I am going to Google!

My great news. I am a finalist in the 2008 Google Australia and New Zealand Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship! I havent won (yet!? :) but I feel like I have! I am so excited that I get to spend 2 whole days at the Google offices in Sydney in September. And I get $1000 towards my studies next year. And I get to meet and hang out with the other 11 finalists, so cool!

An excerpt from my finalist notification:

Dr. Anita Borg (1949-2003) devoted her life to revolutionizing the way we think about technology and dismantling barriers that keep women and minorities from entering computing and technology fields. 

As part of Google's ongoing commitment to furthering Anita's vision, we are pleased to recognize you as future leaders in technology as a Scholarship Finalist for the 2008 Scholarship.

So very excited!

Jenine :)

Technology Takes You Anywhere 2008

Last Friday was the annual Technology Takes You Anywhere event here in Brisbane. We hosted nearly 700 school girls in grades 5-10. I was one of six people on the organising committee, I also presented on the day and signed hundreds of books. Was such a buzz. Julie, Tracey and Monica (also authors in TGAC) were also there to present and volunteer on the day (Julie was on the organising committee too), so they signed lots of books too. It seemed the girls liked getting their own personally signed copy, I even got high-fived by a bunch of primary school books, being told "you are like a rockstar, you are so cool, you have your own book!". 

It was such a great day. More details on the official website.

My photos here, but more to come soon from our photographer.

And you can also download our presenter booklet; you can read all about our presenters from the day.

I hope you enjoyed TTYA 2008! :)

Jenine

3rd International Careers Fair, Brisbane Australia

Monday 1st September

Suncorp Stadium

For more details: http://www.careersfair.org.au

Women in Hard Hats Campaign

Last Friday's presentation was part of the Office for Women's Campaign 'Women in Hard Hats' which is designed to encourage females into careers in non-traditional areas.

I have been profiled...

Follow up on Sunnybank High School - Make or Break Conference

I was lucky enough to be invited to present at Sunnybank State High School's 'Make or Break Womens Conference' last Friday. I was part of a session chaired by Alix Winter from the Office for Women, and presented to 6 different groups of year 8/9 girls alongside Radmila Desic who is an Industry Engagement Officer for Construction Skills Qld, and also has a trade in construction (she can build houses!), and alongside Carlie Wright, who works for Brisbane City Council and is the only female plumbing inspector in Australia,  - pretty impressive huh! All girls got a free copy of Tech girls are chic, not just geek.

The entire day was organised by an amazing girl named Jamie, who is the School Captain and visionary behind the day to inspire the younger girls at her school. Well done Jamie for doing such an amazing job. It was a fabulous day.

Jenine :)