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The Women of Wonder

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Topping them all, however, was the 2001 Technologist of the Year, Sherita T. Ceasar, Vice President of Subscriber Services, Scientific-Atlanta, Inc., who launched the company's new Digital Broadband Delivery System, the next generation of interactive television set-top boxes. With more than 200 successful commercial launches under her belt, she is helping create the broadband technology that enables families around the world to email, browse the Web, buy and sell products, and talk on the phone - all through their television sets.

And guess what? Sherita grew up in the projects -- in Chicago - a rough life. But look at what she's done: made it possible for those who don't have a computer to do many of the things you do on the computer through your TV. And, you know, most folks in the projects don't have computers. So, as we look at ways to bridge the Digital Divide, we need to also look to the cable industry where one of our own is leading the way.

Like many of the awardees, Sherita had great hurdles to climb. But, most would say hers were greater, ducking, as she pointed out, bullets, drugs and teen-age pregnancy along the way. She pressed forward, however, and went on to earn Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in mechanical engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, becoming one of the few Black female engineers in an industry that is 89 percent male.

So ladies, don't let your circumstances or environment stop you. Don't let anyone tell you what you, or your daughter, can or cannot do because of where you are in life at the moment because of where their limited vision might see you going. Things change and people change, and you can change your life and life options if you have the courage and determination to do so. Much will, however, depend on the level of skills and knowledge you acquire.

Acquiring appropriate skills is critical, particularly math and science. If you intend to be successful in the Next Generation economy, you will need them. And don't let the nay-sayers scare you. Many say, women are just not good at these subjects, but math and science are not that difficult! Not only can we handle them, we can excel. They are not just "boy" things, and we don't need to be ashamed of liking or being good at them.

Witness the over 140 women who won awards at the conference. Somewhere along the way, the nay-sayers said they wouldn't make it. Look at them now. Look where knowledge, skill and determination have taken them. And, they are not finished yet. These are truly women of wonder.

The 2001 Women of Color in Technology awardees: What great role models for our children, what great role models for the world.

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