ACM Scholar Spotlights: Chaymaa Dkouk El Ferroun
Welcome to ACM Scholar Spotlights, a series where we shine a light on the inspiring paths of women in computing who received the 2024 ACM-W scholarship. Through their own words, we hear how they found their place in tech, what motivates them, and how they’re making an impact. These stories reflect not only technical achievement, but also courage, curiosity, and community.
In this blog, we feature Chaymaa Dkouk El Ferroun, a master’s student in Computer Science whose journey from a love of mathematics to an inspiring experience at womENcourage highlights her passion for innovation, diversity, and supporting women in technology.
Introduction
My journey into becoming a computer scientist began with a big interest in mathematics. Throughout my education, it was the subject that I loved the most, especially because it was a tool that could be used to better understand how different aspects of our world work. However, since in my city there was no university offering a degree in mathematics, I settled for a close topic: computer science.
Like any other teenager at that time, I had my doubts about whether I made the best decision for my career. However, I was lucky to find a new passion and I found myself really immersed and captivated by the different subjects offered throughout my degree. Now that I am in the first year of a master’s in computer science, I can say that I don’t regret my decision at all and I’ve grown to love computer science and the endless possibilities it offers.
My Journey in Computer Science
Computer science is a field that is in constant evolution, offering endless possibilities for innovation. What I enjoy the most is that each new project is an opportunity to learn new things and grow as an engineer and professional.
In my journey as a woman in technology, I’ve encountered both opportunities and challenges. With my small experience, my advice to the women seeking a career in technology would be not to be afraid and to go for it. It will for sure be a challenging path but also a rewarding one.
womENcourage Experience
This year was the first time I attended womENcourage, and it was an inspiring experience. During the three days of the event, there were many workshops, talks, and networking opportunities. Hearing the stories and work of established women in computing was really motivating. What I enjoyed the most was the sense of community and the support everyone had for one another.
womENcourage has inspired me to continue pushing the boundaries and to support other women in tech. I learned valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and the importance of diversity in tech. These insights will undoubtedly help in my career progression.
To women planning to attend womENcourage next year, I would say: come with an open mind and a willingness to connect. The experience is not just about learning but also about building lasting relationships and finding inspiration from others’ journeys.
As I continue my career, I remain committed to making a difference in the tech industry, advocating for diversity, and mentoring the next generation of women in technology. Together, we can create a more inclusive and innovative tech world.