Juggling her twin passions for tennis and computer science, Mariia Nikitash strives to improve her technical abilities and give back to her community.
Published
12/6/2024
As a Division I student-athlete at California State University, Fullerton, Mariia thrives on the challenge of combining rigorous athletics with her passion for computer science. This summer, Mariia took on an additional challenge when she joined Break Through Tech’s AI Program,
“I first heard about Break Through Tech through STEM Advantage, and as soon as I saw the application I knew I had to apply,” says Mariia. “As a woman and international student from Ukraine, I’ve faced unique challenges in pursuing a tech career, and Break Through Tech stood out as the ideal program to expand my understanding of machine learning and data science. The chance to learn cutting-edge skills in a supportive environment is exactly what I need to advance my career and make a meaningful impact.”
This Fall, Mariia joined Verizon as a Data Science Intern, working on a Break Through Tech Challenge Project! In her role, she is developing a real-time computer vision model to classify visually similar retail accessories and match them with compatible phones. She cites Break Through Tech’s community and educational programming as a crucial supporter in her pursuit of a career in data science and machine learning.
“My resilience isn’t just about enduring difficult moments; it’s about pushing forward with purpose and passion.”
Her passion for pursuing a career in tech is fueled by her resilience: “No matter how challenging the situation, I have an unshakeable determination to keep going and find solutions. This resilience has taught me to see setbacks as opportunities for growth, and it fuels my drive to make an impact in fields like AI and data science, where persistence is key. My resilience isn’t just about enduring difficult moments; it’s about pushing forward with purpose and passion.”
Mariia strives to dedicate her career to making an impact in her home country, Ukraine. “My goal is to use data-driven insights and AI technologies not only to contribute to Ukraine’s recovery and rebuilding but also to enhance its defense and security systems. This mission gives me a deep sense of purpose, and it fuels my commitment to succeed in the tech field, knowing that my work could have a tangible, positive impact on the future of my country.”
That purpose and passion also extends to the tennis courts, where Mariia is an accomplished champion, having won multiple tournaments in the Ukraine and internationally. She is currently a NCAA Division 1 student-athlete, competing on the Women’s Tennis Team at CSU, Fullerton. “Playing at this level has taught me discipline and teamwork, qualities that I carry into my tech journey as well,” says Mariia. “I love the thrill of winning and excel in high-pressure situations. Tennis has made me a strong and reliable team player both on and off the court.”
Beyond the classroom and the tennis court, Mariia is a proud member of Stem Advantage, where she contributes to initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. She is an enthusiastic team player and collaborator, constantly looking ahead at what impact she can make in cutting-edge trends and technologies in computer science.
Follow Mariia’s journey on LinkedIn.