St. Paul Catholic High School senior and STEM teacher earn honors at forum supporting women in technology

St. Paul Catholic High School STEM educator Mary Clarke and St. Paul Catholic High School senior Brianna Wood at the 2024 Connecticut Aspirations in Computing Award celebration in Hartford where they were honored. | SPCHS photo

Posted By: David Fortier May 4, 2024

Brianna Wood, a high school senior, and Mary B. Clarke, a high school STEM teacher, both of St. Paul Catholic High School, were honored at the 2024 Connecticut Aspirations in Computing Award (AiC) celebration in mid-April at the Travelers Headquarters in Hartford.

Wood was one of 108 high school students to be recognized with the National Center for Women and Information Technology(NCWIT) Aspirations in Computing (AiC) High School Award which honors ninth through 12th grade women for their computing-related achievements and interests and encourages them to pursue their passions, according to a release from the school.

STEM educator Clarke was one of four educators to be recognized with the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Educator Award which identifies and celebrates exemplary formal and informal educators who play a pivotal role in encouraging ninth through 12th grade women to explore their interest in computing and technology. 

Award recipients are selected based on their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing, as demonstrated by their computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, tenacity in the face of barriers to access, and future career plans. 
 
The program included congratulatory messages from Connecticut’s Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, the NCWIT professional staff, Society for Information Management President Rafi Khan, and Million Women Mentors Connecticut Leader Colleen Bielitz.

Keynote speakers were Tracey Cournoyer, Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Travelers Bond and Specialty Insurance, and Heather Cavallaro, Vice President of Software Engineering at Travelers.

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