Recent Computer Programming and Analysis (Co-op) alumnae Doaa Awan and Julia Parson (2024) are passionate about the world of technology and the doors the industry can open for young women.
Being two of only a small group of women in the program, the St. Catharines natives formed and co-ran a student club at Niagara College called “Women in Tech.” The club provided a supportive space where students with similar interests could learn from their peers, enhance their skills and build connections with women already working in tech-related fields.
In honour of International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11), we caught up with the Awan and Parson to learn more about their involvement with the club and to find out what the young professionals have been up to since completing their program.
What attracted you to NC and your program of study?
D: I chose my program at Niagara College for several reasons. It was local, affordable, and since I started in January, I could complete the advanced diploma in two years instead of three. The program offered a well-rounded curriculum that covered topics in software development, web design, and data analytics, giving me the flexibility to explore different areas of tech and discover what I enjoyed most.
Another benefit of the program was the community-sponsored group project, where we worked directly with a client, as well as the co-op program, which gave me practical experience in the field. These hands-on opportunities helped bridge the gap between learning in the classroom and applying those skills in a professional setting.
J: I actually started at NC in the Graphic Design program. While I was there, I realized I really loved the web development side of things, and that got me curious about programming as a whole. So, after I graduated (2022), I jumped straight into the Computer Programming and Analysis program the following January and never looked back.
What was your motivation for starting the Women in Tech club during your time at NC?
D: I was interested in starting the club because I noticed how few women were in our program–each section only had a handful of us. I was lucky to be in the same section as my friend Julia, but I can imagine it would have been isolating to be the only girl. It can be intimidating walking into a classroom and realizing you’re the minority.
I wanted to create a space where the girls in the program could find support, build their confidence, and have a community full of individuals with similar experiences to talk to.
J: When I started the CPA program, a few of us quickly noticed how few women were in our classes. Tech is still a very male-dominated field, and that can make it harder for women to feel seen or heard. With that in mind we wanted to create a space where we could support each other, learn new skills, and build connections to help us get ahead in the industry.
What did the club offer to students?
D: The Women in Tech Club was all about building a supportive community for women interested in technology. When we started, we aimed to meet every week or every other week for study sessions, where we could work on assignments together and get help if needed.
Beyond study sessions, we hosted guest speaker events, inviting our professors Marsha Baddeley and Melissa Vanderlely to share their experiences in the industry and offer advice. We also organized fun activities like a field trip, movie nights, and casual meetups, giving members a space to connect outside of academics. I also personally led a presentation on the basics of coding and deploying a website. It was a productive experience, and while we couldn’t always keep up with consistent meetings due to school and work commitments, we made sure to maintain a sense of community through Discord, which kept communication open and allowed members to stay connected and support each other.
J: The Women in Tech club was all about building a community for women who were in or interested in tech at NC. It gave us a chance to meet tons of new people, make connections, and get advice from women already working in the industry. We hosted guest speakers, networking events and some skill-building sessions.
How did the club make a positive impact for students?
D: We had a great group of members who enjoyed the events, found support, and realized they weren’t alone in their experiences. It created a space where we could learn, grow, and encourage each other in a field where it is sometimes difficult to find a community of women. Not all of our members were in the same program either. We had students from Graphic Design, Game Development, Social Media Management, Computer Systems Technician, etc.
J: The community we built was amazing, and it really helped create a sense of support for women in tech at NC. One moment that really stuck with me was during a guest speaker event when the speaker said, “There isn’t just one seat at the table for women. We make our own opportunities, and there can be as many seats as we want.” That message really resonated with a lot of us. We should all be supporting one another and creating space for all of us to succeed.
What advice would you give to young women who are interested in pursuing an education/career in technology?
D: I’d tell young women interested in tech not to be intimidated or doubt themselves. It’s easy to feel like you’re not good enough, but if you have a genuine interest and passion for it, there’s no reason you can’t succeed. Don’t hold yourself back – you’re more capable than you think. Keep learning, ask questions, and take up space in the industry. Your perspective and skills are valuable!
Whenever I start to doubt whether I’m qualified for something and hesitate to put myself out there, I remind myself of a piece of advice I learned from one of our professors at Niagara College, Derrick Eaves. He actually credited his wife for it, and it is a saying that has stuck with me: “Let them tell you no, don’t tell yourself no.” It’s a powerful reminder not to get in your own way. If an opportunity excites you, go for it. You never know what could happen.
J: Don’t let anyone make you feel like you don’t belong. It’s easy to feel like your voice gets drowned out, especially in a male-dominated industry, but your ideas are valuable. Be confident, trust yourself, and take up space. Women bring a fresh perspective to tech, and that’s something the industry needs more of.
What have you been up to since graduation? Do you have any career goals that you would like to share?
D: Since graduation, I have been working full-time at B4 Networks in Fonthill. My primary responsibilities involve working with Rewst (a Robotic Process Automation platform) to develop and automate workflows that streamline internal processes and improve efficiency. I also write SQL queries to retrieve specific company data and create internal reports and dashboards that help us track key metrics. My role allows me to use my programming knowledge and skills to solve problems, which is very exciting for me. I’ve always loved being able to figure things out.
My career goals are to keep learning and developing my skills so I can work on projects that have a meaningful, positive impact on the world. In the future, I’d like to transition into a dedicated software developer or web developer role that offers the flexibility to work remotely, allowing me to travel while continuing to work on projects that excite me.
J: Since graduating, I’ve been working in my field at the same company where I did my co-op – Sid Grabell Contracting. I act as their systems admin/computer technician making customizations to their system when needed. I’m super grateful for that opportunity, and I can’t recommend the co-op program enough. It really helps with imposter syndrome you feel when you’re first starting out.
Right now, my main goal is to keep learning and growing. I want to build my skills and confidence so I can bring the best version of myself to my career.
