Mercy University Student Represents TechWise Program at National Tech Summit

When Lidia Pena-Lauria took the stage at the prestigious Tech-HBCU Summit last month, she represented more than just Mercy University – she embodied the transformative power of the TechWise program in creating pathways for underrepresented students in technology.

Mercy University earned distinction in March 2022 as one of five institutions nationwide selected to pilot TechWise, an innovative program supported by Google that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion in the technology sector. Through a competitive selection process, 13 Mercy students earned spots in this groundbreaking initiative.

"TechWise offers different perspectives and teaching methods, which give me new insights and enhance my skills," says Pena-Lauria, ’25, a Computer Science major. She added that the program covers many topics that go beyond her courses, providing her with a broader understanding of the tech industry.

The 18-month virtual program delivers 600 hours of intensive coursework in coding and application development. Students receive full scholarships and $5,000 stipends, enabling them to focus on their technical and professional growth.

Dr. Joi Sampson, interim assistant provost and DEIJ officer who manages Mercy's TechWise Program, has witnessed the program's impact firsthand. "The initiative has transformed opportunities for students at Mercy by giving them the opportunity to learn coding,” Sampson said. “We hear things like 'I know how to code now!' – it’s almost like a lightbulb went off. It gives them something else to add to their resume and makes them more marketable. It’s fantastic.” 

The program's comprehensive support system connects students with Google mentors for monthly guidance sessions, while Mercy's dedicated faculty provides additional academic reinforcement. "Dr. Dina Whipple and I meet regularly, and we keep in touch with our students to check in on them and provide support if they need it," Sampson explains. "We work as a team, ensuring [the students] have all the resources needed for success."

This support proved invaluable for Pena-Lauria, who was selected to represent the program at the Tech-HBCU Summit on September 30, 2024. The Summit was hosted by Congressman Ro Khanna and Dr. Jennifer Clyburn Reed at Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC. It featured prominent global technology leaders, who shared their vision and perspectives about career opportunities in the tech industry and about the industry in general. 

"As an introvert who struggles with public speaking and imposter syndrome, the valuable tools I gained from TechWise, along with the support of the community, have helped build my confidence," Pena-Lauria reflects. "The program's focus on empowering underrepresented groups motivated me to step outside my comfort zone and advocate for students like me."

The selection of Pena-Lauria to represent TechWise at the summit reflected her exceptional performance in the program. "Lidia showed strong leadership qualities in how she approached assignments and participated in the program," Sampson notes. "They knew she would be an excellent representative."

The program's alignment with Mercy's educational philosophy runs deep. "I see the program contributing to Mercy's overall mission because we want our students to be lifelong learners," Sampson explains. "We also want to have opportunities for our students to be change agents in the world. By opening up these opportunities to students who may not otherwise get them, we're creating an impact that extends to their families and communities."

For Pena-Lauria, the summit experience crystallized her future aspirations. "Being part of a supportive community of peers has encouraged me to pursue my interests more boldly, whether in cybersecurity or software development,” She explained. “These experiences have not only solidified my commitment to my studies and my aspiration to make a meaningful impact in the tech industry, but they have also ignited a desire to continue advocating for students from underserved and underrepresented communities.”

As TechWise continues to evolve at Mercy, the focus remains on expansion and impact. "We want to offer these opportunities to more students," says Sampson. "The success of this program, combined with the Google mentorship and support, creates a model for growing and sustaining diversity in technology education."

Pena-Lauria poses with students from other schools selected to represdent the Techwise program. From left to right: Fionnlagh Jones, Lidia Pena-Lauria, Immaculate Okoruwa, Brandon Newton, Cynthia Obiekezie and Tosin Jimoh.