uncovering myself and the world around me, one experience at a time โšก๏ธ


about

๐Ÿฆ‹ ุณู„ุงู… ุนู„ูŠูƒู…. (peace be upon you!) hi there! I'm Hawa, and I'm on a mission to make a meaningful impact in the world through the intersection of education, technology, and entrepreneurship. As a third-year Computer Science student, I'm fueled by a genuine passion for creating positive change. Inspired by my own journey as a first-generation Gambian student and the values instilled in me by my culture and religion, I'm committed to making a difference.

๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿพโ€๐Ÿ’ป my experiences have shaped my path and purpose. as the founder of Tutors of the Smiling Coast, a nonprofit tutoring service, i've provided educational opportunities to students of all backgrounds, in hopes of empowering the next generation. i'm also driven to explore the dynamic world of entrepreneurship & technology startups. i am the founder & president of cseed @ the university of washington, where we are on a mission to increase diversity within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. cseed is a technology entrepreneurship organization within the computer science & engineering department, connecting students to founders, venture capitalists, & the startup ecosystem through curated panels, discussions, & events.

๐ŸŒณ outside of my academic pursuits, you'll often find me engaging in thought-provoking conversations with strangers, exploring the beauty of nature through walks, laughing (way too much lol!), resting, and hanging out with friends & family. i am on a continuous journey of finding a balance between achievement and self-care, and I encourage others to do the same.

๐ŸŒช transparency notice:

to my fellow students & friends, i want to address something that we often encounter when browsing profiles and experiences of othersโ€”it's easy to feel inadequate, as if we're falling behind or lacking in some way. we may even wonder why it seems like others have it all figured out. but I want to assure you that each of us is on our own distinct path, and there is no concept of being behind or ahead. we are exactly where we are meant to be. we all have our own unique journey, filled with challenges, sacrifices, and unexpected turns. it's crucial to believe in yourself and stay committed to your goals. in the age of social media and polished profiles, it's tempting to believe that others have perfect lives.

I want to be fully transparent and let you know that I have faced my fair share of difficulties and setbacks. i've experienced significant personal challenges, health challenges, financial challenges, have experienced burnout sevaral times to the point where I had to take time away from school, and my academic performance has suffered as a result. these are the parts of our journeys that often go unspoken, but it's important to remember that we are not alone. I encourage you to prioritize self-care, and seek support when needed. let's create a community where we uplift one another and openly acknowledge the challenges we face. remember, you are capable, resilient, and deserving of success. embrace your journey, take care of yourself, and know that your time will come!!




experience

i have had the privilege of embarking on a unique and diverse path, traversing from customer service to software engineering, teaching, academic research, and even venturing into the realm of rocket science! this multifaceted journey has been an incredible source of experiential growth, shaping me into a well-rounded and adaptable professional. for more info on my specific roles, please see my resume or linkedin profile.

side note: i feel old these days- my back is always in pain and my knees keep cracking. modern day 21 year olds. this is why you will see the OG logos down below ๐Ÿ’พ

teaching

๐ŸŒธ Undergraduate Teaching Assistant - CSE 123 Spring 2023 Section AK Homepage
๐Ÿ Undergraduate Teaching Assistant - CSE 123 Autumn 2023 Section ? Homepage
university of washington, paul g. allen school for computer science & engineering

research

๐Ÿงฌ Undergraduate Research Assistant Spring 2023 - Molecular Information Systems Lab, PI: Professor Chris Thachuk ๐Ÿงฌ Undergraduate Research Assistant Winter 2023 - Molecular Information Systems Lab, PI: Professor Chris Thachuk
university of washington, paul g. allen school for computer science & engineering

contact

  n/a
  hdram3@cs.washington.edu
seattle, washington