Each month, the Reinvented team votes on a Member of the Month based on factors including dedication to the team, team spirit, and contributions to Reinvented. We are beyond proud to call Snigdha one of our volunteers and are thrilled to recognize her as our July Member of the Month!
Snigdha Saha | Operations Staff
College: Caltech | Computer Science
How did you get involved in STEM?
I am the daughter of an employee of a big tech company, and my dad always tried to advance me in mathematics. We also had this old computer at home and I was encouraged to type in a diary entry every day. I loved typing and being on the computer. So, when my school in India introduced "Computers" as a necessary subject, I was extremely interested. However, I actually disliked programming the first time I tried it - we used a language called BASIC and it really disgusted me. However, I fell in love with HTML and CSS. Firstly, I was able to bring my creativity forward and put it on a screen through code. Secondly, we had an assignment where we had to use our skills to create a website project that addressed a societal issue. I picked child labor, and when I made the project, I realized the power of Computer Science. I was able to use CS to change the world, and that is what drew me into computing.
Why did you join Reinvented Magazine?
I joined Reinvented because ever since I took my first Java class, I started to notice the gender gap. I was never part of the majority in my high-level programming classes. In fact, my last coding class of high school was Data Structures (basically second level of APCSA), and I was one of two girls. Diversity has consistently been an issue with STEM, particularly Computer Science. My personal goal is to someday modify the CS education system that will help more diverse groups find interest in CS early on. I want to be part of a much more diverse industry. Being in Reinvented gives me an amazing platform to do some awesome work that guides us towards this goal of equality in CS.
Who is your favorite female STEM role model?
My CS teacher for the last two years! She developed the Computing curriculum at our high school such that we had four different classes. She is also an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator fellow and is involved in so many different activities. She was the advisor of all of our Computing clubs, including Girls Who Code, Computer Science Honors Society, Game Development Club, and more. She has really inspired me to pursue Computer Science and has allowed me to find my own confidence in this path.
Do you have any hobbies outside of Reinvented?
Singing, cycling, eating, napping, spending time with friends, hiking, etc
What is your favorite quote?
"Failure is not the opposite of success; it's part of success." - Arianna Huffington