Judges have named Sloane Chinapoo as the most influential woman in the field of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) in Bermuda following a contest organised by the Department of ICT Policy and Innovation.

The Department recently ran three events to mark International Girls in ICT Day, one of which invited nominations for “Bermuda’s Inspiring Woman in ICT” and two others aimed at local students.

“The judges selected Sloane Chinapoo who, both in her personal and professional capacity, consistently works to mentor young girls and boost ICT in Bermuda,” said a statement. “Not only is she a staunch ICT advocate, she is also a mother, an entrepreneur, an artist, and an author.

“She has taught coding to dozens of students interested in computer programming, all ranging from 5 to 16 years of age. In terms of background, Sloane worked locally as a computer technician, graphic designer and coding instructor before settling into her current post.

“Ms Chinapoo is also Bermuda’s first certified Start-up Weekend Facilitator. She promotes e-entrepreneurship island-wide and sits on the board of the Technology Leadership Forum. The lead Cybertips speaker, Sloane promotes Digital Citizenship in Bermuda’s, public and private, and speaks to hundreds of them island-wide every school year.

“Sloane also visits parent groups, church groups and conferences, and as one the many persons who nominated her said. ‘is a game changer in our community for educating the youth about internet use.’ ”

On receiving her award, Ms Chinapoo said: “It’s exciting when you can see that something you are so passionate about makes a positive impact on the lives of others.

“Working in ICT requires creativity and forward thinking but also a certain level of caution. As a woman in the ICT industry, I feel is it my duty to help others visualise not only what ICT can do for them but what they can do for and with ICT.

“As technology continues to evolve assisting Bermuda’s vulnerable persons by providing them with the tools and advice to navigate through it, we are preparing them for a brighter more productive future.”

She added: “I am both humbled and elated by the nomination for this award and hope that in the years to come The Inspiring Woman in ICT award will push other local women in ICT to give back to the community and encourage them to continue to break down barriers in this predominantly male sector.”

Also held was a poster-colouring competition when staff hand-delivered posters to the public and private primary schools across the island and every boy and girl was encouraged to participate.

The image on the poster, created by caricaturist Cristina Capelo, featured six local women ICT leaders — Brittany Easton,

Coral Wells, Katyna Rabain, Lisa Stevens, Caroline Ranceand Maria Stones.

The poster prize winners were:

Upper Primary — 1 Mia Baccaglio, MSA; 2 Eshe Holdipp-Lynch, Elliot; 3 Hazel Dragon, Somersfield Academy. Honourable Mention — Alexander Bento-Beek, Harrington Sound.

Lower Primary — 1 Mary-Rose Mathias, Northlands; 2 Malaysia Furbert, Northlands; 3 Alexia Medeiros, MSA. Honourable Mention — Ray Foster, Port Royal.

All secondary-school students were also encouraged to produce a 90-second video clip, which centred on girls and ICT.

The video winners were:

1 ICT Empowers Women — Katarina Rance, Salayah Stange, Kristy Sanchez, Lara Backeberg, Gabriela Quinn-Sirera, Sydney Daponte, and Za’Nyah Khan.

2 Girls in ICT — Andrew Manuel, John Norsworthy, Liam Walker, and Cameron Lucas.

Nandi Outerbridge, Minister of Social Development and Sports, who presented the awards, said: “The main goal of International Girls in ICT Day is to remind us of the vast possibilities offered by ICT studies and careers. Computers are needed and used in virtually every sector of the economy.

“In Bermuda, we certainly have a wide variety of examples around us. From the leaders who are featured on the beautifully decorated posters I see around me to the leaders who were nominated to receive this year’s Inspiring Woman in ICT award, our island is moving in the right direction.

“Regarding the competitions, I was very pleased not only with the number of submissions, but most importantly with the quality of the work that I have seen. Bermuda’s students certainly have what it takes with regards to creativity and innovation using different media. Whether you look at the posters or the video clips, the students, parents, and schools have much to be proud of. Congratulations to all.”