Written by volunteer writer Amy Freeman

Optum has once again shown its dedication to encouraging girls in tech by hosting another TechGirlz TechShop. Following the success of its Make a Website Using CSS/HTML and Introduction to JavaScript workshops, Optum hosted A Day in the Life of a Web Designer at end of March.

The workshop was led by Kristen Slappey (who also taught the Intro to JavaScript TechShop) and Caitlin Doyle (who was a TA during the Intro to JavaScript workshop). The pair led a group of more than 23 girls in an interactive discussion that focused on the differences between user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) and between a web app and a website.

During the program, the girls had the opportunity to develop mood boards and murals, perform competitive intelligence, and design wireframes. As they worked, the girls were able to illustrate what they can do to improve the websites they already see online.

With this third workshop, the partnership between TechGirlz and Optum continues to grow, as more and more girls are signing up to participate in the workshops.

Jamal Cromity, a Senior UX Designer at Optum, who’s volunteered at a few TechShops himself, gives a special thanks to Tanya Hughley-McKenzie, Keila Calderon, and Adam Shapiro for their roles in helping make the workshop a success.

He says, “I truly look forward to expanding Optum’s community outreach and helping to expose as many young ladies to the technical roles they can pursue within the Agile methodology of design and development.”

Stay tuned for more workshops to come between Optum and Techgirlz as we continue to explore even more technical positions that girls can pursue as future careers.

If you’re interested in leading your own workshop and introducing even more middle-school-aged girls to the potential of technology, sign up to be a volunteer today.