Giving Women In Technology A Boost For Further Advancement

A few months ago, in October 2014, we launched our inaugural “HP Helion OpenStack scholarship program,” a special program for college women pursuing a career in technology. In an effort to raise awareness for women contributing to the information systems and computer science fields and help them achieve their career goals, this annual program awards four female candidates with a $10,000 scholarship, a mentorship opportunity with HP, as well as potential internship possibilities with the company in the future. 

Having received nearly 200 applications from women all over the world who are working in the technology field, our panel of judges had a difficult time choosing the four final recipients. Through a rigorous elimination process, the four female candidates selected to receive this scholarship were announced in December. These recipients are highly motivated, accomplished, and outstanding leaders in their respective fields who truly deserve this opportunity and recognition.

Who were the lucky recipients?

Stephen Spector, a frequent contributor for HP’s “Grounded in the Cloud” blog page, got a chance to sit down with each of the recipients to find out more about their background, why they were attracted to the expansive field of information technology and how the scholarship will be helping them advance their career goals. These conversations have been posted in a podcast series on HP’s “Grounded in the Cloud” blog page in an effort to inspire and galvanize other young women who are interested in this space to further explore and dabble in the growing field to possibly pursue a career in the industry for their futures.

Click on the links below to listen to the podcasts and learn more about each of these incredible women!

Jovanka Gulicoska
FON University Skopje, Macedonia

“Thank you for this incredible opportunity; I'm glad and excited to be part of this program and another chapter in my programming life.”

Grace (Guyue) Liu
George Washington University

“IT is the most innovative industry and there are always new technologies and new products.  It’s also possible for everyone in this field to do innovative work and maybe change the world.”

Xiaoyuan Lu
University of California Santa Cruz

“I am really excited about being selected as a recipient of the award. I have worked on projects about OpenStack, and I am looking forward to continue working on that!”

Prajakta Naik
San Jose State University

“Thank you for offering the OpenStack Scholarship for Women.  I am really excited to learn and work with you all!”