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Anita Olele

3x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

My name is Anita, and I am a first-generation, diligent, and dependable college junior studying Computer Science at the Georgia Institute of Technology. During my first two years, I have achieved Faculty Honors and made the Dean’s List five times for academic excellence. I am an active member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), where I engage in networking, professional development, and initiatives to promote diversity in STEM fields. In high school, I graduated with a 4.14 GPA and earned honors such as Calculus Student of the Year. I was deeply involved in community service and leadership as the former Vice President of the National Beta Club and a member of the National Honor Society. These experiences instilled in me a strong work ethic and a passion for giving back to the community. My career goals are to enhance my professional knowledge, creativity, and technical skills while contributing to innovative solutions in technology as an immigrant woman of color. However, personally, I am committed to self-improvement and striving toward my healthiest potential in both academics and as an individual.

Education

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Bachelor's degree program
2023 - 2027
  • Majors:
    • Computer Science
  • GPA:
    3.7

Shiloh High School

High School
2019 - 2023
  • GPA:
    4

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Computer Science
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      • Computer & Network Security
    • Dream career goals:

      Project Manager

    • Front of House Team Member

      Chick Fil A
      2021 – 20232 years
    • Member

      Technology Student Association
      2022 – 20231 year

    Sports

    Track & Field

    Junior Varsity
    2014 – 20151 year

    Arts

    • Dance
      2021 – 2022

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      National Society of Black Engineers: Black Women in Stem — Organizer
      2023 – 2024
    • Volunteering

      National Beta Club — Vice President
      2019 – 2023
    • Volunteering

      National Honors Society — Member
      2019 – 2023

    Future Interests

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Teria Onwuaduegbo Black Women in STEM Scholarship
    Every day is filled with countless moments, but only a few stay with us. These fragments become the memories that fill the pages of our life's storybook. And for me, many of those defining fragments trace back to my family’s decision to leave Nigeria in 2006. Growing up, I saw how economic instability shaped my family's reality once we came to America. My parents worked tirelessly to support their four daughters while also providing for relatives back home. Their resilience and countless sacrifices taught me that "success", however one defines it, is not given. Success is built through persistence, being disciplined, and being committed to something greater than yourself. Through my parents, I learned to approach challenges not as barriers, but as opportunities to grow. Fast forward, that mindset is what shaped my career interest and led me to pursue computer science at the Georgia Institute of Technology. I see technology as one of the most powerful tools for creating opportunity in today's society, but my interest in the tech world began through enjoying ways to express my creativity. In middle school, I spent hours editing videos and learned how small details could serve a larger purpose to "create". Then, in high school, I was introduced to basic coding projects, and I began to see technology on an even deeper level. It became something I could use to "create" experiences, solve problems, and bring ideas to life. That perspective was tested during my first coding course at Georgia Tech. It was my first real step toward my career goals in computer science, but almost immediately, I faced imposter syndrome and I started to question whether I truly could do this professionally. However, instead of stepping back, I accepted the challenge and chose to push forward. I spent time practicing the material, asked more questions, attended study sessions, and stayed consistent. By the end of the course, I earned an A+ and built several projects I was proud of. Since then, outside of class, I have worked on personal and group projects to continue building my skills. Through those experiences, I started to think more about the people using what I build, not just whether the code works. I have also gained experience through software engineering internships, where I contributed to backend systems and worked on tools used by real users. In the future, my career goals are to use my skills to build technological projects that are accessible and inclusive. Too often and commonly, I find that technological innovation overlooks underrepresented communities. I want to help change that by designing apps, projects, etc. that reflect a wider range of experiences and needs, especially in areas like education, food access, and poverty needs. I also have goals to continue to mentor young minority women who value being seen in the space of technology. As a Nigerian woman and a first generation college student, I understand the importance of representation. I am part of the ~3% of black women in computer science and I know that visibility and encouragement can open doors for others. Teria Onwuaduegbo’s story stands out to me because it represents passion and persistence in a field where Black women are still underrepresented. Continuing in this space feels meaningful to me for that reason, and through my career and future accomplishments, my ultimate goal is to help redefine who belongs in STEM. The steps I have taken so far reflect my commitment to this path, and I plan to keep building on them as I move forward in my career, writing new fulfilling pages in my life's storybook everyday.
    @normandiealise National Scholarship Month TikTok Scholarship