When Julia Fallon and Kiki Prottsman met at the NCWIT (National Center for Women in IT) conference in Portland, they connected around the idea that technology fields need more women — more women as scientists, more women as engineers, more women as programmers and software designers — more women who carve out a rich and satisfying career in a field that powers the future.
Picture Me in Computing is the brainchild of that conversation, a way to get women who work in IT to stand up and say — join us! We’re making a huge difference in how the world connects and works. Before you leap into any other career, take a look at science, technology and engineering. It wasn’t long before the idea took off and the event took shape.
Julia Fallon runs the Crazy Idea Factory. She runs on a high-octane mix of what if and I’m going to connect these people and these ideas and see what happens. Julia explores and interrogates the big ideas in K-12 education and tech integration — how to make sure all kids acquire the skills necessary to participate in a digital society, and what is the collective and creative impact of Web 2.0? Involved with learning technologies since 1989, she is Technology Integration Program Manager for the State of Washington, and an avid proponent of dynamic 21st century learning experiences where highly effective instructional strategies integrate a wide range of learning technologies.
Julia completed her MA degree in Educational Technology from Pepperdine University. A 2005 recipient of the Certiport Champions of Digital Literacy award, her industry experience includes work with telecommunications, higher education and educational technology.
Kiki Prottsman is a creative, passionate, Technological Force of Nature. She sees a big future for women in computing. Introduced to computers early, Kiki was brought up in a family where technology was oxygen for daily life. Kiki started as a programmer and transitioned her creative energy into web & graphic design, working closely with small businesses for nearly 10 years. While getting her master's, Kiki spent two years as the Chairwoman of the Women in Computer Science program at the University of Oregon, where she developed Project Hatch (a K-12 outreach program) that continues to spread through local Oregon Schools. After graduation, Kiki put her heart and soul into founding Thinkersmith, a non-profit with the goal of teaching computer science using inspiring, fun and artistic methods. With a love for teaching, Kiki enjoys spending her days at the University of Oregon, instructing undergraduates and working on community projects with the Industrial Outreach Committee.
Continuing to set her sights on equity, Kiki is keen not only to attract girls into STEM, but to keep their interest alive and growing.
