In February, Berkeley Lab scientists Teresa Williams (Molecular Foundry) and Daniela Ushizima (Computational Research Division) took their first trip to Africa as part of a delegation organized by TechWomen, a unique mentoring and exchange program funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Institute of International Education. The trip was eye opening and hugely inspirational for the women, both personally and professionally.
TechWomen brings emerging women leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) from Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East together with their professional counterparts in the U.S. Bay Area and Silicon Valley. During the five-week program, participants are paired with mentors and gain access and exposure to networks, resources, and industry contacts. TechWomen also organizes annual trips for women who’ve served as mentors to travel as a delegation to a participating program country. Williams and Ushizima were among 11 women selected to travel to Kenya with the TechWomen delegation.
