Robotics Camp Success!

Olivia McKay, instructor (far left) with students (l to r) Shandola Polk and Coleen Sailsman showcase the table-top robot the students designed, programmed and built

ITWomen and Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) partners celebrated the accomplishments of 20 middle and high school girls at the closing ceremony and robotics showcase of ITWomen Summer Robotics Camp for girls at Northeast High School in Oakland Park, on Thursday, June 23, 2016.

The ITWomen Summer Robotics Camp is funded by Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) through the NextEra foundation and conducted in collaboration with the Broward Public School System, Northeast High School and James S. Rickards Middle School.

Working in teams, the girls designed, programmed and built table-top robots and coded digital displays. Presenting in front of their instructors, peers, ITWomen, FPL, the press, and proud family members, the girls showed how precisely their robots navigated a maze mapped out on the floor. During the overhead displays of their visual works, the girls explained what they had to do to code their names displayed against colorful backdrops.

(Left to right: Ana Thomas, administrative technician, FPL external affairs; Juliet Roulhac, FPL Regional Manager for External Affairs; and Christine Zambrano, ITWomen VP Technology.

ITWomen is very proud to have provided its third Summer Robotics Camp for girls with funding partner FPL and its parent group, NextEra.

Accepting ITWomen’s Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the NextEra Foundation was Juliet Roulhac, Regional Manager for External Affairs, who has not missed the camp graduation over its three years.

Addressing the group, Juliet  said, “At FPL, we are working together with the communities we serve to make Florida an even better place to work and raise a family. One way we do that is by supporting STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math – education programs like ITWomen’s Robotics Camp for Girls.”

“It’s not just about the robots, although they’re impressive,” Juliet told the girls. “Through the robotics program, you have learned engineering skills, programming, teamwork, communication and other vital work skills. . . We hope you consider us when you get out into the work force.”

Juliet and ITWomen VP Christine Zambrano presented each girl with a Certificate of Completion signed by ITWomen President Claire Marrero and Lucy Tamez, founder of Bright and Smart Robotics, camp activities leader, along  with a goodie bag from FPL.

The ITWomen Summer Robotics Camp for girls, sponsored by Florida Power & Light Company, was a hit with the girls. Lucy Tamez, president of Bright and Smart LLC (at right) led the activities. Students pictured from l to r, front row): Desmine Washington, Myah Parnther, (2nd row) Brenda Mariano and Lesley Valerio.

ITWomen also presented Certificates of Appreciation to Lucy Tamez and to the ITWomen Camp Coordinators and interns, Noel Picinich and Jordan Paulus.