SciGirls Role Models: Emmaly Manchanthasouk, Web Developer

There are many stereotypes that IT experts are introverted and shy, but Emmaly Manchanthasouk puts all those notions to rest. She is energetic, passionate and a self-taught coder. Currently a Web Developer and Project Manager at Land O’ Lakes in Minnesota, she wants everyone to know that there is space in the technology world for everyone, no matter their background or personality.

Emmaly entered this field because she is passionate about people and building ideas with others, but also because she thinks computer science is a growing field that is constantly developing new products and platforms. As the daughter of refugees from Laos, she spends her free time supporting and encouraging students of color to pursue IT and computer science. She also has her very own blog, which pairs well with her tech-related job. Her energetic spirit benefits her business efforts, and makes her a wonderful mentor to local computer science students. One of the reasons Emmaly is a SciGirl is because she is not afraid to highlight how girls can find a perfect fit in a STEM career. Not everyone acts or looks the same in computer science, and that’s why Emmaly encourages students to pursue technology fields no matter what.

Want to keep the inspiration flowing? Check out additional profiles of Minnesota women in STEM careers.

SciGirls is TPT’s National Science Foundation-funded program that engages girls (and boys!), families and educators nationwide around science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM. By combining an Emmy Award-winning PBS series, multiple websites, hands-on activities and professional development workshops, SciGirls reaches millions on-the-air, online and in communities, inspiring the next generation of STEM superstars.