Progress’ Women in STEM Scholarship Recipients
Providing opportunity for those who identify as women
to pursue careers in STEM
Employee diversity spurs innovation. To advance this ideal, our company established The Progress Women in STEM Scholarship series to increase the global representation of women in the fields of computer science, software engineering, IT and/or computer information systems. We offer three distinct scholarship programs: The Mary Székely Scholarship for Women in STEM (US), the Women in Tech Scholarship (Bulgaria) and the Akanksha Scholarship for Women in STEM (India).
Our Scholarship Recipients
Since its inception, the scholarship series has been able to lend support to some extraordinary women. Learn more about them here:
2024 Recipients
MARY SZÉKELY SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN IN STEM (US)
Neidy Merida-Lopez
Vassar College, computer science
I’ve always been surrounded by coding, engineering, math and science. And as much as it surrounded me, I was so allured by it. This scholarship has done so much for me already. It has alleviated such a big burden and enables me to fully immerse myself in my education.
MARY SZÉKELY SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN IN STEM (US)
Emma Normand
Worcester Polytechnic Institute, computer science
I am a huge advocate for women in STEM and for women to not feel afraid to pursue their passions. Progress’ scholarship is a wonderful opportunity for women to continue their pursuits in the STEM field. I’m always in the process of learning and I’m very excited to be able to learn as much as humanly possible in coding.
WOMEN IN TECH SCHOLARSHIP
(BULGARIA)
Violeta Kastreva
Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, computer science
The Progress Women in Tech Scholarship is more than financial aid; it's an acknowledgment of the hurdles women face and an investment in the potential we hold to drive progress. I'm eager to contribute to a future where technology is shaped by diverse voices, ensuring it serves everyone equitably.
WOMEN IN TECH SCHOLARSHIP
(BULGARIA)
Teodora Savcheva
Technical University of Sofia, intelligent systems and artificial intelligence
I was a member of the Robotics Club where I developed a robot named "Solar Reviver.” Despite being the only woman, I persevered through challenges and skepticism and led our team to win three significant awards. This experience strengthened my technical skills and instilled a profound sense of empowerment. For my career, I hope to combine my interests in artificial intelligence and industrial robots.
WOMEN IN TECH SCHOLARSHIP
(BULGARIA)
Blagovesta Blagoeva
American University in Bulgaria, computer science and psychology
I am beyond thankful to be given the opportunity to continue my studies. This has given me a new push to continue learning and growing. Thank you, Progress, for giving students like me the opportunity to continue their pursuits in tech!
AKANKSHA SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN IN STEM (INDIA)
Prarthana R
RV College of Engineering, information science and engineering
I believe luck is the intersection of diligent preparation and opportunities. My goal is to make a meaningful impact in the world of technology and to continuously contribute to its growth and innovation.
AKANKSHA SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN IN STEM (INDIA)
Nikita S Raj Kapini
RV College of Engineering, engineering
STEM has driven curiosity in me and will do so forever. Pursuing a degree in engineering has exposed a new world to me where even the sky is not the limit. A heartfelt thanks to Progress for helping me pursue my passion for STEM.
AKANKSHA SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN IN STEM (INDIA)
Garnepudi Bhavika
Siddhartha Institute of Technology, engineering
Artificial intelligence and machine learning is a branch where we have to commit ourselves to continuous learning. I am eager to learn and apply my skills to advance the industry.
2023 Recipients
Mary Székely Scholarship
for Women in STEM (US)
Julie Wang
Brown University, Computer Science
“I'm really interested in seeing how my passion for technology, art and sustainability can intersect in meaningful ways to help social good. Technology can do so much to help improve mental health, wellbeing, sustainability and more, and I really want to make that focus my career. I'm honored to receive this scholarship in Mary's name.”
Women in Tech Scholarship
(Bulgaria)
Elitza Yotkova
Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, Sofia University, Computer Science
“I believe that people need magic in their lives; and to me, technology can provide that magic as it creates new worlds with code. In that regard, I feel like I am a magician. I am excited to grow in the IT field and inspire others to pursue the field as well. Thank you to Progress for their support with this scholarship.”
Women in Tech Scholarship
(Bulgaria)
Alisa Dermendzhiyska
Technical University, Computer Systems and Technologies
“I am honored to be a recipient of this scholarship and look forward to maximizing this opportunity to enhance my skills and knowledge in the IT sector. By supporting women in technology, Progress is paving the way for a brighter future, empowering girls to pursue their passions and contribute to the ever-evolving world of technology.”
Women in Tech Scholarship
(Bulgaria)
Bozhana Georieva
American University in Bulgaria, Computer Science
“This scholarship provides the time and resources necessary to further my studies within the field of computer science. I am a person who's deeply attached to the art of creating solutions from scratch. Through my studies, I aim to develop the skills necessary to tackle any challenge the field may present.”
AKANKSHA SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN IN STEM (INDIA)
Soumya Teotia
Computer science and mathematics, BITS Pilani
“I am determined to explore the fields of machine learning and AI to the fullest extent. I hope to contribute to the development of novel applications, advancing the boundaries of technology and its potential to improve lives. Through the use of ML and AI I want to create solutions that can have a meaningful impact on society.”
2022 Recipients
AKANKSHA SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN IN STEM (INDIA)
Latha Bethelli
S.R. Junior College, Hanumakonda, Telangana, Computer Science
“I am truly grateful to receive this scholarship from Progress. I’ve had a strong interest in computer science for years and this scholarship will help me continue my education and strengthen my skills to support my dreams of helping others through technology.”
Mary Székely Scholarship
for Women in STEM (US)
Yiming Fang
Carnegie Mellon, Computer Science
“I saw at a very early age the impact technology can have on human life. I’m asthmatic and due to advancements made in pharma, I’m able to lead a healthy, happy life. That is why I decided to pursue a career in STEM. I want to make a difference.”
Women in Tech Scholarship
(Bulgaria)
Tsvetelina Stefanova
"Angel Kanchev” University of Ruse, Computer Systems and Technologies
“Receiving the Progress scholarship is a great honor and recognition. In my opinion, the best ideas are born when different points of view are heard and understood. This is one of Progress’ core values and this scholarship gives me an opportunity to be an ambassador for sharing these values with others.”
Women in Tech Scholarship
(Bulgaria)
Vasilena Krazheva
"St. Kliment Ohridski" University of Sofia, Computer science
“I’ve had an interest in computer science since I was a child and am now studying at one of the most renowned universities in the country. The Progress scholarship is not only helpful in pursuing my goals, but is a recognition of my hard work and commitment to the computer science field.”
2021 Recipients
Mary Székely Scholarship
for Women in STEM (US)
Gavriela Tejedor Meyers
Wesleyan University,
Computer Science
“Mary Székely loved people as much as problem solving, and teaching as much as she loved learning. I want to be just like that. I hope I can inspire people, help people and create something lasting like Mary did.
I am grateful and honored to have a scholarship in her name.”
Akanksha Scholarship for
Women in STEM (India)
Akhila Karanam
Keshav Memorial Institute of Technology, Computer Science
“I am deeply honored to be the first to recieve this scholarship. It will help me pursue my studies, develop my computer science and engineering skills, and to work towards my dream of starting my own business.”
Women in Tech Scholarship
(Bulgaria)
Nadezhda Traykova
American University in Bulgaria, Computer Science
“As a person who grew up in a more traditional and patriarchal community, no one believed that I could succeed in such male-dominated world, so this scholarship proves that my efforts matter and I must follow my dreams.”
2020 Recipients
Mary Székely Scholarship
for Women in STEM (US)
Kaya Dorogi
Columbia University, Computer Science
“I am so grateful for this scholarship, and especially, to carry on Mary’s legacy. She sounded like such an incredible woman, and I’m just honored to have this scholarship in her name.”
Women in Tech Scholarship
(Bulgaria)
Diana Radkova
American University in Bulgaria, Computer Science
“Receiving this scholarship motivates me to spend more time in gaining new knowledge and skills which will help me in my future career development”
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