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Maranda Keys

8,621

Bold Points

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Finalist

Bio

I am an aspiring UX Designer in my third year at Christian Brothers University. I was able to get this far despite numerous drawbacks. My life experiences have taught me how life has its downs and lows. As well as the various methods one can utilize to overcome hardship or make it to the next day. I aspire to improve how people interact with technology, promote social/political change and improve myself in the process through knowledge and creativity. So I strive towards education, community outreach, and social/ political activism.

Education

Christian Brothers University

Bachelor's degree program
2019 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Computer Software and Media Applications
    • Computer Science
  • Minors:
    • Design and Applied Arts
    • Human Computer Interaction
  • GPA:
    2.7

Overton High School

High School
2015 - 2018
  • GPA:
    3.8

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Human Computer Interaction
    • Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects
    • Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design
    • Industrial and Product Design
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Design/Technology

    • Dream career goals:

      UX Designer/ UI Designer

    • Extern

      Hilton
      2024 – 2024
    • Resident Assistant

      Christian Brothers University
      2023 – Present1 year
    • Externship Extern

      Fedex
      2024 – 2024
    • Technical Coach

      Codecrew
      2023 – 2023
    • Social Media and Front-Desk Intern

      Christian Brothers Univesity
      2021 – 20232 years
    • Library Assistant

      Christian Brothers University
      2021 – 20221 year
    • Warehouse Associate

      Cardinal Health
      2020 – 20211 year

    Finances

    Loans

    • Nelnet

      Borrowed: August 11, 2023
      • 1,821

        Principal borrowed
      • 1,816

        Principal remaining
      • Interest rate:

        5%
    • Nelnet

      Borrowed: August 11, 2023
      • 5,500

        Principal borrowed
      • 5,500

        Principal remaining
      • Interest rate:

        5%
    • Nelnet

      Borrowed: July 28, 2022
      • 2,000

        Principal borrowed
      • 1,985

        Principal remaining
      • Interest rate:

        4%
    • Nelnet

      Borrowed: March 28, 2022
      • 4,500

        Principal borrowed
      • 4,500

        Principal remaining
      • Interest rate:

        5%
    • Nelnet

      Borrowed: August 1, 2021
      • 1,970

        Principal borrowed
      • 1,942

        Principal remaining
      • Nelnet

        Borrowed: August 1, 2021
        • 4,500

          Principal borrowed
        • 4,500

          Principal remaining
        • Nelnet

          Borrowed: July 8, 2019
          • 1,020

            Principal borrowed
          • 460

            Principal remaining
          • Interest rate:

            5%

        Arts

        • Christian Brothers University

          Graphic Art
          Canva Graphic Social Media Promotions
          2021 – Present

        Public services

        • Volunteering

          Memphis Children's Museum — Server
          2018 – 2019

        Future Interests

        Advocacy

        Volunteering

        Entrepreneurship

        Dynamic Edge Women in STEM Scholarship
        For the benefit of the future, I am working towards becoming involved in the way people interact with and understand technology. As a User Experience designer, I want to solve the many issues people have when interacting with technology. Some have disabilities or may need extra accessibility features. This includes people who are color blind, deaf, or may rely on a screen reader. Technology is intended to improve the average quality of life. By championing inclusivity and designing user-centric solutions, I aim to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or abilities, can fully engage with and benefit from technology. Working in STEM as a woman guarantees that there will be a lot of challenges. Women in STEM often face workplace hostility and being overlooked for promotion. According to Pew Research, women are more likely to face sexual harassment and discrimination. Just being a woman is a large disadvantage in this field. There are even shocking examples from companies like Blizzard and the large lawsuit they had filed against them for enabling a work culture that made their female employees unsafe and undervalued. However, as long as I love UX and software development; I'll pursue a career in it. I will continue to pursue a career in this field despite the risks. Through mentorship, outreach, and advocacy initiatives, I aspire to empower women to pursue their passions and excel in their chosen STEM disciplines. By serving as a role model and sharing my own experiences, I hope to inspire the next generation of female technologists to pursue their dreams and make their mark in the world of IT. As a Dynamic Woman in IT, my future goals involve leveraging my expertise in UX and software development to drive positive change and innovation in the pursuit of a better future. I am committed to breaking barriers and championing inclusivity by ensuring that technology is accessible to all, regardless of ability or background. Additionally, I strive to set an example and advocate for women in STEM. I want to work on empowering them to pursue their passions and thrive in the STEM field of their choosing. Winning this scholarship would enable me to further advance towards these goals, allowing me to focus on my studies, expand my skill set, and continue making meaningful contributions to the IT community. By embracing the challenges and opportunities ahead, I am determined to make a lasting impact and inspire others to do the same.