MCWT Scholar Shares Her Success Journey with Mentor Match

Mariam Mahmoud, now in her third year at the University of Michigan studying computer science, started her STEM journey in high school. She was a member of the Business Professionals of America club, where she enjoyed the back-end and front-end of coding in her role on the website design team. Mahmoud thanks her high school advisor for helping her get involved with MCWT, leading to her being the keynote speaker for our annual Executive Connection Summit.

MCWT has fueled Mahmoud’s passion for technology throughout the years by connecting her with mentors and fostering a more inclusive environment for women in the STEM field. She is happy to be involved in an organization that continues to educate her.

MCWT member Darlene Taylor started mentoring Mahmoud 2 years ago. Taylor said, “I am so proud I am able to work with Mariam. She has a true passion for technology and is committed to giving her time to help others in tech.”

Taylor nominated her for U of M’s Sister Mary Ambrosia Fitzgerald award earlier this year and was delighted when she won. The award, given by the school’s Women in Science and Engineering Office, is part of the Willie Hobbs Moore awards that are dedicated to honor staff, faculty and students who demonstrate excellence in promoting equity in science, technology, engineering and math. The Sister Mary Ambrosia Fitzgerald award goes to an individual who is an exemplar of formal or informal mentorship of STEM students.

Winning this award helped show Mahmoud that she’s making a difference in helping her peers and students. At the University of Michigan, she is a TA for computer CARES, a multi-faceted program that aims to eliminate the historical gender disparity that exists in the programs of study for computer science and computer engineering. She also leads and hosts panels on research opportunities, how to become a TA and different avenues in technology.

While Mahmoud has one more year left of college, she already has ideas on how she wants to give back to her community.

“I would love to get more involved in specific MCWT programs; helping with camps, website design, and getting involved in the mentoring program.”

Mahmoud’s greatest piece of advice for other young girls and women looking to get involved in the technology field: “Technology is everywhere; don’t let the stigma and what other people are saying take away your passion.”

Through resources like MCWT, Mahmoud thrived in computer science. Winning the Sister Mary Ambrosia Fitzgerald award helped her grow and flourish and she is excited to begin the next steps of her career.