WOLF PAC works to change the impressions of the computing an
Source: Melissa Crash
A group of students at Rose-Hulman are working to change the impressions of computing, being a male dominated field.
Students created the group WOLF PAC to show there’s a need for more females in America’s high-tech work force.
News 10 met up with the student organization, who says it’s their responsibility to get others involved.
Nearly 40 students at Rose-Hulman have joined WOLF PAC. It stands for, women of like fields, passionate about computing.
“It’s kind of like a testament to the fact that it’s possible for us, as women,” said Senior Samantha Staszak.
The organization that was formed this fall. The group is full of passionate students, encouraging females to study computer science and engineering.
Staszak’s main goal is to spread awareness. “It’s about us, and really what it comes down to is showing the importance of supporting each other and also showing the importance to other people that we have this united group together.”
To help unite, former Silicon Valley Executive, Ruth Hennigar, visted the group on Wednesday afternoon. Hennigar is an Executive with more than 20-year’s experience. She is a former vice-president at Motorola Mobility and eBay. Hennigar has also been a software engineer and manager at Apple Computer Inc., Sun Microsystems, and Bell Northern Research.
At her meeting with WOLF PAC, she explained the struggles she’s faced as a woman.
“I think no matter how hard you try as a woman, it’s still really tough, but I know a lot of very successful women that have the same view I do. Which is keep pushing, trust yourself, find your voice, and use your voice,” said Hennigar.
Vice president of WOLF PAC, Melissa Thai notices the shortages on campus. “One of the first CS classes that I ever took at Rose-Hulman, there was a close of 30 students and I was the only one.”
Women earn 60 percent of bachelor’s degrees, however only 20 percent of those are in computer science.
“I know a lot of things are happening in the industry, very slowly. A lot of talk, not a lot of action yet. But its essential women become part of a major part of the dialogue,” said Hennigar.
Hoping WOLF PAC will open up a conversation about engineering and change the impressions of computing.
Thai added, “It would be all be a matter of, how good of an engineer are you?”
The number of female students enrolled at Rose-Hulman is at an all-time high. The female population has increased to 23% of the current student body. This is also the 20-year anniversary of the campus going co-ed.
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