While the gender gap in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields remains a prominent issue, there’s no denying the fact that people around the world are stepping up to address the problem, including the next generation of girls and women in STEM.
Eden Wilson, currently a senior attending high school in Chicago, has already proven to be a trailblazer. At such a young age, Wilson began to take action to encourage students to be interested in technology and coding careers. Wilson is now an award-winning tech ambassador, course creator, and the founder and owner of Lemonerdy (i.e., a platform to help students learn how to code, learn about tech careers, and much more).
I had the honor of talking to Wilson to ask her questions about her journey and mission to encourage more students to pursue coding and technology fields – all while still being a high school student:
What is Lemonerdy University and What Inspired You to Create It?
Wilson shared that she started Lemonerdy University to help other diverse youth find role models they can look up to, open their eyes to opportunities in tech, and learn more skills, taught by people that look just like them. Throughout her STEM journey, Wilson noted she always thrived on having role models who looked like her, which helped her feel seen and represented: “When I could find those role models outside of the classroom, even when I was in a male-dominated class, I could draw strength from the fact that I didn’t have to be alone.” She said she “knew it was possible for [her] to change the dynamic for others.”
What kind of feedback have you received and impact have you seen from your tutorials, both locally and globally?
Wilson’s coding tutorials have impacted youth around the world. She stated, “Since I started making coding tutorials on YouTube four years ago, I’ve received feedback from girls from places all over the world like Myanmar, India and Scotland telling me that I inspire them.” She mentioned that some of these girls started coding just because of her and her tutorials and now not only love computer science but are still coding. “It feels really good to know that sharing what I love to do can make that kind of impact.”
Why do you think it’s important that students take an interest in coding and technology fields?
Wilson said that not only are these among the highest paying fields, but they are also the most in-demand. “It’s important that students, especially students of color, take interest in coding and technology because it can lead to scholarships and job opportunities that will help them and their families achieve economic mobility.”
How do you manage the responsibilities of being not only a high school student, but also a founder, YouTube Partner, tech ambassador, owner of Lemonerdy and much more all at once?
Wilson emphasized the importance of not being afraid to ask for help when you have a lot going on. She shared, “Sometimes I’ll have to cheer at multiple basketball games, play in an orchestra concert, and lead club meetings all in one week, which doesn’t leave me a lot of time to work on my business, let alone homework!” To manage her business duties and stay on track, she noted that she receives help from her family, who assist in posting stories and setting up videos. Wilson also noted the importance of managing one’s mental health when you have a busy schedule. “Even though I do a lot of things, many of them at the same time, I make sure to prioritize my mental health, ask for help, and find time to relax and hang out with my friends.”
What are some of the awards and titles you’ve received over the years for your extraordinary work?
Wilson shared that in 2023, she was a finalist in the SXSW student startup competition and the Grand Prize Winner in the T-Mobile Changemaker Challenge. “I was chosen as a CS EdWeek Computer Science Hero by the Computer Science Teachers Association and was the youngest speaker at Microsoft Build, which is Microsoft’s largest conference for developers,” she added. She was also a Regional Award Winner and National Honorable Mention for the National Center for Women in Technology’s Aspirations in Computing Award, and she also won the She Shines Teen Leadership Award, which will be presented to her in 2024.
What is the most important piece of advice you have for students who want to pursue coding and technology fields but are unsure?
“My best piece of advice is to not doubt yourself. In a tech field or class where you feel like you’re alone, it’s easy to feel like you don’t belong or you don’t deserve a seat at the table, but you do.” She said it’s important that you know you are intelligent, capable, and worthy of every opportunity to shine and achievement you earn.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Wilson concluded by saying, “I appreciate the opportunity to talk with you and to show young women and girls that they belong in technology. We deserve a seat at the table. If they won’t give you a seat, bring your own chair. If they won’t let you pull up your own chair, build your own table and make sure everyone can have a seat.”