Phoenix woman creates doll to inspire underrepresented children

PHOENIX — A Phoenix woman invented an interactive doll to really encourage underrepresented youngsters to learn more about computer science and inspire them to be part of the industry.

Bukola Somide has been a software program engineer for 17 a long time. She reported typically, she’s the only Black particular person or Black woman on her staff.

“So I know there’s a want, so I know there is a shortage,” she said.

She produced the character ‘Somi the Laptop or computer Scientist’ to aid teach small kinds computer system science ideas. It began off as a storybook.

Bukola Somide

“I sense like there is certainly a deficiency of relatable mentors in this industry, so which is why I established this underrepresented character.”

Somide desired to teach and entertain youngsters, so that’s how the doll was born. Somi speaks 220 words and phrases in 12 various phrases. She describes concepts like algorithm, HTML, synthetic intelligence and code. Somide claimed her glimpse was just as essential.

“I wanted her to emulate an underrepresented baby so they can see her and be encouraged. I seriously want to shatter that mental glass ceiling that in some cases limitations us when we do not see models in the subject that we are fascinated in or not even be conscious of,” she said.

Somi is named soon after Somide’s daughter, who is now 7 a long time outdated.

“Somi the Computer system Scientist is right here to engage, teach and inspire and enhance the self esteem of young children everywhere you go, so that is why I’m undertaking this.”

Bukola not too long ago teamed up with a nonprofit that will fund acquiring the doll and a computer science workbook to instructors for absolutely free.

Discover much more about Somi in this article.