U.S. Department of State (DOS) Alumni
DOS Alumni Networks play a significant mentoring role pre- and post-U.S.-based exchange. Of the 37 eligible TechGirls countries/territories, TechWomen alumnae are ready to engage in 19, and TechGirls alumnae can be found in 12. There are extensive DOS networks in all participating countries/territories from which volunteer mentors will be secured.
ECA Alumni Engagement: Legacy encourages TechGirls’ active engagement in embassy and DoS alumni activities. Legacy introduces alumni to the International Exchange Alumni website (alumni.state.gov) Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) grants or U.S. embassy hosted events.
Virtual Mentoring: Two virtual mentor sessions per country will be facilitated by Legacy annually: the first in May 2024 prior to travel to U.S., and the second meeting in September 2024, pairing in-country mentors with youths through project implementation. Virtual Mentorship Resources: In addition to highlighting the DOS Alumni MentorTalks series, Legacy conducts TechGirls-specific synchronous and asynchronous activities to engage the alumni network and foster mentoring (see chart).
TechWomen-TechGirls Networks
Since 2012, alumnae from the TechWomen and TechGirls programs have become a robust network making great advancements for women in STEM. The TechWomen and TechGirls networks that currently operate in Near East Asia, South Central Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa provide a forum for mentoring and career counseling. Virtual and real-time meet ups help club members collaborate. The networks offer:
- Professional and peer mentors for community projects,
- Motivational speakers for career fairs or speaker panels,
- Volunteer opportunities for TechGirls at events organized by TechWomen,
- Bi-monthly or quarterly virtual meet ups: TechWomen share insights with TechGirls on topics such as community service, interviewing tips, social media storytelling, education paths, work/life balance, making your voice heard, networking.
| TechGirls Virtual Mentorship Resources |
| On-Going Synchronous Events Quarterly Regional Networking meetings of TechGirls with selected DOS alumni (TechWomen, TechGirls, DOS alumni involved in STEM) introduce the TechGirls to experts in their country. Celebrating Women Conference (Annual-March) Legacy call for speeches among TechWomen and TechGirls networks. 5-6 speakers selected for webinar followed by networking in breakout rooms. TechTalks (Bi-monthly) 1.5 hour peer-to-peer mentoring sessions by TechGirls alumnae. Legacy team coaches on presentation/facilitation skills. |
| Asynchronous Mentoring Video Library TechWomen Profiles of Women in STEM TechGirls-exclusive Job Shadow Host videos featuring Amazon, Qualtrax, NPR, Vox Media, Carilion Clinic, BlockOne, NASA researchers, inventors’ interviews, Virginia Tech Faculty on creating a club, teaching coding, career counseling. Over 20 videos and Learning Management System courses from TechGirls alumnae e.g., how to make the most of a mentor, succeed in college entrance applications, find job opportunities, code, LinkedIn best practices, public speaking. |
DOS Alumni Mentorship of TechGirls
Local Engagement Coordinators (LECs), many of whom are DOS alumnae, extend their support to TechGirls alumnae and provide their wisdom and insight as women in STEM. The following videos aim to inspire and empower the next generation of global STEM leaders. More videos with insights from other DOS alumnae can be found here.
Chiquita, the 2023 LEC from Suriname and an OAS Program alumna, shares tips and tricks for how to approach an organization or business about potential collaborations.
Febriani, the 2023 LEC from Indonesia and a YES alumna, shares how she discovered which STEM path was best for her.
Jennifer, the 2023 LEC from Rwanda and a YALI alumna, shares what she likes to highlight when talking about the TechGirls program.
Aigerim, the 2023 LEC from Kazakhstan and a FLEX alumna, describes how working with TechGirls participants has positively impacted her.
Sergün, the 2023 LEC from Türkiye and a Fulbright alumna, describes how meaningful it is for her to be mentoring the next generation of women in STEM.
