Kods – Bridging the Digital Divide

Kods, Tunisia, 2024

TechGirls was by far the most impactful and rewarding experience of my life—not that I travel the world attending ultra-selective programs on a daily basis—but it was an unforgettable highlight in my educational journey so far. It opened doors I didn’t even know existed and gave me the confidence to walk through them with purpose. Returning to Tunisia after the program, I felt an overwhelming drive to share what I had learned. Alongside my incredible fellow Tunisian TechGirls, we co-led an info session in collaboration with Amideast Tunis and Amideast Sousse, where we introduced the program to aspiring participants and mentored them as they took their first steps into the world of STEM. It felt surreal to stand where I once sat, this time offering support instead of seeking it.

One of the most meaningful projects we’ve led since coming back was our Community Action Project, “Wallah We Can,” which I helped initiate through my role as International Coordinator and Researcher at Youth STEM Initiative (YSI Tunisia). Supported by our Local Engagement Coordinators and Program Directors, the project was a hands-on web development course designed to combat digital illiteracy and equip young people with the skills to explore tech as a form of self-expression. Over multiple sessions, participants were introduced to HTML and CSS, coached through building personal websites, and encouraged to infuse their identities into their designs. The final showcase—where students presented their sites with pride—was a full-circle moment that reminded me how powerful and accessible technology can be when shared with intention.

The TechGirls program didn’t just teach me coding and leadership—it gave me clarity. Through Virginia Tech classes, leadership workshops, cultural exchange, and mentorship from inspiring STEM professionals, I discovered new possibilities for my future. I gained not only practical skills, but the ability to lead, adapt, and collaborate across cultures. Those lessons have shaped how I approach every project I take on now, and they continue to influence the path I’m building as I explore further opportunities in technology, education, and social impact.

What made this experience even more special is the community it leaves you with. I’ve remained closely connected with my fellow alumnae—especially the Tunisian cohort—through outreach events, collaborative projects, and peer mentoring. Together, we’ve created a support system that extends far beyond the program itself. TechGirls reminded me that when girls in STEM stand together, the impact multiplies—and I’m proud to be part of that ripple effect, now and always.