Pictured above: Four of The Foundling’s first cohort of Women in Technology New York (WiTNY) interns.

 

Five women with the Women in Technology New York (WiTNY) program recently wrapped up their “Winternships” with The Foundling’s IT Services team. This unique 3-week mini-internship taught them how technology platforms and other tools support the work of child welfare and social services nonprofits.

 

The project they spearheaded during their time at The Foundling was called, “Augmented Intelligence through Machine Learning for Social Services Outcomes.” Their goal was not only to learn about The Foundling’s work, but to also gather and cleanup data, analyze outcomes, and solve problems using cutting-edge technology.

 

“I see that technology has great potential in nonprofits. With proper use of data, people’s lives can be improved and even changed,” Xuefei, a 21-year-old student from City College of New York, says of her learning experience.

 

In recent years, there has been an increased push across the technology sector to see more female representation and diversity in the field, something that programs like WiTNY and its partner organizations like The Foundling are actively supporting by giving young women these critical, foundational experiences to kick-start their careers.

 

“The Foundling has been helpful in advancing opportunities for women by opening positions for everyone. This of course includes women. The Foundling was constantly being nothing but confident in our abilities,” Sydney, who attends City Tech College in Brooklyn, says of her internship.

 

Maroosha, 19, who studies at City College of New York, reflected on the feeling of acceptance working side-by-side with men and women alike in The Foundling’s IT Services department. “Most importantly, throughout this experience, I felt believed and trusted in,” she says.

 

More companies and organizations can play an active role in opening doors and building diverse teams, too. One idea? “Companies and organizations can create programs that educate and train women who want to go into the field of technology,” suggests Jacqueline, an intern from New York City College of Technology.

 

And for more girls, teens, and young adults aspiring to start careers in the tech world, these trailblazers have some advice: be confident.

 

“Just go for it. It may seem less welcoming and more intimidating because it is a white, male-dominated field, but we are the ones who are going to change that dynamic,” Maroosha says. “We have to change the course for the future that has been set so firmly since the past. If the tech industry is for you, then don’t be afraid to take that leap. Stand your ground and believe in your capabilities to work in the tech industry as a woman. “

 

Related posts:

• The New York Foundling Awards $100K in Scholarships to Students Pursuing Careers in Social Work
• The Foundling’s Career Night Connects Youth in Foster Care With Internships, Professional Development
• Foundling Dorm Project Student Reflects on Summer Internship, Nonprofits in New York

Foundling Chief Program Officer Carmen Jirau-Rivera and ACS Commissioner David Hansell hold a wearable blanket that is safe for sleeping babies. These wearable blankets will be available to families for free at various ACS locations throughout the city. (Photo courtesy Administration of Children’s Services.)

 

Ahead of a bitter cold, snowy weekend, the New York City Administration for Children’s Services teamed up with The New York Foundling to inform parents about safe sleep practices for the city’s youngest residents.

 

ACS Commissioner David Hansell and Foundling Chief Program Officer Carmen Jirau-Rivera were joined by officials from the state Office of Children and Family Services and NYC Department of Health at The Foundling’s Crisis Nursery on January 18 to provide safe sleep tips and information on resources available around the city. ACS’ Safe Sleep Initiative educates caregivers on the dangers of unsafe sleep environments, responsible for sleep-related injury and deaths.

 

Every year, about 50 babies in New York City die from a sleep-related injury; almost one baby every week, ACS noted in a press release. To combat these tragic events, ACS is offering free wearable blankets for babies.

 

 

“Sleep-related deaths in infants are easily preventable by adhering to the safe sleep methods, as presented today by the NYC Administration for Children’s Services,” said Bill Baccaglini, President and CEO of The New York Foundling, said in a statement. “With a frigid weekend upon us, I urge parents and caregivers to pick up a wearable blanket that allows babies to sleep safely and warmly. And, of course, we welcome families in need of extra and support and services to visit and learn our Crisis Nursery, a 24/7 haven for parents and children.”

 

The rule of thumb for safe sleeping? Remember “ABC.” Infants should sleep Alone, on their Backs, in a safety-approved Crib. For more information on infant safe sleep best practices or resources in the community, visit: www.nyc.gov/safesleep or call 311 and ask for Safe Sleep.

 

 

 

 

If you are in need of a free wearable blanket for your baby, visit one of the following ACS locations:

 

Manhattan

• 492 1^st Avenue (this location is open after 4pm on weeknights and all day/night on weekends)

• 150 William Street, 4th Fl.
• 55 W. 125th Street, 12th Fl.

Bronx

• 2501 Grand Concourse, 4th Fl.
• 1200 Waters Place
• 974 Morris Park Avenue

Brooklyn

• 1274 Bedford Ave, 1st Fl.
• 185 Marcy Avenue, 2nd Fl.
• 404 Pine Street, 4th Fl.
• 2554 Linden Boulevard, 1st Fl.
• 345 Adams Street, 9th Fl.
• 19 Grant Square

Queens

• 165-15 Archer Avenue, 1st Fl.
• 90-25 161st Street, 3rd Fl.
• 92-31 Union Hall Street, 3rd Fl.

Staten Island

• 350 Saint Marks Place, 5th Fl.