STEM ambassador
How an early introduction to coding brought a sense of purpose—and a desire to give back—to one U of M student

Omonigho Egi’s path to the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering can be traced back to her childhood in Woodbury—specifically, to the iPod Touch she received as a Christmas gift in the fifth grade. 

“It was my first device, and it started something in me,” she says. “I really liked technology starting at a young age. I liked being able to customize things, and create things … it felt very creative to me, in a tangible way.”  

The following year, Egi started learning to code through a STEM initiative at her middle school. When she entered high school, she took an introductory computer science class, followed by a variety of STEM classes. Majoring in computer science at the U of M was a natural next step. 

Now in her fourth year at the U, Egi is grateful for the experiences she’s had and the supportive, dynamic environment in the computer science department. “I think what I really love about the U is that it’s not too hard to find someone else who’s interested in the same things you are and connect with them,” says Egi. “There are a lot of opportunities here, and people are very accommodating.” 

Community activist  

Egi is deeply committed to community activism; if she witnesses injustice or inequities, she feels called to do what she can to make it right. In particular, she is passionate about supporting initiatives that introduce young people to STEM fields. 

“When I chose computer science I wasn’t 100% sure it was the right major for me because I didn’t know anyone around me who was a software engineer, or in the tech industry,” she says. “That’s another reason that I’m so passionate about diversity in STEM—because not every kid has the opportunity to be exposed to coding at a young age, like I did.” 

Her experience in activism influenced her decision to apply for the University of Minnesota Scholarship in honor of George Floyd, which she received for the 2022-23 academic year. 

“I actually co-led a protest in Woodbury after George Floyd was murdered,” she says. “[Receiving the scholarship] made me really proud that I’d done that work because diversity and inclusion is so important to me. It’s at the core of my being. It’s never going to go away. I’m never going to stop caring about it.” 

Paying it forward

After graduation, Egi will be moving to Los Angeles, where she’s accepted a job as a software strategy associate. She’s looking forward to getting settled in a new community and is committed to continuing the activism that has played such an important role in her life so far.  

“I have a lot of dreams and aspirations for the impact I hope to make,” she says. “Giving back is really important, through teaching, mentoring—those are things I really want to get involved in.” 

As she looks to the future, Egi said she feels grateful for the opportunities she’s had and the support she’s received. 

“I’m glad we have programs like this at the U,” she says about the University of Minnesota Scholarship in honor of George Floyd. “Scholarships like this make a big impact on the recipients—I can speak from personal experience. It’s doing a lot of good to recognize students for their background and their achievements and what they bring to the U of M community.”

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