“In a sea of male peers, my presence felt more like an anomaly than the norm, with classmates recognizing me simply because I stood out as one of the few women in the room. I wanted to be recognized for my skills, knowledge, and contributions—not just because of my gender.”
Published
10/10/2024
Tanvi first heard about Break Through Tech from the Women in CS group at UC Santa Barbara, where she’s an undergraduate studying Computer Science. Eager to gain hands-on experience, she was drawn to the program’s focus on foundational and experiential learning, which gave her the confidence to excel.
“My first college computer science course had 156 students, but only a small fraction were women,” says Tanvi. “In a sea of male peers, my presence felt more like an anomaly than the norm, with classmates recognizing me simply because I stood out as one of the few women in the room. I wanted to be recognized for my skills, knowledge, and contributions—not just because of my gender.” This sentiment reflects the larger issue of gender disparity in tech, and it’s what makes Break Through Tech’s focus on empowering women in the industry so important.
Break Through Tech’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment—by tackling everything from technical skills to professional growth—is what drew Tanvi in. “The prospect of working in a space where collaboration, learning, and questioning were the focus stood out to me,” she says.
“The program has shown me that diversity within the people of the industry finds its way into better tech products.”
Tanvi likens her experience in computer science to being a little blue dot on Google Maps, spinning in circles and unsure of which road to take. “At times, I’ve felt lost, but Break Through Tech’s AI Program has confirmed my belief that the field truly is a map of opportunities.” Now, instead of feeling aimless, Tanvi sees each path as an exciting opportunity to explore.
“By exploring different branches and applications of machine learning, Break Through Tech has shown me the versatility of ML and how it can be applied across various fields,” she says. “The program has equipped me with foundational skills and the confidence to tackle diverse challenges. I’ve also learned that diversity within the people of the industry finds its way into better tech products.”
Currently, Tanvi is working on a team project with Qualcomm, focused on revolutionizing industries through vision-language models. The project builds on her strong foundation in machine learning and scalable tech solutions. But Tanvi’s ambitions go beyond project-based solutions. “I’m driven by a big-picture mindset, always looking ahead to align technology with broader goals,” she says. “I am excited to continue growing in roles where I can lead, inspire, and drive impactful change within the tech community, particularly in areas like inclusive technology and tech education.”
Tanvi credits her mom as her biggest inspiration. “My mom inspires me every day—not just through her loving gestures, but through the way she has always supported my curiosity and drive. She’s shown me that dedication, care, and attention to detail make all the difference. She reminds me to work hard, do what I love, and be kind to those around me.”
When she’s not coding or mentoring other students, Tanvi has multiple interests to keep her busy. “I’m a huge foodie. I have a little Instagram food account where I share my favorite eats and reviews with friends and family. I also love to ski and snowboard, and I enjoy exploring new music and playing the piano.”
For students like Tanvi, the key to success in tech isn’t just about mastering technical skills; it’s about cultivating confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Asked for advice she would give other students considering Break Through Tech, Tanvi reflects on the words she reminds herself of every day: “Don’t let feelings of being unqualified hold you back. It’s easy to feel like you don’t belong, especially in a field that often feels intimidating, or when you’re surrounded by people who seem more experienced. It’s important to remember that everyone starts somewhere. Embrace the learning process, ask questions, and take every opportunity to challenge yourself. You belong here, and you are more capable than you think.”