Best Ever Video Shoot for Scholarship Winners

Shout out and a great big THANK YOU to Madisen Farley and the entire team of Citrix volunteers for the best ever video event for ITWomen scholarship recipients.

For the past three years, Madisen, an ITWomen member and Citrite, has led a video production in which new ITWomen scholars are invited to share their dreams, challenges and accomplishments in video interviews.  The videos are invaluable assets for the scholars’ portfolios while providing inspiration for young girls to consider technology careers.

See More Photos on ITWomen Facebook Page

This year’s video shoot wrapped August 5. The videos are in editing for release in the fall. This year the scholars will also be provided professional profile photos for their bios and profiles. 

During the event, scholars get a chance to know each other and to speak with technology professionals before they head off to college. Citrix videographers, film editors, makeup artists and photographers have generously volunteered their skills for the events. 

ITWomen Executive Director Patricia Mundarain (far left) by 2017 Scholar Maria Zapata (Aerospace Engineering UF) and her family. 

For the past two years Citrix Systems has hosted the video production at its Fort Lauderdale headquarters. The production day starts early, with attendees enjoying the tradition of a homemade breakfast buffet provided by Madisen and volunteers, followed by a day of mentorship and support.

Madisen, ITWomen Executive Director Patricia Mundarain,  and Jo Moskowitz, Director, Corporate Citizenship, welcomed attendees with introductions and orientation. 

Melissa Martin, SPHR, Director of Global Employee Relations and EEO Compliance, gave an inspirational presentation on finding direction and maximizing opportunities while still in college.

Citrix tech professionals and ITWomen members  fielded questions on job interviews, resumes, journaling, and work-life balance in a round robin circle.  

Jo Moskowitz organized an icebreaker for students, family, ITWomen members and Citrix volunteers to get to know one another.

In the interim, each girl had an opportunity for a professional makeup session with Citrix volunteer Nina Anderson before sitting for their interviews. 

“Our scholars loved the presentation from Melissa and couldn’t stop talking about all they had learned during our guided conversation,” Madisen says. “It is so important that we capture these girls’ amazing success stories,” 

Makeup sessions included

Madisen has served as a Service Experience & Programs Team, IT Support, for Citrix while pursuing an Interactive Arts and Business degree at Columbia College, Chicago. 

Shout out to these Citrix volunteers: 

• Praveen Pasupuleti, Mark Burch, and Richard Hiralal for documenting the day.
• Scott Gilman for leading the scholars and their families and friends on a tour of Citrix.  
• Rachel Shiekman, Amanda Mar, Shannon Harrod (Chapman) and Rosemarie Michel for mentoring and engaging with ITWomen scholars in the round-robin.  
• Merlene Vanarsdale and  Amber Gapinski for food preparation. 

Madisen Farley On Break (photo by Praveen Pasupuleti)

ITWomen welcomes attendees at the third annual Video Production for ITWomen Scholarship recipients Aug 5, 2017.  

How to Support Technology Scholarships for Girls

Since its founding in 2002, ITWomen has raised more than a half million dollars with community support to help deserving girls pursue technology and engineering degrees. Applicants undergo a rigorous screening process to compete for the ITWomen four-year renewable scholarships.

ITWomen’s annual Celebrity CIO Poker Tournament Scholarship Gala  helps raise most of the scholarship funds. The 2017 gala on November 16 will make it possible for ITWomen to award scholarships the following June.