WVC Student Awarded Scholarship to Attend Women in Technology Conference

Wenatchee Valley College sophomore Priscilla Nunez recently became one of just 14 undergraduate women nationwide to receive a scholarship to attend the world's largest gathering of women technologists.

Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA) Program Director Dr. Karina Vega-Villa says the 19-year-old will join hundreds of students and professionals at the Grace Hopper Celebration in the fall. Priscilla was encouraged to apply for the scholarship by Vega-Villa and Retention Coordinator Dr. Bobbi Johnson.

"You have industry, you have higher education, you have the Microsofts and the Amazons of the world attending for four days to come together and see how we can close the gap in women participation in technology and computer science," said Vega-Villa.

The Grace hopper Celebration's goal is equal men and women represented in the technology fields by 2025.

Nunez is studying electrical engineering and computer science at WVC and will be transferring to Washington State University. She is also looking to start a College Loops program at WVC that intends to empower female students to code and deepen their understand of computer science.

"We have been very fortunate to have Priscilla in our program." Vega-Villa added, "She is a go-getter and definitely always inspiring other students to do their best. She's great at collaborating with others."

Nunez has an interest in creating wearable tech, like a ring or pendant that can call 911 in an emergency.