excellence, with a focus on promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.
About the Center of Excellence for Women & Technology:
The Indiana University Center of Excellence for Women & Technology serves as IU’s voice for women and technology, empowering women to build confidence, knowledge, and leadership in technology-related fields. The Center promotes the full leverage of technology in support of academic and professional excellence, fostering intellectual networks and interdisciplinary collaborations across the university.
The Center is committed to:
- Empowering women to use technology for advancing their careers, disciplines, and communities.
Celebrating the successes and accomplishments of women at Indiana University- Strengthening academic excellence through a supportive network of faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
- Expanding the pipeline of women entering technology fields and eliminating barriers for women at all levels—students, graduates, faculty, and staff.
- Promoting an inclusive environment that supports the development of women through teaching, learning, and experiential exploration.
- Standing in solidarity for equality, equity, inclusion, and justice, and advocating for positive change for all.
For more information on the Maureen Biggers Leadership Scholarship for Equity & Tech and the Center of Excellence for Women & Technology, please visit womenandtech.indiana.edu.
Contact:
Sophia Harris
Marketing Manager
Center of Excellence for Women & Technology
Soharris@iu.edu