Mawadda Abuhamda, future cyber sleuth
The University of Advancing Technology (UAT) is made up of smart, innovative students with big goals and the passion to achieve them. At UAT, we like to highlight our students and their achievements.
This month, we talked with student Mawadda Abuhamda about her studies, interests, and what it’s like to be a women in STEM. Check out our interview with Mawadda to learn more about how and why she chose a degree in technology!
Tell us about yourself… where are you from, where did you go to school, etc.?
I’m from Chandler, Arizona. I’ve lived in Arizona since I moved from California when I was five. I went to online school and EVIT.
What started your interest in pursuing a technology degree?
I got interested in pursuing a technology degree after attending EVIT. At EVIT I studied cyber security. I also participated and won multiple cyber security competitions which made me more interested in continuing my education in the field.
What are you studying at UAT and why did you choose that program?
I learned about UAT from a presentation at EVIT. I’m studying at UAT because I knew I wanted to major in cyber security, and I thought a university that was specific to technology would be the best place for that.
What are some of your other interests and activities?
I really like Instagram; I have 7 Instagram accounts. I also like writing. I write short stories and poems in my free time. I also like archery. I have two recurve bows and practice whenever I get time to.
Who is someone you look up to?
I look up to Yasmin Benoit who is an aromantic asexual activist and a model. I look up to her because I’m asexual, aromantic, and a woman of color like her. She advocates for visibility for asexual and aromantic people of color.
Do you feel comfortable being a woman in STEM?
I feel comfortable being a woman in STEM. There are other things that make me different from everyone around me, such as my religion or my race. My gender and the gender of everyone else around me isn’t usually the first thing I notice.
What is your biggest obstacle being a woman in tech?
My biggest obstacle being a woman in tech is that there aren’t many women around, which means the men feel more comfortable making misogynistic comments. I usually try to ignore them, but the comments can be distracting and annoying.
What advice would you tell young women considering a tech degree?
I would tell young women considering a tech degree to not be intimidated by the fact that there aren’t many women in tech.
Thank you for the good advice Mawadda! And thank you to all of the fearless women making history.