Julia and I talk with Kiki Prottsman @kiki_lee about Picture Me in Computing, an annual event (11/10/12) to raise awareness of girls and 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.