Photography at the Next IT Girl Fashion Tech Hackathon - Volunteerism Related to Career Goals (Bronze 4 points) - Class of 2028

Volunteerism Related to Career Goals (Bronze 4 points)

In November, I volunteered as a photographer with The Next IT Girl Fashion Tech Hackathon. I've been volunteering with The Next IT Girl since last spring, looking for a way to use my CS education skills to give back to my community. The first time I volunteered was at the Atlanta Science Festival. They needed social media coverage, so I brought my DSLR camera, and took photos on my camera and videos on my phone to post for their social media. This was the first time I realized that my skills in photography, media, and content creation can be used as a means to promote a cause, and is just as important as if I were to help with my computer science knowledge. Before working with The Next IT Girl, I had no idea that photography was a valid way to volunteer, until I realized the impact of the photos I'd taken. I captured smiles, laughs, and pondering faces as each student learned something new coming by our table. Capturing the mission of an organization in photos is vital. The photos I took showed the Next IT Girl Community and potential grants that our organization is making a real tangible impact on Black girls. At the Fashion Tech Hackathon, I took this knowledge and was intentional about capturing moments that would show The Next IT Girl's impact and the importance of giving Black girls the opportunity to learn and develop skills in tech. The photos I took there were some of my best yet, and gave me the opportunity to practice editing and lighting Black skin well. Overall, doing photography for The Next IT Girl has been both educational and fulfilling. It taught me the importance of integrating art as a means of storytelling even in technical environments, and continues to help me get involved in serving young Black girls in Atlanta. 

Eden Wilson