Three students from the College of Computing & Informatics (CCI) have been selected as Forbes Under 30 Scholars and will be headed to the2019 Forbes Under 30 Summit, held in Detroit, MI from October 27-30. The annual business conference celebrates the future leaders of technology, entertainment, finance, fashion, food and philanthropy. The four-day conference’s technology focused tracks will bring together experts in artificial intelligence, cloud and cybersecurity, fintech and blockchain, and gaming. The event will also feature talks and performances from athletes and media figures including Serena Williams, Kevin Durant, Antoni Porowski, 21 Savage, and more.
CCI’s Forbes Under 30 Scholars are Ledornubari Nwilene (BS Computing & Security Technology), Alexis Martin (BS Information Technology, MS Cybersecurity), and Raj Patel (BS Data Science). The three CCI students are included in a select group of just 1,000 Forbes Under 30 college scholars nationwide. Forbes Scholars represent the innovators and leaders of tomorrow. Diversity and inclusion are at the core of the program, celebrating students across every gender, race, ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation.
For Nwilene, attending this conference is an opportunity pursue her interest in building opportunities for other women in technology.
“I’m so passionate about diversity and inclusion because when I was growing up, I wish I had seen a better representation of women in tech that might have helped me see this as a path I could follow. There’s something powerful in just seeing other people do things and enabling yourself to imagine greater possibilities,” said Nwilene. “I want to rise up and become the type of woman who encourages others to believe in themselves, and stories are the best connections. I look forward to experiences like this Summit where I can share my story and learn from the people I meet.”
Nwilene is well on her way to becoming the type of woman who encourages others; in fact, after submitting her own application to the Under 30 Scholars program, she invited Martin to do the same.
Martin said, “Ledornubari actually sent me the link to apply – the program is invitation only, so someone else has to see that leadership ability within you. And I really appreciate that she reached out to me and gave me this scholarship opportunity.”
When asked what she is most looking forward to, Martin shared, “There are so many innovative movers and shakers who are coming from all across the country. I’m really looking forward to that networking experience.”
She continued, “A big focus of the conference is diversity and inclusion, and there's a great diversity of different speakers. I can’t wait to hear from different tech and industry leaders-- especially those who are women, and those who are black. It’s going to be really inspiring to see leaders that look like me."