Meet the 2021 Winners of Cadence's Black Students in Technology Scholarship

In our second installment of the 2021 Diversity in Technology Scholarship blog series, we are spotlighting the recipients of Cadence’s Black Students in Technology Scholarship program. We are sharing their inspirational stories to highlight the importance of supporting underrepresented groups in technology.

These recipients were selected based on their outstanding academic records, leadership potential, and recommendations by their professors and advisors. Check out their motivational journeys and encouraging words for other underrepresented students pursuing technical careers. You can also watch the video below, where a few of the recipients share insights into their experiences, as well as their goals for the future.

Congratulations to this year’s Black Students in Technology Scholarship recipients for all they’ve accomplished. We wish you success in all your future academic and professional endeavors. We also want to recognize all the students who submitted applications. Thank you to each student for being a role model for other students in technology.

Liban Hussein
University of Washington

“This scholarship will impact me in several ways. It provides not only financial assistance, but also gives me a network of like-minded scholars from similar backgrounds. It also provides me with the validation knowing that my work is valued and that I can aspire to motivate the next generation of Black engineers.”

Oluwafikunwa Kolawole
Stanford University

“Growing up in Nigeria, I was aware of how much the medical industry in my country lagged behind that of the world’s developed countries. Of the many factors causing this underdevelopment, I was convinced that one of the most significant was the lack of infusion with technology. This realization, coupled with a desire to improve healthcare in my country, birthed my interest in biomedicine. In a bid to merge my love for the technical fields with my career aspirations to impact healthcare, I decided to pursue a PhD in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on cardiovascular biomechanics.”

Obidike Nnorom Jr
Stanford University

“I would encourage underrepresented students pursuing a technical degree to keep on pushing! There are definitely times when it’ll be difficult but continue to work hard and believe in yourself!”

Ledornubari Nwilene
Drexel University

“The fact that I did not see other female technologists around me growing up played a key role in my decision to pursue a technical degree. Prior to college, I had never thought about pursuing a technical degree. After doing some research, I was so amazed at how technology intersects with every field. I knew I wanted to use technology for social good and be a representation for those coming after me to see that this field belongs to them too. I am only getting started and I could not be more excited for the limitless growth and to rewrite the narrative of women in technology!”

Gift Nyikayaramba
Stanford University

“Identify and build advising relationship with good mentors who are invested in your growth. They will offer the support, advice, encouragement, and guidance that is important in identifying opportunities and succeeding in the pursuit of those opportunities.”

Shergaun Ziko Roserie
Howard University

“My advice to underrepresented groups is to keep striving for excellence. We have many hurdles to overcome but we must be pioneers for those from our groups who shall come after us.”

John Watkins
Stanford University

“Technical degree programs can be quite rigorous but can also bring a highly fulfilling and productive career. The skills that a technical degree bring can help you develop solutions to significant problems and, when you do that, doors open and opportunities multiply.”