My career in tech started when I began an app development course for young people, created by AppsforGood. This was my first experience with coding. Before that, I just had a perception that it was ‘nerdy’ or ‘for boys’. During Apps for Good we learned how to build prototypes of our ideas. I found it so fun and loved how it combined problem-solving and logic with creativity. After that, I would go home and create apps in my own time. I loved that I could create something really easily and could someday use it on my phone. The course helped me realise my passion for technology and inspired me to take computer science A Level. At the end of the course I, along with a team of three other girls, entered our app idea and were fortunate enough to win our category. So, six months later, we released ‘I’m Okay’ into the Google Play Store before then going on to be a winner at the TechforGood Awards (2015). I’m Okay is a support app for teenagers questioning their sexuality and gender. Teenagers can use the free app to read stories from people who have had similar experiences, understand definitions of LGTBQ terminology and access resources. The main aim of the app is to help young people see that they’re not alone – and get the answers and information that they need. The app was a finalist for the BBC Radio 1 Teen Hero Awards and since launching the app, the team and I have been featured in Wired Magazine, Virgin Unite blog and have given radio interviews to BBC Radio 1. With our most recent achievement, having been included by the Guardian Newspaper, in their list of the top 25 most powerful teenagers in the world.
