July 22, 2021

We concluded our Girls Who Code mentorship workshop series with a conversation on career opportunities in our Nation’s Capital in STEM fields, specifically on Capitol Hill, federal agencies, and the private sector. Our panel featured a mix of current staffers working on technology issues in the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as representatives from Oracle and IBM who previously served in government:

• Brystol English, Policy Advisor, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
• Cate Johnson, Senior Professional Staff Member, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
• Adrian Boafo, Director of Government Affairs, Oracle Corporation
• Anjelica Dortch, Technology Policy Executive, IBM

In smaller breakout rooms, Brystol and Cate gave a brief overview of the legislative process in Congress and the House Science Committee’s role in crafting laws and science policy for the nation—including topics like science research and development funding, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and autonomous vehicles—as well as the work of Congressional staff to support Members of Congress and Committee leaders in their missions. Adrian and Anjelica outlined their own backgrounds in government and shared more about what it’s like to work in public policy and government affairs. Students also learned about internship programs available in Washington, DC, including Capitol Hill internships and opportunities to get involved in the district offices for their Representatives and Senators.