Empowering Girls in Cambodia: Natalja Rodionova and the Sisters of Code

Hello, I'm Natalja Rodionova, and I'm honored to share my journey with you. I'm the director of STEP IT Academy in Cambodia and the founder of Sisters of Code, a non-profit program that's making waves as the first female coding club in Cambodia.

Cambodia

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Cambodia 〰️

My Starting Point

I hail from Latvia, specifically Riga. I began my educational journey there, earning a bachelor's degree in English and International Relations. Later, I pursued a master's degree in Social Sciences. My academic background wasn't in technology, but my career took an unexpected turn toward the IT sector. I primarily worked in marketing management before destiny led me to Cambodia, where I've been for seven years, dedicated to nurturing IT skills education.

My Greatest Pride

When I reflect on what makes me proud, it's a complex question. I'd say my greatest pride lies in living a life I genuinely enjoy. I have a wonderful family, amazing friends, and the privilege of doing what I love. I'm also deeply fulfilled by my contributions to the community, helping others. It's the combination of these factors that fills me with pride.

Inspirations Beyond Gender

I've always believed in treating people as individuals, not based on their gender. While I don't categorize my inspirations by gender, if I had to choose someone who has truly inspired me, it would be Michelle Obama. Her honesty, sincerity, and unwavering supportiveness resonate with me. Michelle's strong personality and effective communication have left an indelible mark on me.

Advice for Aspiring Girls

To young girls embarking on their careers, I offer this advice: "Be open to challenges." Life is unpredictable, but it's vibrant and full of opportunities. Embrace those opportunities with courage, believe in yourself, and, most importantly, derive joy from what you do. Don't wait for others to tell you what to do; discover your passions and follow them.

My Childhood Dreams

As a child, I always dreamed of exploring the world. I hail from a small country, and I yearned to see more. The world seemed so vast, and I wanted to travel, meet people from diverse cultures, and immerse myself in different ways of life. That's exactly where I find myself now.

No Regrets, Only Lessons

Regret isn't something I carry with me. Even when I've made mistakes, I've viewed them as valuable lessons. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and ultimately, it all works out for the best.

Motivation Behind Career Choices

In the beginning, my career choices were motivated by a sense of exploration. Starting as a student, I had little idea of what to expect from the working world. Over time, as I delved into different positions and industries, I learned more about myself. I discovered my passion for the dynamic field of technology, which aligns perfectly with my character. The key was identifying what truly brought me joy and seeking the best fit for it.

Gender Neutrality in My Career Path

Gender has never influenced my career choices. I value people based on their passion, personality, and willingness to support others. My focus has always been on the content of an individual's character rather than their gender.

My Desires for the Future

Looking ahead, I see myself in Southeast Asia for the next five years. I deeply appreciate the region's culture, development, and dynamism. I'm currently taking on the role of Executive Head of Operations in Vietnam, which presents a new challenge and opportunity for growth.

The Birth of Sisters of Code

Sisters of Code holds a special place in my heart. I moved to Cambodia in 2015 to work at the institute, and in 2019, I initiated this non-profit program for girls. It was born out of a pressing need to address the underrepresentation of women in tech and the lack of female students in technology-related fields.

Empowering Girls Through Sisters of Code

Sisters of Code is a non-profit program that offers free after-school education to approximately 180 students annually. However, we believe there's much more work to be done. Our vision for Sisters of Code in Cambodia involves expanding our reach, not just in the capital city but throughout the entire country. We aim to collaborate with NGOs and partner with Cambodia's Ministry of Education. Our mission includes providing specialized teacher training, enabling educators to create educational games using Scratch, and increasing localized content. This addresses the language barriers prevalent in technology, where many solutions are English-based.

Success Stories and Impact

One of the most rewarding aspects of Sisters of Code is witnessing the success stories. I'm particularly proud of three Sisters of Code students who secured scholarships to study abroad in Japan, Korea, and Edinburgh, Scotland. These scholarships marked significant milestones in their lives. Our students typically range from 14 to 17 years old, but we've had a remarkable nine-year-old girl who joined the program and excelled. Her enthusiasm and dedication, with the support of her programmer father, is a heartwarming story that stands out.

The Growing IT Sector in Cambodia

While our primary goal with Sisters of Code isn't solely to prepare girls for technology careers, we recognize the importance of digital skills in today's world. Cambodia's IT sector is on the rise, and digital skills are a valuable asset for building successful careers.

In closing, my journey from Latvia to Cambodia has been an incredible adventure. Through Sisters of Code, I'm dedicated to empowering girls, bridging the gender gap in technology, and making a positive impact on Cambodia's digital future. Together, we're ensuring that girls have the confidence and skills to shape their own destinies in the ever-evolving world of technology.