2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Insights from a Practice-Based Program: Connecting Women to Technology and Advancing Diversity in Computing

The Linking Interested Females to Technology (LIFT) program, led by Miami Dade College (MDC), supports diverse groups of women transitioning into computing careers. These include women who are pursuing an Associate of Arts in computer science at MDC with plans to transfer to four-year universities to complete their bachelor’s degrees, as well as women who have already earned an associate degree and are now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in computing fields such as data analytics, cybersecurity, and information systems technology at MDC. Key components if LIFT include accelerated coursework, mentorship, technical interview preparation, and opportunities for internships and research. The program provides two years of tailored support: the early academic journey for computer science students and the final academic years for computing students completing their bachelor’s degrees. These initiatives align with national diversity goals in computing and promote inclusivity, belonging, and support for underrepresented groups. LIFT’s comprehensive design demonstrates success in improving self-efficacy, community support, and academic achievements, with potential for broader application across institutions.

Authors

Dr. Elodie Billionniere http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5363-4048 Miami Dade College [biography]

Dr. Billionniere is a Professor in the School of Engineering and Technology at Miami Dade College (MDC). Over the past four years, she has helped secure more than $4 million in funding, which has been instrumental in developing innovative educational programs and a high-tech learning hub aimed at empowering underrepresented communities and addressing evolving workforce demands.

Her teaching, leadership, and mentorship have garnered significant recognition, including the 2021-2023 Northern Trust Bank of Florida Endowed Teaching Chair, the 2023 American Association of Community Colleges' Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Recognition Award, and the 2019 Women of Color in STEM College-Level Promotion of Education Award.
Prof. Lawrence Eric Meyer Jr http://orcid.org/https://0000-0001-8864-5791 Miami Dade College [biography]

Mr. Lawrence Eric Meyer is an Associate Professor Senior in thte School of Engineering and Technology at Miami Dade College (MDC). He has been working as the Co-PI on the Dade Enterprise Cloud Computing Initiative (DECCI) cloud grant providing cloud educa
Dr. Yangting Wang http://orcid.org/https://0000-0002-7366-8023 Independent Evaluation Consultant [biography]

Dr. Wang has extensive research experience in different areas, including second language assessment, educational assessment. Dr. Wang also conducts program evaluation in various fields related to STEM, vision health, public health, and mental health. Dr. Wang is skilled at conducting quantitative and qualitative research through the lens of culturally responsive and equity evaluation and assessment.
Dr. Wang’s research and evaluation work serves linguistically and culturally diverse populations and marginalized groups, including communities of color, low-income students, refugees, immigrants, learners with significant cognitive disabilities, non-traditional older adults, bilingual students, and English language learners.
Eduardo Medina Independent Evaluation Data Analyst [biography]

Eduardo Medina is an independent evaluation data analyst with expertise in performing disparity studies at local to interstate levels. He is interested in advocating for equitable contract awards to Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) firms across the United States. He is currently working in civic engagement evaluation for C3 and C4 programs, including STEM initiatives. His research aims to support rigorous, data-driven decision-making and recommendations.
Jeremiah Pina Independent Evaluation Consultant [biography]

Dr. Piña is an an Independent Evaluation Consultant working in areas of educational research, nonprofit educational program evaluation, and research support services (MEL and TA support). His research interests incorporate elements of epistemological orientation, assessment of higher-order thinking, and the development of strengths-based curriculum to support BIPOC students in K-16 STEM learning.

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 22, 2025, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 25, 2025

For those interested in:

Academia-Industry Connections
Broadening Participation in Engineering and Engineering Technology
computer science
gender
race/ethnicity
transfer
undergraduate