Williams Recognized for Computing Achievements

HELENA – As part of an effort to encourage more young women to choose careers in technology, the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), NorthWestern Energy and Carroll College recognized 15 Montana high school women from 12 high schools for their accomplishments and aspirations in computing and technology. Seeley-Swan High School junior Nicole Williams was among the recipients. She is the first SSHS student to receive this award.

The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing was created to promote the computing aspirations of young women, introduce them to leadership opportunities in the field and generate visibility for women's participation in technology fields. Winners are acknowledged for their outstanding aptitude and interest in technology and computing, leadership ability, academic history and plans for post-secondary education.

Williams applied for the award after her instructor from the University of Montana Web Programming Camp encouraged her to apply. A lot of the application addressed how applicants felt about women in the field of technology and their importance.

"I think it is important to have as many different outlooks as you can on the field," said Williams when asked why it is important to have women in the technology field. "That is the only way you are going to see the most possible innovation."

This was one of Montana's highest scoring years for the contest. Carroll College professors Steve Harper and Ted Wendt oversee the Montana contest, which is sponsored by NorthWestern Energy. Harper wrote in an email that often, these girls are the only female in the computer class. 

"[The award] is particularly designed to recognize standouts like Nicole that live in places without many role models and few women in computing," wrote Harper.

Williams said this award is an affirmation for all her hard work over the past year working with her boss and mentor Nora McDougall, owner of The Computer Gal in Missoula.

"Nicole is a great example, of not just "being there" but being actively engaged," wrote McDougall in an email.

McDougall said they work on pair programming together on three web projects. Their almost weekly coding sessions have gone from basic HTML and CSS to database design, database construction and web scripting.

"I have to stay on my toes because Nicole catches my errors!" wrote McDougall. "I am very pleased about her catching my errors because attention to detail is a core requirement in programming."

Williams thinks having a good female mentor to help guide her has really helped her. "You can bond with anybody but I think for a lot of girls it is easier to bond and look up to a female authority figure because it is easier to put yourself in that position."

Williams received a trophy, a new laptop bag, a necklace made out of computer chips, school supplies and a new planner. A second trophy will also be on display at SSHS.

"I think it is pretty important because a lot of times we only look at athletic achievements. I think academic achievements are just as an important," said Williams. "I'm really happy that I was lucky enough to be the first one to achieve this award at Seeley-Swan High School."

Williams said that while she isn't sure that she wants to pursue a career specifically in technology, "the great thing about the field is that any knowledge about technology and how to work with computers, gives you an edge up on everyone else in whatever field you are going into."