i am so proud not only because I too am a woman in tech, but because this role is so important. We need to elevate more women into the tech world and allow them to also have their footprint marked in history. You have chosen a field where women can be underestimated, undervalued, and sometimes even patronized.

My name is Bassam, I want to take this time to tell you how proud I am of you!

You choosing to be an innovator is amazing!! This journey may be challenging, but it will be so much more of a reward!!! I have faith that you will accomplish all your dreams and goals!!! It is Science, technology, Engineering and math that shape our society!!!

I am inspired as I write this letter knowing what an impact you will have on our future world and innovations yet to come. I am a leader in Verizon Network Operations and a proud father of 2 wonderful girls. I am here to tell you that there are so many amazing opportunities in STEM and we need you to show the world your amazing ideas.

My name is Brian, I want to take this time to tell you how proud I am of you! You choosing to be an innovator is amazing!! This journey may be challenging, but it will be so much more of a reward!!! I have faith that you will accomplish all your dreams and goals!!! It is science, technology, engineering, and math that shape our society!!! Never forget how important it is for you to show other girls of color that anything is possible!!!

My name is Chad and I’m a Client Partner in Chicago. I support global enterprise or big businesses keep their assets connect, from little gadgets that help keep food fresh and semi-trucks that get it to our groceries to patients and doctors using iPads.

Not really knowing the city life, I grew up in a small town in western Kentucky. I just happened to get a job at a tv and parts retail store when I went away to try college. I fell for tech and, even though it took years later to finish a degree, studying and learning what you love while you go is the most fun.

I have two daughters and I want to share with you the same message I share with them about the importance of your education. There is nothing in this world that will separate and elevate you in life more than your studies. It is literally the gateway to opportunity. It may feel like it’s not useful, that it’s work (and at times it is) but its value is something that cannot be overstated.

So, find an interest and be curious, in fact stay curious. It will grow into something you’re passionate about and ultimately something you become really good at and before you know it a career.

Keep on studying and asking questions. Work hard and be curious. Even if life is challenging, you can overcome anything. Believe in yourself, ask for help and keep on dreaming! Don’t ever give up!

My name is Doug P. , I want to take this time to tell you how proud I am of you! You choosing to be an innovator is amazing!! This journey may be challenging, but it will be so much more of a reward!!! I have faith that you will accomplish all your dreams and goals!!! It is science, technology, engineering, and math that shape our society!!!

My name is Liz and I want to take this time to tell you how proud I am of you! You choosing to be an innovator is amazing!! This journey may be challenging, but it will be so much more of a reward!!! I have faith that you will accomplish all your dreams and goals!!! It is Science, technology, Engineering and math that shape our society!!!

Hey there TechDiva!

WOW! You took the right step by being part of BGC!

I’m 100% sure you are a hard worker and I’m so proud of you.

Young ladies like you will make a difference in the future of tech. Just know you have a girl on your side!

Remember, that it is your drive and your willingness to learn which will bring you great Success.

My name is Eugene, I want to take this time to tell you how proud I am of you! You choosing to be an innovator is amazing!! This journey may be challenging, but it will be so much more of a reward!!! I have faith that you will accomplish all your dreams and goals!!! It is Science, technology, Engineering and math that shape our society!!!

Never forget how important it is for you to show other girls of color that anything is possible!!!

My name is Frank , I want to take this time to tell you how proud I am of you! You choosing to be an innovator is amazing!! This journey may be challenging, but it will be so much more of a reward!!! I have faith that you will accomplish all your dreams and goals!!! It is science, technology, engineering and math that shape our society!!!

Never forget how important it is for you to show other girls of color that anything is possible!!!

My name is Gary H. , I want to take this time to tell you how proud I am of you! You choosing to be an innovator is amazing!! This journey may be challenging, but it will be so much more of a reward!!! I have faith that you will accomplish all your dreams and goals!!! It is Science, technology, Engineering and math that shape our society!!!

Never forget how important it is for you to show other girls of color that anything is possible!!!

My name is John E, I want to take this time to tell you how proud I am of you! You choosing to be an innovator is amazing!! This journey may be challenging, but it will be so much more of a reward!!! I have faith that you will accomplish all your dreams and goals!!! It is Science, technology, Engineering and math that shape our society!!!

Never forget how important it is for you to show other girls of color that anything is possible!!!

My name is Joe and I am currently an Area Manager at Verizon. I have worked at Verizon for the past 24 years and I wish that the STEM program was available when I was attending school. You should definitely take advantage of the STEM career as I feel it is a great opportunity to prepare and enhance your skills. STEM based education teaches more than science and mathematics concepts. The focus on hands-on learning with real world applications Helps develop a variety of skill sets, including creativity and 21st century skills that you should take advantage of. You should never stop learning and always strive to be the best that you can be.

Think about all of the technology you use every day. Think about how some people (often older people) have no idea how to use this technology. But now imagine 5-10 years into the future. Everyone who grew up using high tech will be using it as adults and in business. The future of business is technology. Business means opportunity -- both financially and career growth.

Those who learn how best to create and use technology will be successful. That foundation starts with learning the foundations. Learn Technology (or any Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) as it will prepare you to be successful.

My name is Karsaun, I want to take this time to tell you how proud I am of you! You choosing to be an innovator is amazing!! This journey may be challenging, but it will be so much more of a reward!!! I have faith that you will accomplish all your dreams and goals!!! It is Science, technology, Engineering and math that shape our society!!!

Never forget how important it is for you to show other girls of color that anything is possible!!!

As a Black Girl who works in technology, I got my start in high school and college before computers were a big thing! I wanted to challenge myself and stay in an environment where you are always learning. When you are learning, you are GROWING!

Did you know that approx 3.7 million students are projected to have graduated from high school in 2021? And many of them will move onto college and into the workforce. But not all of them will have technical skills such as the ones you are developing in coding.

My advice is to continue to push forward for your dreams. If possible pursue higher education. That could be through trade school, community college, technical school, or a 4-year college. The goal is to continue to enlighten your life through the passion of learning new things. To be an entrepreneur you still need to have the passion and know-how for new things, new adventures, new experiences. You owe it to yourself to go as far as life will take you.